Burned Out
Dear Ruth,I have worked as a speech/language pathologist for 10 years now, in a variety of settings. The majority of my work has been with the geriatric population in nursing homes, hospital, clinics and home health. I am burned out and convinced that I need to do something different.
I would love to work with children, but have had limited experience, mostly with some easy speech, language and fluency cases. When I have called schools and clinics, I am offered work even though they know of my limitations. I have even been offered work with children for which I have no experience at all, and no colleagues to talk to since they all work in geriatrics. Should I go back to school, or shadow a fellow SLP? What do you suggest? I want to go back to work and be passionate about what I am doing again!
C.P.
Dear C.P.,
Please do not devalue your expertise and how it might apply to children. While you may lack some specific techniques or knowledge of some kinds of problems, your basic orientation is special indeed.
As a speech/language pathologist you have a particular background, are observant and analytical, and know how to chart a course of growth from here to there. You are experienced in the study of communication deficits and treatment, and know how to apply what you have learned to specific individuals. You know how to administer formal and informal assessments. You have reported, explained, and counseled families in difficult circumstances. You have extensive specialized skill.
Certainly you could return to school, and do student teaching for supervised experience. Alternately, you might look for a school position with a supportive speech/language pathologist as administrator, or a speech staff that included some likely mentors; jump in, and ask for help as needed. And naturally, you will select your continuing education experiences based upon the needs of the children you serve.
Above all, keep your passion alive. It is people like you who make our profession great!
Best Wishes,
Ruth Alice Jurey, M.S.
Speech/Language Pathologist
I wish
to encourage
belief
in the
human ability
to learn.
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