In practicum, this week, I went to the radiology center. To be exact, I went and observed the CT scan area. This was very interesting to see because I have never witnessed anything like this. In the room, we helped a lady get into the machine. They explained to me that they need to use this machine to see if something is wrong with them internally. It was kind of scary because I was nervous something was going to be really wrong and they lady would start to freak out. She was already really unsettled and nervous about going into the machine so I did not want to be there if something went wrong. When she was all set and ready to go, we went into the back room where all the computers are. There are about 7 different computers just for one machine! It’s crazy I don’t know how they keep track of all the information that's going into the computer. When the process had started, all these images began to pop up onto the screen at one time.
During this, another lady was pressing all these buttons and speaking to the lady, helping her to turn certain ways so the machine could get a better view. The man then started taking pictures of certain images that popped up and saved them to the computer. He said he did not need all the ones coming in through the machine because many of them are duplicates. When the scan was over, We helped the lady out and put her into the waiting room which was right outside the office. The man then took all the images he saved and out them into one huge picture. This was so cool because all these images formed an entire body. It’s so weird to see how all of these images come together into one picture. I really enjoyed this experience and now have even more of an interest in this field.
Friday, December 16, 2011
Mikayla's Interview with an Occupational Therapist
For my second interview I interviewed Ms. Rojas. She is an Occupational Therapist who works at Garvy Grade School as well as Lutheran General Hospital. She has been currently working at Garvy for the past four years, but has been part of CPS for five years. Before she started at Garvy she was a rehabilitation aid at Lutheran General Hospital; she still works at Lutheran General working with adults. Ms. Rojas works with kids in school ranging from pre-school up to 8th grade. When working with adults the ages vary from 18 and up, she was working with a patient recently who just turned 102 and had a hip replacement.
When asked what she likes most about her job Ms. Rojas said that she gets the best of both worlds. When she is working with her "little friends" they're always fun to work with and she can see them develop and begin to become independent in the classroom which will begin to show at home as well. When she is at the hospital working with the adults she watches them gain their independence back and teaches them to be independent in their homes. The challenges of being an Occupational Therapist are that time management is a very important along with being able to think fast and be prepared for whatever obstacles a patient may bring.
The advice Ms. Rojas gave to me as someone who is now interested in this field is that I should research the field more along with the class requirements for college. She also said that I should take all my prerequisites as soon as possible because it will help greatly when taking other classes. Planning ahead is also important especially in the case of applying and getting into Grad School. Ms. Rojas also informed me that in order to work in the field and complete school I have to become an expert at multi-tasking. Asking Ms. Rojas about how the field/ job will change in the next 10-20 years was an open ended question. She said from the time that she started school and now the field had already changed greatly. The new focus for kids these days is technology; there is a campaign going around now to put iPads in the schools for kids to use, and instead of handwriting the new focus is teaching the kids to type. For students with different needs the slightest changes can affect them greatly, when schools begin to switch from the regular Elmer’s liquid glue to glue sticks it gets hard for a teacher to help the kids understand their strengths. Kids with muscular problems need to be taught the amount of pressure and strength they can use in certain situations and using liquid glue as a teaching tool is a special way of helping them learn that.
I asked Ms. Rojas what type of personality is needed to work in this field and she said that you need to be active, willing to accept change, be very flexible, manageable of your time, and to be organized. The different techniques Ms. Rojas uses help the patients learn motor skills, body awareness, directionality, etc. She teaches the kids school based materials that can easily be transferred to a classroom and uses equipment that accommodate their needs to the environment. A type of equipment Ms. Rojas uses for example is the body sock which is a nylon/spandex blanket that helps kids with a sensory processing disorder. The blanket gives a child a calming effect, the different fabric alerts the child's central Nervous System and helps a child to realize a new material. When Ms. Rojas has the children play games she picks games that will establish therapeutic skills. The games she chooses help with using hand strength, eye coordination, using a fine hand grasp, directionality, and balance. I have become very interested in the field of Occupational Therapy and may consider this as a new career option for myself.
When asked what she likes most about her job Ms. Rojas said that she gets the best of both worlds. When she is working with her "little friends" they're always fun to work with and she can see them develop and begin to become independent in the classroom which will begin to show at home as well. When she is at the hospital working with the adults she watches them gain their independence back and teaches them to be independent in their homes. The challenges of being an Occupational Therapist are that time management is a very important along with being able to think fast and be prepared for whatever obstacles a patient may bring.
The advice Ms. Rojas gave to me as someone who is now interested in this field is that I should research the field more along with the class requirements for college. She also said that I should take all my prerequisites as soon as possible because it will help greatly when taking other classes. Planning ahead is also important especially in the case of applying and getting into Grad School. Ms. Rojas also informed me that in order to work in the field and complete school I have to become an expert at multi-tasking. Asking Ms. Rojas about how the field/ job will change in the next 10-20 years was an open ended question. She said from the time that she started school and now the field had already changed greatly. The new focus for kids these days is technology; there is a campaign going around now to put iPads in the schools for kids to use, and instead of handwriting the new focus is teaching the kids to type. For students with different needs the slightest changes can affect them greatly, when schools begin to switch from the regular Elmer’s liquid glue to glue sticks it gets hard for a teacher to help the kids understand their strengths. Kids with muscular problems need to be taught the amount of pressure and strength they can use in certain situations and using liquid glue as a teaching tool is a special way of helping them learn that.
I asked Ms. Rojas what type of personality is needed to work in this field and she said that you need to be active, willing to accept change, be very flexible, manageable of your time, and to be organized. The different techniques Ms. Rojas uses help the patients learn motor skills, body awareness, directionality, etc. She teaches the kids school based materials that can easily be transferred to a classroom and uses equipment that accommodate their needs to the environment. A type of equipment Ms. Rojas uses for example is the body sock which is a nylon/spandex blanket that helps kids with a sensory processing disorder. The blanket gives a child a calming effect, the different fabric alerts the child's central Nervous System and helps a child to realize a new material. When Ms. Rojas has the children play games she picks games that will establish therapeutic skills. The games she chooses help with using hand strength, eye coordination, using a fine hand grasp, directionality, and balance. I have become very interested in the field of Occupational Therapy and may consider this as a new career option for myself.
