A PsyR Intern Over the Last Two Semesters, Essay Example

Introduction

The goal of the agency is to promote independent living and reduce hospitalization, as well as to develop community living skills. They provide rehabilitation services, support, counseling, case management, and psychosocial services. “Wow! This place is nice and clean.” That was my first impression when arrived at Project Live. It did not look like a mental health facility, but rather as a nurturing place that seeks the good. Project Live has a slogan “Clean, safe, and well supervised.” My overall impression was excellent because of their resemblance of exactly what their slogan says. The staff members and service users were warm and welcoming when I got there. This is the kind of place one could go and receive quality service. In addition, the interaction between the service users and staff is extremely effective and interactive. Some members have been there between 15 to 18 years, so there is a strong and fruitful bond between them. Alicia, for instance, told me that she has been there for ten years. The relationship between her and the service users is awesome. Everywhere she enters they keep calling her because they are fond of her, which is something to be greatly valued. They live like a family. One of the psychiatric rehabilitation values she mentions is to treat each other and everyone with respect and dignity. After observing, I would refer someone to this agency. “This agency does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, color, gender, physical or mental handicap, religion, sexual orientation and ethnicity.” They are open to diversity and value the cultures of other people. They have individuals from all over the world including: Jamaica, Cameroon, Hispanics, Africans, Caucasians and many more. Before being admitted into the agency one must be at least 18 years old with axis 1 diagnosis.

Journal Review

Reviewing my journals showed me what a great experience I had with the agency. This was a unique opportunity for me as an intern to not only apply my knowledge to this population, but also expand my experience within the psychiatric rehabilitation field. I gained valuable insights into creating a safe and fun environment for residents. I cherish my time with these individuals because I learned from them as much as they learnt from me. One thing that really made me happy was the willingness of the residents to trust me enough to share their concerns with me. I feel honored I was given the opportunity to assist them. I am especially proud of myself because I completed my daily tasks with fidelity. My supervisor also noticed my rapport with the clients when he noticed Danny singing his favorite song to me, which his father taught him, while I was assisting him to prepare dinner. I’m grateful I was able to work with the residents and have developed authentic and meaningful relationships with them.

Learned About Myself

Again, what I learned about myself, as a developing professional it is important find mentors. They are more experienced individuals in the profession who can guide and teach professional development. I asked the staff members to mentor me. During this process I learned more about people in my field that made a major impact or contribution. The most important thing I learned was to make sure I put my knowledge to practice. For instance, in one of their groups, two clients showed great that they would return to their normal lives symptom-free. Helping residents become optimistic about their future is one of the primary goals of psychiatric rehabilitation. I was able counsel them to discover and nurture hope in order to recover. The goal of the residents should not merely be optimism, but also a sustainable belief in oneself, as well as the willingness to persevere through uncertainty and setbacks.

Something else I have learned about myself is that I must show respect for the residents and my co-workers and that a task can be made so much simpler when we help each other. I’m always willing to assist them, but always giving them the due respect that they deserve. One thing I also realized about myself is that I identified skills I would like to strengthen and then find opportunities to do that.  For instance, if I want to learn how to better comfort someone when they are hurting, I could read books or talk to a staff about different methods they use. Then, I can practice my skills as I interact with the service users.

My Growth

Moreover, the key areas of my growth were how to maintain a conversation with the service users while writing a progress note. Prior to this experience, I couldn’t hold a conversation for too long because I would have trouble determining what to say next.  However, with constant practice, I am able to hold a conversation for some time. Giving medications has been my second growth. I was giving the opportunity to be able to study how to give medication. Although I haven’t started the practice, sooner or later I will be doing that. My experience gave me the opportunity to get hands on experience in various areas of the facility.

Problems

The problems I encountered were the fact that I wasn’t giving any work to do on daily basis. I always volunteered myself to help. I had hoped that I would receive a schedule outlining my duties during the duration of my intern. Also, my supervisor wasn’t readily available to discuss issues or progress with me. Essentially, my field instructor took the role of supervisor. I voiced my concern about these issues, but the process did not change. I still have not had any direct contact with my supervisor. I hope next semester will be better.

Future Goals

Being able to master these tasks will have a long lasting effect on my life. These will be the most personal and longest lasting goals because I will never stop trying to improve myself. My personal change or my professional development goals for next semester is to stay away from stress, stay away from negativity, and also identify my values and stick to them. This particular semester I went through a lot of stress that I can say hindered my performance at my internship. I let the stress take control of me, but for next semester it will not happened again. I have made up my mind not to stress over things I have no control over. If I’m stressed out, there is no way I can help the people that I will be working with next semester.

Conclusion

In conclusion, I have changed tremendously. Before I used to think individuals with mental illness are violent and dangerous. Working as an intern at this agency has enlightened me that they are not society portrayal of them has depicted. They are very nice and kind to work with, and all they need is our support. Moreover, before the start of the intern I was hesitant to go, but now I even volunteer my time to when I am not scheduled to work.