As an expert professional, OTs make a commitment to practice in an ethical manner and holding themselves to high personal standards when enabling occupations with clients. Throughout my Master’s degree at Queen’s, I have been well prepared through our academic courses on how to act as a proper professional. In class, I’ve learned about how to practice in a morally and ethically responsible manner, which I have translated to my fieldwork placements and will make a priority to continue to follow in my future practice.

 

An example during my clinical experience when I recognized and appropriately responded to ethical issues encountered in practice occurred during my second fieldwork placement when a client emailed me offering to meet up to discuss my future career. I recognized that the client was stepping outside of our client-therapist relationship, therefore responded in a kind and professional manner. I set explicit boundaries with my client, all while keeping my preceptor aware and gaining feedback from her point of view. This was a valuable learning experience and one of many examples that solidifies that I interact and work in a professional manner.

 

Additionally, as an expert professional, I have and will continue to maintain my personal competence and demonstrate a commitment to the practice of occupational therapy. I will continue to consistently demonstrate respect for diversity and respect towards my clients and coworkers.

There are areas within this competency that I would like to expand and gain more experience, such as participating in professional organizations to further contribute to the occupational therapy profession. I hope that with further experience and practice, opportunities will present themselves, and if not, I will make an effort to find ways to participate in different professional organizations to maintain both my personal competence and to demonstrate a commitment to the profession.