cOnnecT with Jane Rodwell

I was first aware of occupational therapy when I worked as a nursing aid one summer in grade 11, back in the 70’s.  I felt drawn to the OT who spent her time with long stay geriatric patients, encouraging activity and improving quality of life. When I re-evaluated my life plan a few years later, occupational therapy was an obvious fit and since graduating in 1980 in the UK, I have had continued service apart from 3 month maternity leaves for my 2 children and  a 6 month break when I emigrated to Canada.

My mental health experience in the UK eventually brought me to an OT position that contributed to the run down of a large psychiatric institution. The role involved assessment of needs for patients who would be supported in the community and this eventually led to the development of a mental health community rehab team. When I came to Canada a position at Riverview hospital was an obvious fit, but after a year of commuting from Langley to Coquitlam, on Highway 1, I admitted defeat and decided to work closer to home.

One high spot of my career was being able to transition from working in the mental health field to practice in acute services and take on a role as the OT Practice Leader at Peace Arch hospital (PAH). 

Graduating from the MA leadership program at Royal Roads in 2010, as well as giving me confidence to take on my role, helped develop an interest in the area of Senior’s and Driving.  Thanks to the OTs at PAH for inspiring me, as it became the focus of my MA major project and was the basis for a Fraser Health SEED grant award. 

At the same time I became an active member of the CAOT-BC Driver Rehab SIG where OTs with advanced Driver Rehab skills and knowledge, and generalist OTs come together to engage in dialogue, provide support and have commitment to advancing our profession.

I am thankful that during the course of my career that I have been privileged to meet so many people from many different walks of life.  Perhaps they were patients/clients, peers, students or other professionals.  On the whole what I remember is laughing with people and I look forward to more fun in the future, along with some learning experiences too.

Remaining at Peace Arch hospital is probably my immediate future as “the commute” has been an ongoing theme for me, and right now I have a 5 minute walk to a place of work that is very special to me.

For work/life balance I’ve taken to dancing and (djembe) drumming. Thank goodness for our Vancouver west coast approach – for me it’s all about the experience not the skill level!!!