In the presentations I’ve been doing at state conferences, people who have used the application manual and followed this process have shared that it has helped immensely. Take the application manual, a pen, highlighter, and make sure you have some time (meaning you have time to think critically about what you are reading and aren’t rushed). The F.O.C.U.S. approach is the following:
Frame the context of the competency and indicators by reading the client outcome.
- For each competency, read the competency, the client outcome(s), and the indicators for the competency. What is the real meaning of the competency? Possibly make some notes to yourself at the top of the page near the competency. Maybe you need to check out some of the references identified for that competency if things aren’t quite clicking for you.
Objectify thoughts by identifying key words.
- Go through the competency and indicators and highlight with a marker or underline “key” words in the competency. For example, “Engages client and relevant others in identification and prioritization of strengths and limitations to plan occupational therapy interventions for feeding, eating, and swallowing” is not just about prioritizing strengths and limitations for treatment planning. Key words here are that the specialist also “engages client and relevant others.” The client outcomes for this competency also speak to the client’s active participation in the process. Having a better understanding helps you start to organize your thoughts regarding the professional development activities you’ve been involved with that you can use to demonstrate your ability to address the competency.
Clarify key words by using the application glossary and Occupational Theapy Practice Framework.
- What words are confusing or possibly “new” to you? There is a glossary in each application handbook. “Relevant evidence” and “relevant others” are terms that are used in all the certifications extensively. Applicants would be doing themselves a disservice if they did not take a moment to check and see what the authors meant by these and other terms!
Unmask personal biases and put them aside so they don’t inappropriately influence your interpretation.
- We all have our own experiences, values, and preferences that we bring to every situation. Being able to recognize those and separate them in order to form an objective review of the competencies and indicators is important. Do you have biases about what clients can and can’t do based on your personal – not professional – experience that colors your view? Do you think you can’t learn anything from a fieldwork student? What are your biases?
Summarize & synthesize your interpretation of the competency by validating it against the indicators and client outcomes, and the indicator by validating it against the competency and client outcomes.
- Taking the time to make sure you clearly understand the competencies and indicators – and how they apply to your practice! – is an important first step in preparing a successful application. Once you’ve done all of the above, try to make sense of things relative to your work with clients. Once you’ve FOCUSed, then it’s easier to look at the Professional Development Activities List and determine what activities you’ve engaged in to best meet the indicators.
I think most of us do well if we have a goal and then set aside time regularly to work toward that goal. I’ve found in my discussions with people that working with someone toward certification is helpful and setting aside time to regularly go into your online application and work on writing the reflections to complete the process is helpful as well. Is there someone in your department who’d be interested in working on the application process with you as you go along? Someone form your state association? Or maybe just someone online! Whoever it is, make a plan to F.O.C.U.S.!
Christine Urish, PhD, OTR/L, BCMH
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