This post comes courtesy of Victoria Brown, MOT2 student, Class of 2024 (edited by the OSOT Fieldwork Team).

As per Merriam-Webster’s definition, to be vulnerable is to be “capable of being physically or emotionally wounded” (n.d.). The conventional view of vulnerability often equated showing emotion with revealing weakness.

However, there has been a significant shift. The once stigmatized concept of vulnerability has not only grown to be socially acceptable but has been welcomed and encouraged. Brené Brown, a research professor and storyteller, underscores that vulnerability is not weakness but a courageous act (2017).

As we consider the power dynamics of OT placements, integrating vulnerability into the student-preceptor relationship becomes pivotal. By admitting uncertainties, preceptors cultivate a climate of collaboration and mutual growth.

Here are some ways preceptors can embrace vulnerability to deepen connections and foster a strong, supportive learning environment:

1. Saying “I don’t know”:

Acknowledging not knowing everything demonstrates humility and fosters collaborative learning.

2. Sharing with them you’re having a bad day:

Expressing vulnerability humanizes the learning environment, promoting empathy and understanding.

3. Owning your mistakes: 

Reflecting on personal errors not only normalizes imperfection but also emphasizes the value of continuous learning and growth.

As students, we deeply appreciate the vulnerability preceptors share with us. It grants us the freedom to embrace our own uncertainties, fostering an environment where not knowing everything is not a weakness, but a shared part of being human. Through this, we learn not only practical OT skills, but also resilience, adaptability, and the value of vulnerability.

References

Brown, B. (2017). Daring greatly: How the courage to be vulnerable transforms the way we live, Love, parent, and lead. Penguin Random House Audio Publishing Group. 

Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Vulnerability definition & meaning. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vulnerability 

Resources/Further Reading

Styles, Gemma Ruth (2016) Developing Professional Identity In Occupational Therapy: A Phenomenological Study Of Newly Qualified Staff And Their Experiences In The Preceptorship Period. Doctoral thesis, Staffordshire University.

Preceptors Leading the Way, Part 2: https://journals.lww.com/jnsdonline/citation/2019/11000/preceptor_s_leading_the_way__part_ii.11.aspx

https://www.betterup.com/blog/vulnerability

TED Talk- Brené Brown: