Being a member of RCOT , I could read journals to keep up with the latest developments in the OT world .
Finally , I secured a rehabilitation assistant post , which allowed me to complete my registration hours while being paid . This also helped me build up that confidence of carrying my own small caseload and working alongside other health professionals , while continuing supervision with my OT supervisor .
There was a light at the end of the tunnel ! I had completed my HCPC requirements . I applied for readmission to the HCPC register and was accepted .
Returning to work
I was able to join the NHS Bank . I found my experience very helpful in exposing me to a variety of OT roles to update my skills as an occupational therapist on my return to practice journey . I have now been in my permanent role that is in my specialist area and interest for almost three years .
Looking back , I am glad I took the break , as it allowed me to do my other role of being a mum fully . I am also glad I returned to practice , as it was my chosen professional career that I had worked hard at university to achieve .
A question that had been put to me after a presentation was : What was the difference between registering after graduation and registering after return to practice ?
When I registered after graduation , it was just something we had to do , a formal requirement to practise . The main event was the graduation . Graduating from university , especially for me , who had faced a number of challenges that were hard to deal with at times , was a major achievement .
When I registered after my return to practice , that registration was more important to me this time . It gave me back my professional identity and my sense of achievement . It reminded me how hard I had worked to graduate as an OT and how much effort I had put in to return to practice and be registered . I could practise as an OT again .
I have now been involved in a return to practice webinar at RCOT , sharing my story and encouraging others who are thinking about returning to practice . I am quite passionate about it , as we can gain so much experience from those who have taken a break from the profession .
I believe OTs from ethnic minority backgrounds do require more targeted support and encouragement into the profession . I would like to be involved in encouraging return to practice and supporting returnees through their journey . I would like my story to show that they do not need to be fearful of the process .
It may seem like a really daunting and challenging process – and believe me , I was very anxious at the beginning due to my long career break . But honestly , it does come back to you . The more you submerge yourself back into practice , the more your confidence grows .
Words ROXANNE MITCHELL-NEMBHARD
Navigating and adapting to the experience of migrating twice in a lifetime
Since migrating to London in November 2022 , Elizabeth Glace has worked with The OT Practice as a paediatric specialist . ‘ I was born in St Lucia and migrated to New York City , where I studied occupational therapy at Downstate Health Sciences University – School of Health Professions ,’ she says . ‘ I became licensed and registered in 1996 , in the state of New York , where I practised
Elizabeth Glace for 26 years .’ Elizabeth ’ s experience in occupational therapy spans working as director of occupational therapy for one of Brooklyn ’ s nursing and rehabilitation centres , but after seven years , she decided that she needed to spend more time with her children and so she switched specialty to paediatrics with the New York City Department of Education , where she spent 18 years . ‘ I have a keen interest in matters concerning the diaspora and maintain close ties to family in St Lucia . Meeting relatives , a few of whom migrated to the UK from the 1950s , led to me visit London each year over the past five years and eventually deciding to seek registration with HCPC , to practise in London .
‘ I share the values and the richness of my cultural heritage with my children and tell them how being from the Caribbean continues to shape who I am today . I tell them how my Caribbean heritage has helped me navigate and adapt through the experience of being an immigrant twice in my lifetime and how it has equipped me with tools and determination to strive be the best that I can be while serving others .
‘ I am so proud to be an immigrant from this beautiful paradise of 238 square miles , which gave me the necessary foundation to overcome the obstacles faced by most immigrants . My education in St Lucia and family values from being born and raised there has shaped who I am today . This is my story which I proudly continue to share with others .’
Elizabeth is currently a member of the New York State Black Occupational Therapy Caucus ( NYSBOTC ), among other professional bodies . NYSBOTC is a not-for-profit organization comprised of Black OTs , OT assistants , and students who live / work or attend an accredited OT educational programme in New York State .
It supports Black clinicians and students and is committed to providing financial and educational support to members . It promotes and maintains professional development via scholarship awards and mentorship . It also serves as a vehicle that brings together Black OTs , OT assistants and students to identify , share and resolve issues that are of significance and concern to Black OT personnel .
Words ELIZABETH GLACE
October 2023 OTnews 27