Clinical and Cultural Orientation Programme

Moving into professional practice within a new healthcare system presents unique clinical, professional, and cultural challenges. As an internationally trained occupational therapist, the COTS founder has transitioned between healthcare systems and professional cultures in four different countries, and therefore understands the opportunities and challenges faced by internationally educated occupational therapists. This lived experience informs our Clinical and Cultural Orientation Programme, enabling us to provide practical guidance, mentorship, and support that facilitates successful integration into the Irish healthcare workforce.

The programme supports clinicians to integrate confidently into Irish healthcare services while developing an understanding of professional expectations, healthcare culture, governance, and family-centred practice. It supports clinicians to integrate confidently into the Irish healthcare system through education, mentoring, and supervised learning.

Programme components

• Orientation to the Irish health and social care system
• CORU professional standards and ethical practice
• Clinical governance and documentation
• Family-centred paediatric occupational therapy
• Cultural competence
• Professional communication
• Workplace expectations
• Reflective practice
• Clinical mentorship
• Practice readiness
• Confidence building