Top 10 Questions to Ask Your Fieldwork Educator Before Day 1

Justine L. Rehak, MSOTR/L

Preparing for fieldwork does not have to be an anxiety-producing experience. By getting in touch with your fieldwork educator (FWE) and asking the right questions ahead of time, you’ll feel more at ease and prepared when you walk in the door on day 1. To begin, do some background research on the site through their website to learn more about the setting and the clients they serve. As soon as you receive contact information for your placement, reach out to your FWE to introduce yourself, offer your cell phone number and email, and ask for their preferred method of communication before sharing your list of questions. As a clinician with 7 years of experience, now supervising my fourth Level II student, here are my top questions to help you feel well prepared for your placement:

1. What conditions do you see most often in the clients you treat? This will guide your studying and evidence-based literature reviews so that you know what to expect.

2. What standardized assessments do you use most often? Your FWE may be able to provide you with a copy or you can look to see if the assessments or related information is available online or through your academic program

3. Can you send me a couple of examples of documentation at your site?

Do you have electronic, paper, or hybrid documentation? Do you use desktops, laptops, or mobile devices? Many companies have training for their new employees that includes “Jane Doe” examples of OT documentation that your FWE should be able to send to you via email. If not, they may be open to blacking out protected health information and sending you an example of their own documentation. 

Do you have a list of approved abbreviations? Most facilities have key language that therapists use that is part of the culture. You will pick up the language when you are on site, but approved abbreviations are dictated by third-party payers.

4. How many clients do you typically treat in a day? This will give you an idea of what the productivity goal will be, which is especially important for Level II placements.

5. What is the dress code? Some facilities require scrubs, some prohibit scrubs, some have a preferred color scheme (e.g., blue top/khaki bottoms), and some are business casual. Some require that you cover visible tattoos. Some may require or recommend lab coats. Ask a few specific questions, and give yourself time to shop and do laundry! If there is a specific uniform required, ask if the facility uses a certain supplier for a discounted price.

6. At what time would you like me to start? Be punctual. Ask if you can arrive even earlier to review charts—this may not be appropriate on day 1, but it shows initiative. At the very least, arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled start time prescribed by your FWE. Drive the route beforehand if possible and anticipate traffic, so there are no surprises on day one.

7. Do you have any opportunity to use splinting techniques at your site? Cater these types of questions to the setting—this demonstrates your desire to use higher-level clinical skills and to be well-read in a variety of interventions. Obviously, a splint would not apply to a mental health setting, but in that situation you can impress your FWE by asking about mindfulness techniques or animal-assisted therapy modalities with this population.

8. Do you use physical agent modalities (PAMs) at your site, and if so, what do you use? You should prepare by looking at the evidence-based indications and contraindications for each. It is also recommended that you check your state licensure requirements for PAMs certification, since you may be able to take advantage of an opportunity to be certified during your Level II placement.

9. Is there anything in particular you’d recommend that I study in order to prepare? This question is broad enough to cover anything that you may have forgotten, and it demonstrates to your FWE that you are invested in your placement before arriving on day 1.

10. Do you prefer coffee or tea (bagels or donuts, dark or milk chocolate)? While not essential, it is never a bad idea to show up on day 1 with a small token of appreciation for your FWE.

More fieldwork tips and perspectives.

Justine Rehak graduated from Rush University Medical Center in Chicago in 2009. She has worked in adult rehab, long-term care settings and home health for seven years and is currently the Director of Rehab with Genesis Rehab Services at Brighton Gardens of Wheaton, IL.