From Observation to Understanding: My Growth in the Emergency Department
As my internship in the Guthrie Lourdes Emergency Department comes to a close, I have reflected on the experiences that have shaped my professional growth and strengthened my interest in counseling and social work. One of my biggest goals entering this internship was to strengthen my communication skills and learn how to build meaningful connections with patients. Through active listening, asking thoughtful questions, and observing patient interactions, I gained a deeper understanding of how effective communication builds trust and supports positive patient experiences. These experiences strengthened my confidence in working with individuals during difficult and vulnerable situations.
I also developed a deeper understanding of professionalism and ethical practice. Working in a healthcare environment reinforced the importance of confidentiality, maintaining boundaries, and treating every patient with dignity and respect. In addition, interacting with patients from diverse backgrounds helped improve my cultural competence and taught me the value of approaching each individual without assumptions.
Another area of growth was understanding the role of collaboration in patient care. Observing social workers coordinate with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals demonstrated how teamwork helps ensure patients receive the support and resources they need.
Through supervision and feedback, I also became more aware of my strengths and areas for continued growth. This self-reflection helped build my confidence and prepare me for future experiences in the helping profession.
The most rewarding part of my internship was seeing the positive impact social workers can have on patients during challenging times. Witnessing the compassion, advocacy, and support provided to patients reinforced my desire to help others through meaningful conversations and connections. Through these experiences, I discovered that counseling is the career path I am most passionate about pursuing and where I hope to make a meaningful difference in the future.
Overall, this internship helped me develop skills in communication, active listening, professionalism, cultural competence, collaboration, and self-reflection while strengthening my commitment to helping others.
Exploring community resources helped me understand how social workers support patients beyond the hospital by connecting them with services that promote long-term well-being.
– Peyton Germaine, Psychology 2029
This internship sounds very rewarding! I am sure you also had the opportunity to impact patients positively while learning about the fields of social work and counseling. Great job!
Hi Peyton! I really liked how you discussed learning to communicate with patients during difficult and vulnerable situations, while also recognizing the importance of confidentiality, respect, and cultural awareness. It’s also great that you were able to see firsthand how social workers collaborate with other healthcare professionals to support patients beyond their immediate medical needs. I’m glad this experience helped you discover that counseling is the career path you are most passionate about pursuing. Best of luck with everything moving forward!
It sounds like this internship really helped to set you up for success for when you begin your future career. The skills you learned are so important and I believe that they need to be learned through first-hand experience. I am so glad you had this opportunity!
I really enjoyed reading about your experience in the emergency department and how it helped you grow in your communication skills and confidence. It’s great that your internship helped confirm your interest in counseling and showed you how important social workers are in supporting patients during difficult situations.
I enjoyed reading about your internship experience. I feel social workers are an underappreciated branch of our healthcare system, and your exposure to the profession seems to have shown you the crucial role they play in a comprehensive approach to patient care. I also like that you improved your cultural competency. Even in today’s world, it is still common for people to draw assumptions about someone’s background before even meeting them. Your internship showed you that each patient has a unique story that deserves an individualized approach to meet their specific needs.
As you continue your education, I hope this internship continues to guide you towards a profession that gives you as much meaning and purpose as this experience did.