Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center
Downey, California
two reviews
Why did you choose this fieldwork?
For the challenge and interest in neuro-rehab.
Please indicate type of setting:
Outpatient
Please describe your living and commuting situation. (Was accomodation offered? Public transportation or parking offered? Please include price paid, location and conditions.)
I have family that lives nearby so I stayed there.
Describe types of conditions or diagnoses, as well as age ranges exposed to during this fieldwork.
In order of most common to least common: CVA, TBI, MS, SCI, RA, GB, DM, AVM. Mostly 45-75 y/o, but saw 19-85.
What types of assessments and interventions were used?
Assessments: COPM, Fugl Meyer, MMT, AROM/PROM, Vision screen, Sensory testing, occupational profile, activity card sort. Interventions: neuromuscular re-ed, stretching, stim, mobilizations, ADL/IADL activities, adaptive equipment, splinting, heat.
What are your thoughts on the site's environment for the employees and students? (Please consider: organization, collaboration, mentoring, learning opportunities)
Great! Work with PTs, collaborate with other OTs. Great mentorship and relationships. TONS and TONS of learning opportunities.
Please comment on personality traits and/or preparation that would facilitate success at this site.
You have to ready to hit the ground running! In advance, brush up on CVAs and TBIs. This site is go go go. Be prepared to be put on the spot and learn a ton!
While in the area, don't miss ...
2nd street long beach, huntington beach main street, santa monica 3rd street promenade.
How many stars would you give your experience, from one to five?
5
Review submitted September 21, 2011
Why did you choose this fieldwork?
I wanted to learn more about CVA and traumatic brain injuries.
Please indicate type of setting:
Inpatient, Rehabilitative
Please describe your living and commuting situation. (Was accomodation offered? Public transportation or parking offered? Please include price paid, location and conditions.)
I live in Lakewood, so it was not a problem from my house. Parking is offered for free.
Describe types of conditions or diagnoses, as well as age ranges exposed to during this fieldwork.
I was on the neurology/TBI floor. I learned about neuromuscular re-education w/ manual techniques and NMES or FES. I utilize more of the manual techniques more than the e-stim because I am not PAM certified.
What types of assessments and interventions were used?
I learned how to use the COPM. I was taught hemi-techniques of ADLs, manual facilitation to elicit a neuromuscular response from a dense hemi-UE, and strategies to address visual-perceptual w/ neuromuscular deficits.
What are your thoughts on the site's environment for the employees and students? (Please consider: organization, collaboration, mentoring, learning opportunities)
I was mentored for roughly half or less during my internship. I was lucky my CI trusted me with my treatment plans. I was taught how to collaborate and create treatment plans with PTs, SLPs, and others on the rehab team.
Please comment on personality traits and/or preparation that would facilitate success at this site.
I would have to say, "One should know there neuromuscular stages of recovery and how to promote them. Keep up on low vision techniques for hemianopsia. Be creative on the use of NDT, PNF, Rood's approach, error-free learning, constraint-induce therapy, and manual techniques.
While in the area, don't miss ...
you will not miss much because there is not much in Downey.
How many stars would you give your experience, from one to five?
5
Any lasting thoughts or advice?
Come knowing your kinesology, anatomy, neurology, and treatment approaches w/ adaptive equipment knowledge. Come ready to learn and be challenged in neuro.
Review submitted January 26, 2010 by Lang