Friday, December 2, 2011
Danielle B.'s Informational Interview with a Fitness Instructor
For this assignment, I interviewed my sister, Samantha Berger. She is a Group Fitness Instructor and Personal Trainer. She has been working in this job for 2 years now. Before starting this career, Samantha worked as a Marketing Intern/Teller Services for Parkway Bank and Trust Company. The thing that she likes most about her job is that she is able to work with people on a daily basis on improving their health status. She says that it is a life changing job that is not only fun, but rewarding in many ways. "Not many people can say that they have aided in the process of someone progressing from a diseased state to an apparently healthy living condition," says Samantha. A challenging part of her job is creating new and fresh programs on a daily basis. The program is based off the client’s needs and interests which can become dull over time. What is harder than that, though, is throwing 60 people into a studio and trying to lead a class with several people of different fitness levels and needs. She says that trying to teach the proper form to that many people and modifying each exercise for that amount of people can be extremely challenging.
The advice that she would give to me, as someone who is interested in this field, would be to practice working with people as much as possible and start as early as I can. It would also help to take many workshops and use the professionals surrounding me for all the advice and information they can give to me. Samantha says that the fitness industry is always changing. The different fad exercise programs are changing on a monthly basis. She also says that Health and Fitness will become more and more individualized to the overweight and obese population, seeing as it is on the rise and it isn't going to slow down. This will give them a greater opportunity to make a difference and gain a greater client base.
The advice that she would give to me, as someone who is interested in this field, would be to practice working with people as much as possible and start as early as I can. It would also help to take many workshops and use the professionals surrounding me for all the advice and information they can give to me. Samantha says that the fitness industry is always changing. The different fad exercise programs are changing on a monthly basis. She also says that Health and Fitness will become more and more individualized to the overweight and obese population, seeing as it is on the rise and it isn't going to slow down. This will give them a greater opportunity to make a difference and gain a greater client base.
Jackie B.'s Excitement in the ER
On the 21st of November, I went to the Emergency Room for my fourth time. When I arrived my nurse had already a few patients that she was taking care of in their rooms. One of her patients was telling her that she woke up with the left side of her face drooping. The nurse that I was shadowing was thinking that she could have had a stroke and or be having one at the moment. The nurse and I had to wheel the women to a department where they have MRI’s and CAT Scans. We had five minutes to get the patient to have a MRI before something could happen. We really had to rush. I helped the nurse with wheeling the patient to the MRI department and then the nurse let me hold and carry her papers. It was really cool because I got to see how the Emergency Room nurses get a patient to the MRI and CAT Scan rooms. I also got to see the people who control the machines and how they work. The other patient that she had was a possible cardiac arrest, when the patient got to the hospital; the nurses had to hook them up to a machine that checks their heart rate and they also had to draw his blood tests. By the end of my time there, she had another patient coming in but, I wasn’t able to see what happened to the patient. That was my last day to be in the Emergency Room and I got to see a lot of things happen that are also different from the other times I had gone there. The Emergency Room was my favorite placement because it’s very exciting and you never know what will come in and what will happen.
Emily G.'s Informational Interview with a Psychologist
My first interview was with Dr. Jo Wolthusen, who went here to Resurrection for high school. Dr. Wolthusen really helped me get an inside view of psychology, a job I’m highly considering, and helped me learn more about it. Ms. Cunniff had asked Dr. Wolthusen to come in to speak to me and my friend Kelly, who also sat in and asked questions about her career. After the introductions and “hellos,” Kelly and I began to ask her questions about her job. We asked her about her background in schooling and what she did to get to work where she does. She had explained all of the years it took her to get her degree, and all of the experience she’s had with school. She also explained how much schooling we would have to go through for each different level of psychology. Surprisingly, for psychology, one may have to stay studying in school for up to 6 years! She currently works as an adolescent psychologist, her patients varying in age. Though some do grow up and become adults, they continue to see her, which is something that isn’t uncommonly happens for those who’ve been seeing someone for part of their younger lives.
Dr. Wolthusen seemed entertained with our questions, almost as much as we were with her answers. I asked her the craziest things she’s ever seen in her line of work, or the most sad or happy. She gave so many examples, I wondered exactly how many moments of happiness or sadness happen in one’s lifetime that she gets an inside view on. To be able to see ones ups and downs must be incredibly difficult to do, but at the same time would be such an incredible thing to be able to look into. We also asked her about any difficulties in her work, and she said that there are difficulties, just like any other line of work, but they were easy to confront and pass by without a big mess being left behind.
Though there are difficulties there, there are also rewards. She stated that she loves the rewarding feeling of helping someone, and making sure they’re alright. After asking her what she enjoyed most about her job, she told us that she most enjoyed the feeling she had at the end of the day, which is fulfilled. To feel fulfillment after a day of work means you truly love the job you’ve got, which is the best thing that could happen.
Dr. Wolthusen seemed entertained with our questions, almost as much as we were with her answers. I asked her the craziest things she’s ever seen in her line of work, or the most sad or happy. She gave so many examples, I wondered exactly how many moments of happiness or sadness happen in one’s lifetime that she gets an inside view on. To be able to see ones ups and downs must be incredibly difficult to do, but at the same time would be such an incredible thing to be able to look into. We also asked her about any difficulties in her work, and she said that there are difficulties, just like any other line of work, but they were easy to confront and pass by without a big mess being left behind.
Though there are difficulties there, there are also rewards. She stated that she loves the rewarding feeling of helping someone, and making sure they’re alright. After asking her what she enjoyed most about her job, she told us that she most enjoyed the feeling she had at the end of the day, which is fulfilled. To feel fulfillment after a day of work means you truly love the job you’ve got, which is the best thing that could happen.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Josie on Athletic Training
This past week, practicum was a great experience. I not only studied in the classroom, but I went out into the field for Athletic Training. While doing classwork, we worked on a petal for our flower. The petal was number four and consists of our values which we evaluated on our own. In the classroom, I learned what my values are and what order I act on them. It is not always easy following my own values, but with practicing them I get one step closer to becoming the person I would like to be. While in the field I learned that in athletic training it will not always be full-speed ahead. There are slower points in the day that the athletic trainer will take advantage f to do paper work. I understand that it may not always be fun, especially when doing paper work. However, I love to work with people so I believe I will do a good job at being an athletic trainer.
