One of the attractions of having a career in occupational therapy (OT) is its work-life balance. And, that’s played in perfectly to this point in both the professional and personal life for Sara Ostrowski, MSOT ‘20.
Originally from Cinnaminson, New Jersey, Ostrowski graduated from Stockton University in Galloway, New Jersey, with a degree in health science. Upon graduation, she initially looked into being a nurse, but had a chance to shadow an OT and fell in love with the profession.
“I liked how OT combines teaching with the medical aspect. That’s what made me want to pursue it,” she said.
Ostrowski decided on Salus University for multiple reasons including being impressed with the OT faculty members she met during her interview, that the University is focused on health sciences and because she was able to commute from her home in New Jersey.
“I came out of the OT program very well-rounded. We received education on all aspects including pediatrics, adults, geriatrics and then the clinical placements helped me secure my first job,” said Ostrowski. “Salus has really good clinical sites and is well-established with placements.”
As one of the first classes affected by the pandemic, Ostrowski had completed field work in a hospital, but because of a hiring freeze in the Philadelphia area at the time, ended up securing her first job at a hospital in Dover, Delaware, where she commuted daily.
After moving to a position in Wilmington, Delaware, Ostrowski eventually moved back to New Jersey.
About nine months ago, she had a baby, and that’s where the flexibility in the OT profession played to her advantage. Initially a full-time OT, she now works at Capital Health Regional Medical Center in Trenton, New Jersey, on a per diem basis. That allows her to pick up shifts at the hospital around being a full-time mom.
“There are a lot of possibilities. I can work weekends and holidays and pick up shifts during the week when I can,” she said.
And, she’s not losing a step on her professional journey. At the hospital, doctors put in consults for any patient they think might need OT services. At Capital Health, Ostrowski works with a lot of trauma, orthopedic and cardiac patients.
“I love it! In the hospital especially, you get a good variety of patients. As a per diem employee, they can put me anywhere — in the neuro population one day and then the next day I can be in trauma. It’s always different,” she said.
Down the road, Ostrowski believes there may be opportunities to move into a management position, but she’s happy now in her per diem role.
When she’s not working, Ostrowski enjoys being a mom and wife as well as going to Phillies games. She wanted to be able to raise her son and work at the same time.
“That’s the good thing about the per diem aspect,” she said. “I’m happy doing what I’m doing."
