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Posted by Ready for Summer on 4/12/2009, 4:57 pm
75.111.7.227
Hi,
I have been in the schools for about 7 years now and am considering a change of setting.
I have several questions. So, I will just write them in list form.
1)I would be interested in hearing from anyone who has worked in a pediatric clinic. How was/is your experience? What is your caseload like? How is the pay? What are the hours like? Benefits? Vacation?
2) The population that I enjoy the most is KG-5th or 6th grade-kids with mild impairments. Does this mean that I should not try to get a job in a clinic? I know that often kids with more severe impairments go to clinics. Especially when they have needs that go beyond what the school can offer. I have to be honest though and I don't mean to sound unempathetic. This population is not my strength. I have compassion for these kids and want them to reach their potential, but I feel exhausted at the end of the day. I usually feel like I'm running on empty when I work with needy kids. So I am not the right person to work with them.
3) My areas of interest include mild language disorders, artic, and fluency disorders. I have treated a couple of kids with cleft palates in the last couple of years so this is a new area of interest. I would need more training if I went that route. So with these interests, what would be the best setting for me?
4)In some ways, I would like to stay in the schools. On the other hand, I am reaching my burn-out point due to the caseload and workload. Even with kids with mild impairments. I also need to make more money to pay off my student loans, car loans, etc. I need to improve my financial situation. I constantly feel torn between buying new materials (the school does provide some money, but not a lot because of budget constraints) and paying off loans or saving money. It's usually a hard choice. Therapy is so much easier when both the kids and I are motivated by the activities.
Thank you in advance for any replies.
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