One specific thing I enjoyed the most this week was working with the athletic trainer at Resurrection College Prep. Caitlin Gash is extremely nice and patient with the athletes that she helps. She is always willing to help someone even if it is just a simple question. She understands her job as an athletic trainer and does her best. She makes this career very inviting job. One thing I did not like this week was not being able to go into the field during the day. I am always excited to go into the field, therefore I want to go out as much as possible to get the best experiences and see it from all of the different angles.
Being an athletic trainer, some of the natural roles include being a teacher, a caregiver, and being a guide or a coach. My natural roles include these as well. Also, one has to be positive and willing to help at a moment’s notice which I am always ready to do. I believe that my traits do fit into this career because I am a very caring, willing, and helpful person. This experience helped me grow as a student because I learned more about what it takes to be an athletic trainer.
I grew as a person because I learned about my values and how to move forward in life. Also, I grew as a young adult nearing high school graduation because it enhanced my interest in my intended field of study. I feel good about myself because it helps me get a better hold on myself and my future and what I want to do.
One specific thing I enjoyed the most this week was working with the athletic trainer at Resurrection College Prep. Caitlin Gash is extremely nice and patient with the athletes that she helps. She is always willing to help someone even if it is just a simple question. She understands her job as an athletic trainer and does her best. She makes this career very inviting job. One thing I did not like this week was not being able to go into the field during the day. I am always excited to go into the field, therefore I want to go out as much as possible to get the best experiences and see it from all of the different angles.
Being an athletic trainer, some of the natural roles include being a teacher, a caregiver, and being a guide or a coach. My natural roles include these as well. Also, one has to be positive and willing to help at a moment’s notice which I am always ready to do. I believe that my traits do fit into this career because I am a very caring, willing, and helpful person. This experience helped me grow as a student because I learned more about what it takes to be an athletic trainer.
I grew as a person because I learned about my values and how to move forward in life. Also, I grew as a young adult nearing high school graduation because it enhanced my interest in my intended field of study. I feel good about myself because it helps me get a better hold on myself and my future and what I want to do.
Kristen T. on Education and her Future
This week in Practicum I stayed in the classroom. We worked a lot on out values and we are starting to finish our flower petal sheet of all our personality traits and values. Also, what job we plan on getting into after college. We also did a skills story, we wrote a story about something that we used our personal skills with I wrote about helping a first grader from IC with her math problems. Working on our values this week I learned a lot about myself. I learned that I am someone who wants to help people and I want to live my life to the fullest. There are a lot of things I want to be remembered by such as, someone who started their own event planning business, and somebody who made an impact.
I really enjoyed working on the flower petal this week. I like the petal because I feel like it explains me a lot and it helps me to better understand myself. I didn’t really enjoy the skills story this week, I just feel like I am more interested in learning about my values and what I want to do rather than how I’m using my skills. I am very excited to finish my flower and see how it all plays out!
Tomorrow I will be going out into the field to IC 4th Grade I am excited because I really enjoy working with kids but I actually really enjoyed 1st Grade so it is going to be different working with older kids but I am sure I will enjoy it! After this week and adding to my flower I learned a lot about myself. I learned that all my personality traits and values really connect with what I want to do. I feel that event planning is the perfect job for me and I am on the right track. After this week I have grown a lot I have realized my values and the things I want to be remembered for in my life.
I really enjoyed working on the flower petal this week. I like the petal because I feel like it explains me a lot and it helps me to better understand myself. I didn’t really enjoy the skills story this week, I just feel like I am more interested in learning about my values and what I want to do rather than how I’m using my skills. I am very excited to finish my flower and see how it all plays out!
Tomorrow I will be going out into the field to IC 4th Grade I am excited because I really enjoy working with kids but I actually really enjoyed 1st Grade so it is going to be different working with older kids but I am sure I will enjoy it! After this week and adding to my flower I learned a lot about myself. I learned that all my personality traits and values really connect with what I want to do. I feel that event planning is the perfect job for me and I am on the right track. After this week I have grown a lot I have realized my values and the things I want to be remembered for in my life.
Kerry C. in Physical Therapy
My practicum experience this week was good. I went in the field one day and stayed in the class the other two days. In the classroom we discussed our life stories to one another. I learned more about myself and my story from hearing what other people had to say about my story. It was a good experience. Also I picked some of my top interest in a career such as, physical fitness, food, and mental health. These job fields I choose tie in with my own interest from my practicum visits. Now, towards the end of the semester and end of the practicum course I am coming to an end with my decision on what I would like to study in college and do for the rest of my life. In choosing these careers I really saw that they related in my interest in becoming a physical therapist. My top natural roles also relate to my career goal. My top natural roles were athlete, coach, and extrovert. All three of these roles tie in with being a P.T. It is important that my natural roles can benefit my career, and these roles would be a great start in becoming a P.T.
Also, today, I went and shadowed physical therapy in the hospital for the second time. I enjoyed this time more than the last, but not as much as P.T. at Athletcio. My mentor today was Patrick. Patrick explained his profession and told me why he loves to do what he does. Patrick has been a P.T. for a very long time and he loves every minute of it. He was a good mentor. Also, the patient was very kind. He was outgoing and explained his injury to me, how it happened, when, etc. I felt very comfortable with the situation and the environment. It was a good experience.
Also, today, I went and shadowed physical therapy in the hospital for the second time. I enjoyed this time more than the last, but not as much as P.T. at Athletcio. My mentor today was Patrick. Patrick explained his profession and told me why he loves to do what he does. Patrick has been a P.T. for a very long time and he loves every minute of it. He was a good mentor. Also, the patient was very kind. He was outgoing and explained his injury to me, how it happened, when, etc. I felt very comfortable with the situation and the environment. It was a good experience.
