New Graduates: Perceptions of Their First Occupational Therapy Position

Abstract

The study investigated the perceptions of 74 occupational therapists 6 months after graduating from the University of Sydney. Australia, regarding their first occupational therapy position, using a self-administered posted questionnaire. The findings provide a profile of these graduates, the majority of whom were female, aged between 20 and 24 years and employed in the public health system in the Sydney metropolitan area. Over three-quarters were provided with an orientation programme at the workplace and were satisfied with their initial job, although they perceived it as stressful. Two-thirds received support and supervision from senior occupational therapists; however, one-third did not. The provision of support/supervision from a senior colleague was of critical importance to the successful transition from student to graduate. The primary recommendation is that all new graduates have access to support/supervision from skilled occupational therapists and other colleagues on a regular basis.