A Day in the Life of a Therapist

Our rehabilitation services team comprises three kinds of therapists: physical, occupational, and speech. Here is what a day is like for each type of therapist.

Occupational Therapy – Hailey Dreyer, OTD

I work primarily in the hospital setting. As occupational therapists, we promote independence by working on daily living activities, evaluating patient’s current abilities, assisting in discharge planning, and helping patients achieve their goals. Because each patient is unique, we set goals based on what our patients need to succeed in their home environment.

A typical day starts with helping patients foster independence with activities like bathing or dressing. Next, I meet with other disciplines to discuss treatment plans, discharge options for our patients, and meet with patients and their families to update them and answer questions. I work with patients in the afternoon to build strength, endurance, and coordination.

Nothing is more rewarding than watching a patient return home after experiencing a life-changing event like surgery or a fall. Our patients work hard, and every success motivates me, no matter how big or small!

While in my teens, my grandpa had a stroke, which affected him physically, mentally, and emotionally. As a man who had invested so much time in education, volunteering, and raising a family, I watched his life change drastically. I knew there had to be potential for him to engage in meaningful activities. Through rehab, I watched occupational therapists work with him to achieve his goals of getting dressed, using his computer, and playing golf again. I knew then I had to be a part of this profession!

I recently moved here, and I love the community. I look forward to catching up with my co-workers and meeting new people daily. Working in a rural area, I see patients in various settings, which challenges me and allows me to keep growing my skills.

Our rehab team works closely to achieve our common goal: do what is best for our patients. We communicate effectively and strive to help each other whenever we can. Our therapists specialize in different areas, so I’m confident there is always someone I can turn to for advice on patient care. People come to us in their most difficult times, and we need to meet them where they are, both physically and emotionally.

If you’d like to learn more about being an occupational therapist, consider job shadowing or meeting with me to ask questions.

Physical Therapy –  Cory Tumberg, DPT

I am a physical therapist at Perham Health and Perham Living. I spend my days helping patients reach their goals, whether that’s improving strength and conditioning, decreasing pain, or being able to return home. My typical day is spent in the Nelson Therapy Center, but I also help with patients in the hospital, residents at the nursing home, and clients in the therapy pool. I enjoy getting the chance to meet and help people of all ages work towards their goals, and I especially enjoy the wide variety that my job offers.

Growing up, I was very interested in sports and being physically active, so a career in which I can assist people in remaining physically active or returning to physical activity was right up my alley.

The rehab team at Perham Health is excellent! We have therapists of varying ages and experiences, so whether you need help with a complex case or need to hear a joke to cheer you up, someone on the team is always ready to help. I like working at Perham Health because everyone is so welcoming. I also enjoy working in a smaller community as I get to help my neighbors and people I’m likely to run into around town.

We’re a very welcoming team and would love to have you aboard!

Speech Therapy – Laura Nyhus, MS, CCC-SLP

I am a speech language pathologist. I work with people of all ages on communication, swallowing, and cognition. A typical day for me is busy. I work at several sites throughout Perham Health, including the hospital, clinics, nursing home, and home health care. I also do outreach at the Detroit Lakes Sanford clinic one afternoon a week. The pediatric therapy center is located on the Perham Living campus, so you will often see me going between locations throughout the day.

I love making connections with people. The relationships I form with patients and their families are special, and I feel honored to get to do that. What makes my job so unique is the range of ages I get to see. I love that. I grew up with both parents working in healthcare, so I gravitated in that direction. However, I started college in aviation and was flying airplanes. Once I realized that was not my calling, I job-shadowed several professions and landed in speech pathology.

I like working for Perham Health for many reasons. I get to work with people of various ages and diagnoses. Our therapists are good at what they do, and we collaborate well. We have a good time at work, and my manager is great and supportive of the speech therapy program.

If you’re considering a job or a career in rehab services, I encourage you to connect with someone here and ask questions. Let someone know what interests you and what you could bring to the team. Consider job shadowing. We love having people come in, ask questions, and learn more about what we do.

Physical Therapy – Sarah Gillespie, DPT

As a physical therapist, I work with adults and children to help with mobility and pain. I evaluate patients and develop a treatment plan specific to their needs. This plan can include exercises, hands-on therapy, or specific modalities. In the pediatric setting, I get to be creative and devise fun, play-based activities to help children achieve their goals.

My schedule varies daily, which keeps it exciting. Two days a week, I work with pediatric patients. The remainder of my days are spent working with adults in the Nelson Therapy Center and seeing patients in the hospital.

I enjoy the variety and challenges each day brings. Building relationships with my pediatric patients and their families is incredibly fulfilling. As a child, I would help my aunt, a respite care nurse, care for children with disabilities. I saw how her work made a positive difference in the lives of the children she cared for, and her passion inspired me.

I like working for Perham Health because we carry out our core values by putting patients first. I enjoy being part of a collaborative group of people who are always willing to help one another. I’ve also been able to create a flexible schedule that works well for my family.

Perham Health could be an excellent fit if you appreciate a supportive environment surrounded by people who genuinely care about each other and their patients.

Are you interested in joining our rehab team or exploring a rehab career?

Rehab Services is always looking for good people to join our caring team. If you are interested in learning more about a job with our team or are a student and want to explore a physical, occupational, or speech therapy career, call 218-347-1311.

About Perham Health 

Perham Health is a 25-bed Critical Access Hospital with three primary care clinics, a 96-bed nursing home, home health care agency, adult day services, memory care assisted living, and senior housing.  The medical staff consists of 24 physicians, a nurse midwife, 14 advance practice clinicians, and three chiropractors. Visit perhamhealth.org to learn more.