Mikayla D. at a Grade School
This week the first 2 days of class we worked on our flower sheet. We discovered our values and career choices. We also read an article about a girl who is 100% devoted to furthering her education, she wakes up early in the morning to prepare herself for school and then take care of her brother. I admire her strong pursuing for an education and although I doubt I will ever be as motivated as she is (mainly because I am NOT a morning person) I do hope that I can be inspired further by her.
This week I also went to Parkview middle school for the last time. As usual I start off with Ms. Mammas and listen to the boys read aloud from their book. I really enjoy Mammas teaching style, she makes sure that they understand what they are reading and that if they were asked about it; they could give a detailed answer. She also makes sure that they are always following along, and paying attention to the different words in each chapter.
After Ms. Mammas I go and observe Mr. Neihause, who may just be one of the coolest teachers I've ever met. He really gets on a level with the kids where they feel that they can joke and talk with him and not be scared. This week he was giving presentations to different classes regarding the assassination of JFK. He gives the kids a slight background on what was going on in the world at the time and then starts talking about his paper which he wrote in college regarding this topic.
Listening to him tell these kids and seeing them all captivated by what he was saying was probably the best part of this week. These kids hung on every word he said and there was one boy who already knew so much about the topic and was just full of counter arguments and opinions on the story. We all also learned that for those who play Call of Duty Black Ops, when paying attention to the different missions and what is going on; you're actually learning about history. A few of the questions Neihause asked, the boys knew because they did a mission in Black Ops and historical names and locations are used in the game, this came as a surprise to Neihause. The only thing I can say I did not enjoy this week was not being able to stick around and see the second half of Mr. Neihause's presentation with the video footage and other clips, I was actually intrigued by his presentation. I hope that one day I will too be able to have an audience of kids who want to hear and discuss what I am talking about.
I really enjoyed being at Parkview and the teachers that I have met there are all very kind and patient with their kids. I feel that I can learn from them in different situations and aspire to be more like them. Being at Parkview has helped me see how I would work in a younger school environment, as well as working with kids who are not up to grade level but on the right track to being there. I now see that besides the main definition of what I thought would be considered special education, there is now this type of education for kids who are just not where they should be, and I would not mind being a teacher for these kids as well.
This week I also went to Parkview middle school for the last time. As usual I start off with Ms. Mammas and listen to the boys read aloud from their book. I really enjoy Mammas teaching style, she makes sure that they understand what they are reading and that if they were asked about it; they could give a detailed answer. She also makes sure that they are always following along, and paying attention to the different words in each chapter.
After Ms. Mammas I go and observe Mr. Neihause, who may just be one of the coolest teachers I've ever met. He really gets on a level with the kids where they feel that they can joke and talk with him and not be scared. This week he was giving presentations to different classes regarding the assassination of JFK. He gives the kids a slight background on what was going on in the world at the time and then starts talking about his paper which he wrote in college regarding this topic.
Listening to him tell these kids and seeing them all captivated by what he was saying was probably the best part of this week. These kids hung on every word he said and there was one boy who already knew so much about the topic and was just full of counter arguments and opinions on the story. We all also learned that for those who play Call of Duty Black Ops, when paying attention to the different missions and what is going on; you're actually learning about history. A few of the questions Neihause asked, the boys knew because they did a mission in Black Ops and historical names and locations are used in the game, this came as a surprise to Neihause. The only thing I can say I did not enjoy this week was not being able to stick around and see the second half of Mr. Neihause's presentation with the video footage and other clips, I was actually intrigued by his presentation. I hope that one day I will too be able to have an audience of kids who want to hear and discuss what I am talking about.
I really enjoyed being at Parkview and the teachers that I have met there are all very kind and patient with their kids. I feel that I can learn from them in different situations and aspire to be more like them. Being at Parkview has helped me see how I would work in a younger school environment, as well as working with kids who are not up to grade level but on the right track to being there. I now see that besides the main definition of what I thought would be considered special education, there is now this type of education for kids who are just not where they should be, and I would not mind being a teacher for these kids as well.
Vanessa G. in Ultrasound
This week in Practicum I went to Ultra Sound at Resurrection Hospital. What I learned about the career is that you have to know a lot about technology, because the machine that they use is complicated to work. You also have to be familiar with measurements since they have to measure certain parts of the baby or kidneys. They sometimes have to take even more pictures so they know that the measurements are correct. The measurements are important to get right, because they could tell you if the baby is not growing correctly of if something is off.
What I enjoyed most about this experience is that I have the opportunity to see two pregnancy ultra sounds. One woman was sixteen weeks pregnant, I was hard to see the whole baby since it was already big, but it was very interesting to see. The other woman was six weeks pregnant and it was her first pregnancy. Since the baby was still small I had the chance to see the baby more clearly. This was my favorite ultra sound, for the reason that when we zoomed in on the baby we saw that it was sucking its thumb. It was very cute. What I did not enjoy about this visit is the wait between the ultra sounds. It was not very busy so it was not too fun waiting for the next one. I was just excited to see the next one right away.
One personality trait that I observed as I was there was patience. Operating the machine to see the ultra sound picture is not easy. You have to be patient when the baby is not cooperating from moving too much in the womb.
This experience helped me grow as a student by gaining more knowledge about ultra sound and what they use it for. They tried to explain to me how everything worked. It was good to see new things about this career that I did not know about before. After reading my weekly reflection I am excited for my next visit I want to see more ultra sounds and learn more about the career.
What I enjoyed most about this experience is that I have the opportunity to see two pregnancy ultra sounds. One woman was sixteen weeks pregnant, I was hard to see the whole baby since it was already big, but it was very interesting to see. The other woman was six weeks pregnant and it was her first pregnancy. Since the baby was still small I had the chance to see the baby more clearly. This was my favorite ultra sound, for the reason that when we zoomed in on the baby we saw that it was sucking its thumb. It was very cute. What I did not enjoy about this visit is the wait between the ultra sounds. It was not very busy so it was not too fun waiting for the next one. I was just excited to see the next one right away.
One personality trait that I observed as I was there was patience. Operating the machine to see the ultra sound picture is not easy. You have to be patient when the baby is not cooperating from moving too much in the womb.
