The Beginning

Every new beginning comes with a whole new set of challenges and rewards.  

When a DPT graduate comes out of school, this new beginning is a great chance to get their feet wet and really dive into the world of physical therapy.  This journey can begin in a number of settings:

• Outpatient orthopaedic clinic
• Home Health
• SNF
• Travel positions
• Private practice
• Hospitals
• Etc.

Wherever your journey begins, it is safe to say that there are always advantages and disadvantages.  

One of the huge disadvantages that I see so many students face is in their first high-volume clinical setting.  In these places. PT’s have the opportunity to work like crazy and hone their skills, but unfortunately, it can sometimes drive you crazy.

It sometimes feels like you’re in the box.

PT Outside the Box

For some it happens sooner, and for others it happens later, but I think it happens to all clinicians.  The heavy schedules, ever-increasing paperwork, and limited vacation time can really take its toll.  Most therapists in the trenches will tell you that they are pushing 50-60 hours/week and have to frequently stay late to get all their paperwork done.  This is a perfect recipe for burning out quickly.

Clinician burnout is a real thing and can happen sooner than you think.  The average PT burns out somewhere around 5 years (sometimes much sooner).  In my case, it was around year 4 when I really felt the squeeze.  Feeling overburdened and itching for novelty, I began my first online PT business and started the journey to financial independence.

Many PT’s will tell you that they are sticking it out at their current job fora  few different reasons:

• They feel like there are no other reasonable options
• They feel like they have to stay with the company to keep their benefits and not “lose out.”
• They are still strapped with 10’s of thousands of student loan debt and have to have a corporate job for the fringe benefits.

Whether you’re feeling burned out or just looking for a change, this podcast is for you.  In the PT Outside the Box Podcast, we explore all the many, many options you have as a physical therapist to use your skills and really make a difference.

I’m anxious to hear your story and put content on the podcast that you’re interested in.  Please feel free to contact me here and let me know of any interesting and creative ways to use a PT license.

We’re all professionals, and we’re looking to practice in the way that fits our skills best.

Start your journey today and become an Outside the Box PT.