Choose Wisely
Venturing into private practice is a significant decision that requires careful consideration. It's no; it's about aligning your career with your personal and professional goals. Before diving in, take the time to reflect on what you truly want from your career. What are your passions? What drives you to wake up every day and help others? Understanding what makes you tick will help guide your decision-making process and ensure that private practice is the right path for you.
Learn What Makes You Tick
Knowing yourself is the first step toward success in private practice. Are you motivated by helping a specific patient population? Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment, or do you prefer a slower, more methodical approach to care? Identifying your strengths, weaknesses, and passions will not only help you choose the right practice setting but will also ensure that you stay engaged and fulfilled in your work.
Meet the Whole Team and Decide If It's a Good Fit
The people around you will greatly influence your experience and enjoyment at work. If you’re joining an established clinic, spend time getting to know the team. Are their values aligned with yours? Do they support evidence-based practice (EBP)? Is there a positive, collaborative atmosphere? A supportive team can make all the difference in your professional journey, so make sure you choose a practice where you feel comfortable and valued.
Set Boundaries Around Consultation Times
One of the common challenges in private practice is managing your time effectively and getting on top of your documentation. Establish clear boundaries around your consultation times from the start. Do you prefer to spend longer with patients e.g 45 minutes to establish clear goals, determine a diagnosis and set clear rehab expectations. This will help with your enjoyment at work, work-life balance and ensure you are pouring from a full cup.
Consider Compassion/Empathy Burnout
While compassion is a vital part of physiotherapy, constantly giving of yourself can lead to empathy burnout. Private practice, with its demanding pace and often complex cases, can exacerbate this issue. Be mindful of your emotional well-being. Take regular breaks, seek support when needed, talk to your teammates, learn when to say no and ensure you’re not stretching yourself too thin. Self-care and having outlets outside of physio is crucial to sustaining a long and fulfilling career.
Ensure the Work Environment Fits with Your Values
The physical environment in which you work plays a critical role in your job satisfaction. Does the clinic's setup align with your values as a practitioner? Is it conducive to providing evidence-based care? For example, do you have access to pilates or gym based equipment? I would think wisely before working out of single consult room with no collaborative space for strengthening. This ensures you are practicing in a way consistent with your principles.
Consider Starting on a Salary
Consider beginning your journey with a salaried position. This approach allows you to build your caseload gradually without the added pressure of immediate financial success. It also provides the security of leave entitlements, including annual leave, sick leave, and professional development days, which are often overlooked but essential for long-term sustainability.
Leverage Skills and Knowledge Learned in Other Areas of Physio
Every experience in physiotherapy contributes to your growth as a practitioner. Don’t discount the skills and knowledge you’ve gained in other areas of the field. Whether it’s working in a hospital setting, sports rehabilitation, or community health, each experience brings valuable insights that can enhance your practice. Consider working part time in another area to continue to build your skills and confidence. These can be used to market and differentiate yourself in the private practice market. They can also bring a unique and valuable perspective to patient care & enhance your knowledge of community services and liaising with other community practitioners.
SO THE CHECKLIST :
Starting a private practice is an exciting and rewarding endeavor, but it requires careful planning and self-reflection. By choosing wisely;
understanding what drives you,
surrounding yourself with the right team,
setting clear boundaries,
being mindful of your emotional and financial well-being
You can create a practice that not only thrives but also brings you lasting satisfaction. Want to level up your skills before you jump in ? Come and complete an in-person course to level up your skills. More info here
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