This experience helped me grow as a student by gaining more knowledge about ultra sound and what they use it for. They tried to explain to me how everything worked. It was good to see new things about this career that I did not know about before. After reading my weekly reflection I am excited for my next visit I want to see more ultra sounds and learn more about the career.
Teresa K. Observing Labor and Delivery at the Hospital
This week went by so fast. As a class, we accomplished a lot. We were in the classroom and out in the field. We added another circle to our flower sheet, showing what we want others to think of us. I went into the field this week. I went to Family birth. It was such an amazing experience. I was able to see a lady give birth. She was in so much pain. But seeing her face and her husbands face when they saw their baby for the first time was priceless. They were so happy! They were both crying of joy. They had a baby girl that they named Emma. She was so tiny. I was able to see them clean the baby up and stamp her tiny feet onto the birth certificate. I saw how they weighed her. They put a cute little pink hat on her. I was able to go see other babies that were a few days old. This one other baby had the same name as me.
I have learned that I am a people person. I try to get along with everyone. I really liked being in this part of the hospital. It was nice and quiet. Everyone working there was so nice. What I enjoyed the most is seeing the parents faces when they saw their baby girl for the first time. I had tears in my eyes. It was so beautiful to watch. I didn't enjoy leaving. I wanted to stay and see more babies. It was such a warm environment to be in.
My mentor this week was Shayna Fredman. She is a Labor and delivery nurse. She was so nice and caring. She was a really great mentor. I feel like my personality fits great with this job because I know that I am a caring and patient person. This is the type of a job that needs someone with these characteristics.
This experience helped me grow as a person. It made me realize how dealing with peoples lives is very important. As a student I realized that you need to be very responsible while working at the hospital. As a young adult nearing my high school graduation, I have come to the conclusion hat continuing with school is very important and it is something that must be done if I want to have a job that I enjoy going to. I had such a great time this week.
I have learned that I am a people person. I try to get along with everyone. I really liked being in this part of the hospital. It was nice and quiet. Everyone working there was so nice. What I enjoyed the most is seeing the parents faces when they saw their baby girl for the first time. I had tears in my eyes. It was so beautiful to watch. I didn't enjoy leaving. I wanted to stay and see more babies. It was such a warm environment to be in.
My mentor this week was Shayna Fredman. She is a Labor and delivery nurse. She was so nice and caring. She was a really great mentor. I feel like my personality fits great with this job because I know that I am a caring and patient person. This is the type of a job that needs someone with these characteristics.
This experience helped me grow as a person. It made me realize how dealing with peoples lives is very important. As a student I realized that you need to be very responsible while working at the hospital. As a young adult nearing my high school graduation, I have come to the conclusion hat continuing with school is very important and it is something that must be done if I want to have a job that I enjoy going to. I had such a great time this week.
Shannon B. in Family Practice
My experience in practicum this week was great. I spent two days in the classroom, and one day in the field. While in the classroom, we learned about fields dealing with people's problems and needs. We read about a variety of jobs and chose our top ten that we would consider doing in the future. I found out that I love to help people. I would like to feed the hungry, do task for people that they can't do, take care of children, keep people healthy, listen to people, make people happy and rescue animals fom danger. This applies to what I want to do in the future because whatever my job may be, I want to be helping people. Also we found top things we want to be remembered for in the future. My top three choices were influencing people, causing change and serving people in need.
While I was in the field, I went to family practice. I was able to see a case of possible pink eye as well as people dealing with broken bones. It was neat to see how the doctors and nurses respond to each issue and help their patients. I learned that I desire to help people and that I am friendly and patient. One thing I didn't enjoy was waiting in the office for patients to come in. Usually Friday mornings are extremely busy, but when I was there it wasn't. This week I worked with a nurse named Jamie. She was extremely friendly, funny, and welcoming. My experience this week helped me grow as a person because I became more focused on everyday issues. It helped me grow as a student because I now know what I am interested in. It helped me grow as a young adult nearing high school graduation because I can look for majors at schools that offer nursing. Overall, my experience this week was unforgettable.
While I was in the field, I went to family practice. I was able to see a case of possible pink eye as well as people dealing with broken bones. It was neat to see how the doctors and nurses respond to each issue and help their patients. I learned that I desire to help people and that I am friendly and patient. One thing I didn't enjoy was waiting in the office for patients to come in. Usually Friday mornings are extremely busy, but when I was there it wasn't. This week I worked with a nurse named Jamie. She was extremely friendly, funny, and welcoming. My experience this week helped me grow as a person because I became more focused on everyday issues. It helped me grow as a student because I now know what I am interested in. It helped me grow as a young adult nearing high school graduation because I can look for majors at schools that offer nursing. Overall, my experience this week was unforgettable.
Lauren R.: Police and Future
This week in Practicum, we worked mostly in the classroom. We talked a lot about our skill stories, sharing them with the other girls. After reading, they would tell you what types of skills they heard in the stories. I found this interesting, because they pointed out a lot of things that I had not realized myself. We thought about our top fields of interests, which made me really think about my future. Technology and being a police officer are my top two career choices as of now, so it was interesting to see what I would get. My top ones included legal services, mental health, and entertainment. And after my experience at the Police station this week, I see where legal services come in.
At the station, we shadowed Sargent Haran in 16th district. He was extremely nice and gave us a great tour of the station, along with telling a lot of stories of his experiences. A lot of my roles and skills in my flower connect directly to being a police officer, such as being investigative, protector, extrovert, leader, my top interest being Legal Services. I always wanted to become a police officer, but knew after the tour that it was something I can see myself doing as a real career, and I am excited to see where my life will lead me until I can take the test when I'm 25.
After re-reading my reflection, I can see that I had a good week and am finally seeing everything in this program come together. It has really helped me in crossing off potential careers, and possibly leading me to a new one.
At the station, we shadowed Sargent Haran in 16th district. He was extremely nice and gave us a great tour of the station, along with telling a lot of stories of his experiences. A lot of my roles and skills in my flower connect directly to being a police officer, such as being investigative, protector, extrovert, leader, my top interest being Legal Services. I always wanted to become a police officer, but knew after the tour that it was something I can see myself doing as a real career, and I am excited to see where my life will lead me until I can take the test when I'm 25.
