Jessie Basra

Relevant for all occupational therapist roles, worldwide. With UK 'Band 5' positions in mind. Top tips Organise and update your CPD file Review HCPC guidelines (or other bodies) for structure Research conditions in the area of OT you are applying for Take a copy of your CV/application form and CPD file Relate each question to occupational therapy Try and use clinical examples Research the Trust or organisation you will be working for; find out what the its values and goals are Research changes in the NHS - or if it is a private organisation, research the company Review the job specification/description and compare it to you; refer to this in the interview - what skills enable you to be a desired candidate? Keep a copy of you DBS documents, such as passport, driving licence and a bill from the last 3 months Dress formally to the interview. No harm in keeping it simple - shirt and formal trousers. If heels are worn, be aware they may want to give you a walk around tour. Possible questions 1. Tell me something about yourself? Discuss personal qualities and skills to have obtained in relation to occupational therapy. The answer will be a mix of qualities and traits which you display that are required to be a good occupational therapist. Example answer: I am a caring individual and I enjoy supporting others to fulfil their potential I have spent X amount of years in a hospital setting… Why? Because you have a caring mentality? What did the role involve and what did you like about it? Are you inspired by other professionals? Do you enjoy seeing others progress with rehab? I communicate well within an MDT and work well individually with my duties I am eager to build my skills and develop myself, so that I can treat my patients to the best of my abilities I am good at time management and prioritise my case load effectively Think about past experiences as an OT or student - was there a time where you were flexible and helped other teams? I am a great listener; I enjoy taking a holistic approach and create goals which are specific to my patients/clients I am hard working and motivated by positive patient feedback Qualities of an occupational therapist: Empathetic Highly motivated Great listener Good work ethic Dependable Flexible Honesty Confident Hard working Passionate Kind Supportive Team player Verbal and written communication Keep answers related to OT if possible. Use examples from placements. 2. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Review professional growth Discuss opportunities the role may open up Reflect on your own personal goals Goals connected with the position in relation to OT How will the position enable them to reach these goals? The interviewer may want to know if you will be staying in the location/in the same trust 3. How would you describe the role of OT within this setting to a student nurse? Passionate about occupational therapy during the conversation Discussing the OT role - what interventions can an OT complete? Seeing this as positive and discussing outcomes, e.g. how MDT members refer more appropriately, future practitioners understand the role and encourage patients to maintain independence with their ADLs 4. Describe a difficult situation that you have had with a patient and explain how you handled it Reflecting - maybe refer to a reflection in your CPD folder Keep it as simple as possible; the key details, but describe how you built a rapport Ensure your example demonstrates supporting patient to the best of your abilities and an outcome that worked well for the patient How did you help them achieve their goals? Use of active listening, to calm a situation down? Demonstrate clinical reasoning 5. How would you manage when you have lots of patients handed over, to be seen in the morning handover? Prioritise - ensure you see medically fit patients first Make a list? If this is something that helps you, check you have completed all tasks in relation to each patient. For example, on a busy day you may be between a few patients; a check list enables you to clarify what was completed. Ask for support from your senior if required - working as a team works both ways Use an example Discuss it as a learning curve but remain positive Remain calm and efficient with caseload 6. Condition-related questions / scenario questions If you have applied for a role, you should research relevant conditions If you have not come across the condition, break it down via the occupational therapy process, gather information, research the condition and discuss with a senior prior to an intervention 7. ...And do you have any questions for us? What opportunities for professional development are available? What is your supervision schedule like? What are the working hours? Does uniform have to be worn? Is there an in-service programme or peer support? 

Best of luck with your interview! Jessie, Student Engagement Lead

Definition: 'Mental capacity' means being able to make your own decisions (Mental Health Foundation, 2019). Mental Capacity Act (MCA) 2005: The principles The following principles apply for the purposes of this Act: A person must be assumed to have capacity, unless it is established that he/she lacks capacity A person is not to be treated as unable to make a decision unless all practicable steps to help him/her to do so have been taken without success - e.g. different methods of communication/language A person is not to be treated as unable to make a decision merely because he/she makes an unwise decision An act done or decision made under this Act, for or on behalf of a person who lacks capacity, must be done or made in his/her best interest Before the act is done or the decision is made, regard must be given as to whether the purpose for which it is needed can be as effectively achieved in a way that is least restrictive of the person's rights and freedom of action Capacity assessments: Who can undertake them? Any professional caring for or supporting a person who may lack capacity could be involved in assessing capacity (however check Trust guidelines) The MCA is designed to empower those in health and social care to do capacity assessments themselves, rather than rely on expert testing by psychiatrists or psychologists However, in cases involving complex or major decisions, you may need to get another professional opinion. This could be a general practitioner (GP) or a specialist, such as a consultant psychiatrist or psychologist (SCIE, 2019) Before completing a mental capacity assessment Gain an understanding of the 4 principles: Do they understand the decision? Are they able to communicate the decision (consider the assessment to be in their language or preferred method of communication)? Can they retain information in regards to the decision? Are they able to weigh up pros and cons of the decision made? Further considerations around mental capacity Remember: each assessment is decision specific. Capacity is decision specific, so ask questions surrounding this topic only; for example, in regards to discharge destination from hospital Know your patient; take a holistic approach Are you the best professional to discuss the 4 principles? Is another professional better suited to complete the capacity assessment? Could a joint capacity assessment be completed? Give the patient the best possible opportunity; e.g. involve a carer/family member/translator if required Write as much evidence as possible to support why a patient lacks capacity Medications management - e.g. due to limited finger dexterity, patient stated this has been a problem for them; 'power phrase' this back and state that you previously stated you were limited with your finger movements, so which activities does this limit you with? If individual lists activities, then ask how they would manage with those when not in hospital? Does the patient have insight into equipment being needed - are they aware they are on the ward? Ask how they will get to the bathroom at home, to see if they have insight to the fact that they need assistance. How will the patient transfer/mobilise to the toilet in between care calls? If the patient has 4 care calls, is the patient aware of how they would manage in-between those care calls? Consider how the patient would have drinks/snack/medication/pressure relief/ how they would call for help if needed? Can they use a phone or pendent alarm?