Two Week Notice

My last day at this facility is next Friday. I gave my two-weeks notice on Monday. I will be starting my new job with two of my ex-classmates from OT school on July 5th and I am super excited. If it came down to just my clients and the PTA I work with, I wouldn't even consider this opportunity. But as many of you know, there are several factors that make a therapist's job the way it is, and so let's just leave it at that. I know I am making the right choice and I am excited about this new opportunity.

All I can say is that I did not expect to bond with my clients in such a short time. I have already told those who remember who I am. For those that have severe dementia, resulting in poor short-term memory, I figured that there is no use introducing myself and building rapport (something I have to do at every visit) and then saying my goodbyes all in one session. I did not want to make them feel they were losing someone -for many of my clients, therapy sessions are the only visitations they have and they forward to it.

I have been putting off telling "Ernie". Ernie is very special to me and I am going to miss him the most out of anyone I work with. I guess the best decisions aren't always the easiest, but Ernie understands. He wheeled into the rehab gym today and asked, "You seeing me today?" We went for a walk outside and around the garden. He pointed out the different plants and he told me stories about how he used to harvest corn growing up. Then we went back to the gym to do some ther ex. Afterwards, we went to the dining room to get Ernie's beverage of choice (probably his only beverage of choice because he drinks it more than water) -diet coke, no ice. After our session, I walked Ernie back to his apartment, thinking to myself that today was the day to tell him of my leaving. I told Ernie what a great job he did today and he squeezed my hand. Before I could say anything else, Ernie said to me, "I always look forward to our time together". Oh crap. I thought I was going to cry. But I told Ernie then. Horrible timing, I know, but there will never be a perfect time with Ernie. I told him another opportunity came up that I had to take. He showed me the lip. I told him I would visit him. And he said I better. I am definitely planning on it.