After re-reading my reflection, I can see that I had a good week and am finally seeing everything in this program come together. It has really helped me in crossing off potential careers, and possibly leading me to a new one.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Theresa D. about Values in a Career
This week in Practicum, I did not go out and I was in the classroom. We continued to make our flowers and we created another petal. It was our fourth petal. This petal was all about our values. Values are something that is important to a person. Values can be characteristics that you like about yourself, not just materialistic things. In order to help us realize our values, we did an activity about values. The activity said to imagine that you died and there was a group of people gathered at a table looking back at your life. They said things about your accomplishments and what kind of a person you were. We then had to check off of a list the things we would want people to remember us for after we die. I ended up checking off ten things on the list. We did a prioritizing sheet to figure out what values were the most important to us and my results were correct. After that, we put as many of these values that we could fit onto our petal. I can’t wait to finish my flower!
From this activity, I learned a lot about myself. I learned what I value most in my life. I also learned what I want people to remember me for and what kind of person I am. The thing that I value the most ended up being to do something that everyone said was not possible. This can help me to save lives in my future career as a nurse.
From this activity, I learned a lot about myself. I learned what I value most in my life. I also learned what I want people to remember me for and what kind of person I am. The thing that I value the most ended up being to do something that everyone said was not possible. This can help me to save lives in my future career as a nurse.
Jocelyn K's Experience in Athletic Training
This past week, practicum was a great experience. I not only studied in the classroom, but I went out into the field for Athletic Training. While doing classwork, we worked on a petal for our flower. The petal was number four and consists of our values which we evaluated on our own. In the classroom, I learned what my values are and what order I act on them. It is not always easy following my own values, but with practicing them I get one step closer to becoming the person I would like to be. While in the field I learned that in athletic training it will not always be full-speed ahead. There are slower points in the day that the athletic trainer will take advantage f to do paper work. I understand that it may not always be fun, especially when doing paper work. However, I love to work with people so I believe I will do a good job at being an athletic trainer.
One specific thing I enjoyed the most this week was working with the athletic trainer at Resurrection College Prep. Caitlin Gash is extremely nice and patient with the athletes that she helps. She is always willing to help someone even if it is just a simple question. She understands her job as an athletic trainer and does her best. She makes this career very inviting job.
Being an athletic trainer, some of the natural roles include being a teacher, a caregiver, and being a guide or a coach. My natural roles include these as well. Also, one has to be positive and willing to help at a moment’s notice which I am always ready to do. I believe that my traits do fit into this career because I am a very caring, willing, and helpful person. This experience helped me grow as a student because I learned more about what it takes to be an athletic trainer. I grew as a person because I learned about my values and how to move forward in life. Also, I grew as a young adult nearing high school graduation because it enhanced my interest in my intended field of study. I feel good about myself because it helps me get a better hold on myself and my future and what I want to do.
One specific thing I enjoyed the most this week was working with the athletic trainer at Resurrection College Prep. Caitlin Gash is extremely nice and patient with the athletes that she helps. She is always willing to help someone even if it is just a simple question. She understands her job as an athletic trainer and does her best. She makes this career very inviting job.
Being an athletic trainer, some of the natural roles include being a teacher, a caregiver, and being a guide or a coach. My natural roles include these as well. Also, one has to be positive and willing to help at a moment’s notice which I am always ready to do. I believe that my traits do fit into this career because I am a very caring, willing, and helpful person. This experience helped me grow as a student because I learned more about what it takes to be an athletic trainer. I grew as a person because I learned about my values and how to move forward in life. Also, I grew as a young adult nearing high school graduation because it enhanced my interest in my intended field of study. I feel good about myself because it helps me get a better hold on myself and my future and what I want to do.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Kristen T.'s Experience with 1st Grade
This week in Practicum I went out into the field to IC to shadow a first grade class. I really enjoyed interacting with the first graders. They were all so cute and very nice; I was actually shocked that they all remember my name. I went with them to lunch and recess and it was funny because all the little girls wanted me to play with them. After recess I went back into the class room and I had to give three kids a spelling test that they miss it was funny to just watch them take the test because it brought me back to when I was their age. After that I read to them the chapter book that they are currently reading it was so cute how into the story they got and how excited they were. Then they were playing with play dough and they all wanted my help. I really enjoyed my time with them! This week I learned that I need to have a lot of patience working with first graders and it’s not something I have a lot of so I really need to work on it.
I enjoyed everything about working with the first graders there was not one thing I didn’t enjoy. I worked with the first grade teacher Mrs. Casey she was super nice and from observing her I realized how much patience she has and how she connects with each of her students. Also, this week in Practicum I worked in the classroom on my college collage. Working on this made me realize all things that I really want in the college of my dreams. Mainly that I want to go to a state university and I just want the full college experience. I really enjoyed doing that this week. After reading this reflection I feel like I accomplished a lot this week and I realized that if I did want to go into teaching that it would definitely be first graders! I love first graders because they are at that age where they understand but their still cute and little!
I enjoyed everything about working with the first graders there was not one thing I didn’t enjoy. I worked with the first grade teacher Mrs. Casey she was super nice and from observing her I realized how much patience she has and how she connects with each of her students. Also, this week in Practicum I worked in the classroom on my college collage. Working on this made me realize all things that I really want in the college of my dreams. Mainly that I want to go to a state university and I just want the full college experience. I really enjoyed doing that this week. After reading this reflection I feel like I accomplished a lot this week and I realized that if I did want to go into teaching that it would definitely be first graders! I love first graders because they are at that age where they understand but their still cute and little!
Vanessa G.'s Experience at Unforgettable Edibles
This week in Practicum I went to Unforgettable Edibles. I worked mostly with Sue who worked there and she told me how they have to be prepared for the lunch hour ahead of time so that they can have a better business. I learned that this job takes hard work because you have to be ready for a rush of customers and you have to make sure you bake and cook enough so that you do not have to do it when customers are waiting for their food.
What I enjoyed the most about shadowing this placement is how I had the opportunity to bake Irish Soda Bread and scones. It was very fun putting all of the ingredients together and making the dough. It was a great time to get a little messy and make some good deserts. Sue, who helped me make these treats, was very nice I felt welcomed and I really had a lot of fun learning how to dice up onions fast. There was nothing that I did not enjoy. I only wish that I could stay longer and help them make more tasty treats!
