This January, we feature Carmen Martinez Valenzuela, COTA, DOR, and Champion Level II Therapist from Windsor Health and Rehabilitation, as Reliant Rehabilitation’s Clinician Who Inspires. During the interview, Carmen’s passion for people was evident as she discussed tips, priorities, and meaning behind the work she does in her building each and every day.
Carmen shared several key learning experiences that have allowed her to successfully manage her time and responsibilities as a clinician and DOR (at times covering multiple sites). First, she emphasized the importance of being personable. Through intentional communication with her colleagues, members of the interdisciplinary team, residents, and their family members, Carmen has found that better relationships result in an improved ability to communicate needs and expectations. Secondly, Carmen highlighted the value of point of service documentation, viewing it not as a task, but as an opportunity to connect with her residents on barriers and progress within their therapy plan of care while simultaneously assisting with time management.
Though time management is essential to Carmen’s success, it was clear that her primary motivation is her deep passion to serve her residents. Through personal and professional experience, Carmen is driven to “be a voice for those who need a voice”, especially for those living with dementia. She recognizes her invaluable impact to assist residents and their caregivers in recognizing signs and symptoms of dementia, bridging communication gaps, making the necessary referrals, and helping them to understand what is happening and what to expect. Carmen has climbed to Champion Level II therapist on Reliant’s Clinical Ladder, soaking up opportunities to learn more about best-practice dementia care in the process, and sharing her knowledge with those around her along the way. She aspires to assist each resident in finding their purpose every day.
In speaking with Carmen, it was clear that she puts people first. Thank you, Carmen, for sharing your experiences, empathetic approach to care, and passion for what you do. You are truly an inspiration to us all!