Some natural roles that showed while shadowing, was my passion for baking and cooking. It was very nice to use the skills that I have to help them out with making the deserts. My friendly personality also stood out at my visit. It was enjoyable to talk and learn more about their establishment.
This experience helped me grow as a person by making me want to hone my cooking and baking skills. I really enjoy it, hopefully my next two visits I will be able to show and learn more about my passion for food. After looking at my week's reflection I am looking forward to my next two visits so that I can be more of a help to Sue and Unforgettable Edibles as a whole.
What I enjoyed the most about shadowing this placement is how I had the opportunity to bake Irish Soda Bread and scones. It was very fun putting all of the ingredients together and making the dough. It was a great time to get a little messy and make some good deserts. Sue, who helped me make these treats, was very nice I felt welcomed and I really had a lot of fun learning how to dice up onions fast. There was nothing that I did not enjoy. I only wish that I could stay longer and help them make more tasty treats!
Some natural roles that showed while shadowing, was my passion for baking and cooking. It was very nice to use the skills that I have to help them out with making the deserts. My friendly personality also stood out at my visit. It was enjoyable to talk and learn more about their establishment.
This experience helped me grow as a person by making me want to hone my cooking and baking skills. I really enjoy it, hopefully my next two visits I will be able to show and learn more about my passion for food. After looking at my week's reflection I am looking forward to my next two visits so that I can be more of a help to Sue and Unforgettable Edibles as a whole.
Alison C. in the Special Care Nursery
This week in Practicum I went to the Special Care Nursery at Family Birth. There was really nothing going on in Family Birth, so I went to the Special Care Nursery and worked with Myra. I loved working with the babies and I even got to hold a premature baby for around an hour. Myra told me that Premies in the NICU love to be held because it shows them that they are cared about and loved even when their parents arent there, so I held baby Leigha for an hour. She was so adorable and was sleeping in my arms!
I loved this job and I enjoyed holding the baby and learning more about what happens in the NICU. Myra gave me really good advice and told me that if I wanted to go into the Neonatal field that I should be a doctor instead of a nurse. She really took an interest in me and gave me good advice and I really appreciated how she trusted me to hold the baby.
I really got to see the caring and nurturing part of me coming out and I loved the feeling I got when I was at the NICU. I'm so looking forward to going back and possibly going into that field. This experience made me grow as a person because it showed me a possible career I could go into later in life.
After re-reading my blog this week, it reminded me of how much I loved the NICU and that I am seriously considering becoming a neonatologist in the future. It was a career that I had never really thought about or considered before, but now I really am considering going into the Neonatal field. I had such an amazing time at Practicum this week and I cannot wait to go back to Family Birth!
I loved this job and I enjoyed holding the baby and learning more about what happens in the NICU. Myra gave me really good advice and told me that if I wanted to go into the Neonatal field that I should be a doctor instead of a nurse. She really took an interest in me and gave me good advice and I really appreciated how she trusted me to hold the baby.
I really got to see the caring and nurturing part of me coming out and I loved the feeling I got when I was at the NICU. I'm so looking forward to going back and possibly going into that field. This experience made me grow as a person because it showed me a possible career I could go into later in life.
After re-reading my blog this week, it reminded me of how much I loved the NICU and that I am seriously considering becoming a neonatologist in the future. It was a career that I had never really thought about or considered before, but now I really am considering going into the Neonatal field. I had such an amazing time at Practicum this week and I cannot wait to go back to Family Birth!
Theresa D. in Surgery
Last week I went to surgery for the first time and I saw a patient get pins in their ankle. The patient was playing ice hockey and fell on the ankle the wrong way. The patient ended up fracturing not only the ankle, but also cracked the tibia bone that’s in the lower leg. The surgeon put two pins where the tibia met the ankle to help repair the damage It only took about 40 minutes, which I thought was very fast for a surgery. It was a great experience to be able to go into the surgery room and see how the surgery is done!
We also went in the field on Tuesday and I went back to the surgery floor. There was an ankle surgery, a knee surgery, and a scoping going on. Since I already saw an ankle surgery last week, I got to see a bladder/urethra scope. During a scope, the patient is put to sleep and they put a camera in the bladder to see if the doctor can find anything that looks abnormal. The camera is very small, but the picture is really clear. The doctor looks at the screen and if they want an x-ray taken of a certain part, the radiologist is in the room to take the x-ray. There was also an anesthesiologist in the room watching the patient’s monitors, another doctor, and three nurses to assist in handing the doctors the supplies that they need and to change the patients IV bag. They took some tissue samples from the patient’s urethra to test since the patient had a history of cancer. I think that it is really awesome how much technology is used in hospitals now and how much they can do with it. I really liked my time in surgery and could see myself working in that floor as a nurse.
We also went in the field on Tuesday and I went back to the surgery floor. There was an ankle surgery, a knee surgery, and a scoping going on. Since I already saw an ankle surgery last week, I got to see a bladder/urethra scope. During a scope, the patient is put to sleep and they put a camera in the bladder to see if the doctor can find anything that looks abnormal. The camera is very small, but the picture is really clear. The doctor looks at the screen and if they want an x-ray taken of a certain part, the radiologist is in the room to take the x-ray. There was also an anesthesiologist in the room watching the patient’s monitors, another doctor, and three nurses to assist in handing the doctors the supplies that they need and to change the patients IV bag. They took some tissue samples from the patient’s urethra to test since the patient had a history of cancer. I think that it is really awesome how much technology is used in hospitals now and how much they can do with it. I really liked my time in surgery and could see myself working in that floor as a nurse.
Tatiana S. at an Accounting Firm
My experience this week was at a small account/business place. In the classroom this week we worked on Thank You cards and I finished all of mine, but the accounting one just because I've only been there once.
This week I learned that I am good at math because when I got to my placement, I started to figure out how they got the numbers they had and try to understand it on my own. This showed me that this career field really did spark an interest in me. I also found out that I could definitely do something in business or even event planning just because I like being formal and organizing things.
The thing I enjoyed the most was accounting because it opened my eyes onto what my career could be like in the future and it just excites me even more. I think what made me enjoy it was that I was given time to understand the information that was given to me, not to mention that I was actually trying to figure it out on my own terms.
What I did not like this week was probably the fact that the company was not so big. To me, I feel like I would be overwhelmed by so much because they care of individual businesses as well as their finances, letters, pay roll, and more. I would rather work in a big firm more specifically in a fashion industry.
This week I worked with Jackie in accounting. The natural roles she has would have to be able to communicate with people well. I also think she was very organized. I think my own personality is some what similar to Jackie just because I am a very organized person and I enjoy being organized. This business that they work in I just feel doesn’t necessarily involves contact with people which is one of my issues but I did enjoy it.
This experience helped me grow as a person by showing me that organization is a key role in a job. It helped me grow as a student by opening my mind to accounting since not that many people like it. It helped me grow as a young adult because it's making me become more realistic in what I want in a career.
This week I learned that I am good at math because when I got to my placement, I started to figure out how they got the numbers they had and try to understand it on my own. This showed me that this career field really did spark an interest in me. I also found out that I could definitely do something in business or even event planning just because I like being formal and organizing things.
The thing I enjoyed the most was accounting because it opened my eyes onto what my career could be like in the future and it just excites me even more. I think what made me enjoy it was that I was given time to understand the information that was given to me, not to mention that I was actually trying to figure it out on my own terms.
What I did not like this week was probably the fact that the company was not so big. To me, I feel like I would be overwhelmed by so much because they care of individual businesses as well as their finances, letters, pay roll, and more. I would rather work in a big firm more specifically in a fashion industry.
This week I worked with Jackie in accounting. The natural roles she has would have to be able to communicate with people well. I also think she was very organized. I think my own personality is some what similar to Jackie just because I am a very organized person and I enjoy being organized. This business that they work in I just feel doesn’t necessarily involves contact with people which is one of my issues but I did enjoy it.
This experience helped me grow as a person by showing me that organization is a key role in a job. It helped me grow as a student by opening my mind to accounting since not that many people like it. It helped me grow as a young adult because it's making me become more realistic in what I want in a career.
Danielle F. at the Retirement Center and Police Dept.
This week in Practicum I did a lot! I started at the Resurrection Retirement Center and helped the elderly with email and word processing programs! I really enjoyed that because the people there are so nice and it requires teaching me patience, which I don't have very much of.
Also, in class, we wrote thank you cards to the places and people we shadowed during our time in Practicum. It was fun but a lot of work especially for me because I'm a really slow writer and everything has to be precise or it bothers me. I'm glad we had time in class to do this because it shows we really give credit and a big thanks to the people that took us in and let us shadow during their busy days.
I really wanted to add this part of my week in this blog because I was so fascinated with it! I went to the Police Department on Saturday and I thought it was so cool. I was shown around the lock up and how criminals were processed and booked. Also, I sat at the front desk and listened and watched people make reports. Some of these reports were interesting and quite unusual. The coolest part of my stay was getting to go on a computer and look around the bad areas of the city of Chicago through the POD cameras. I saw two drug deals from a different district! Highlight of my day. Really, I think that would be a perfect job for me to be in because I can just see myself working there. My personality fits right in and I just love the atmosphere and the idea of getting to fight crime and helping people's lives. The environment was so inviting and exciting that I just wanted to live there. I listened in on the 7 am roll call where everyone was given an assignment and the second watch checked in after the first watch of midnight. I can't wait for my career to come into terms with my life!
Also, in class, we wrote thank you cards to the places and people we shadowed during our time in Practicum. It was fun but a lot of work especially for me because I'm a really slow writer and everything has to be precise or it bothers me. I'm glad we had time in class to do this because it shows we really give credit and a big thanks to the people that took us in and let us shadow during their busy days.
I really wanted to add this part of my week in this blog because I was so fascinated with it! I went to the Police Department on Saturday and I thought it was so cool. I was shown around the lock up and how criminals were processed and booked. Also, I sat at the front desk and listened and watched people make reports. Some of these reports were interesting and quite unusual. The coolest part of my stay was getting to go on a computer and look around the bad areas of the city of Chicago through the POD cameras. I saw two drug deals from a different district! Highlight of my day. Really, I think that would be a perfect job for me to be in because I can just see myself working there. My personality fits right in and I just love the atmosphere and the idea of getting to fight crime and helping people's lives. The environment was so inviting and exciting that I just wanted to live there. I listened in on the 7 am roll call where everyone was given an assignment and the second watch checked in after the first watch of midnight. I can't wait for my career to come into terms with my life!
Nicolette T.'s Experience at Physical Therapy
This week in practicum I went to physical therapy at the hospital. There was not much going on at the time, but I still found out some cool stuff. This time I really enjoyed it so much better than the last. I loved working with my mentor. She was really nice and I loved learning with her. She showed me ways to improve posture and it really helped me because I now know what I can do to improve mine or help anyone else. I loved this job and am really considering it to be my career in the future. When I was there my mentor had a lot of patients that day that had problems with their necks and shoulders. I also learned some new stretches to help if there is any soreness or problems in those spots. I had gotten really involved this time and really enjoyed it because I got a better understanding. She pointed out muscles in the body that I never even knew of and it was very good to know. I am really looking forward to going back there and I hope I get to shadow her. This experience made me develop as a person because it showed me a possible profession I could go into later in life.
Teresa K.'s Experience at Tricoci and Le Flour Bakery
Over the time of these few weeks, I was able to experience so many great opportunities. I was in the field a few times. I went to Tricocci Hair Salon. I had such a great time there. My mentor's name was Amanda Stone, and she was a cosmetologist. She was so sweet! She showed me how to color hair. I have learned that it is important to get your hair trimmed at least 3-6 weeks or else when your split ends reach the scalp, the hair won't grow anymore. I had fun watching other ladies curl hair and others giving a haircut. Working in the salon looks like a lot of fun and something that I am interested in. I really enjoyed learning all the different things you can do with hair. I wish I was able to stay longer.
Another place I visited was the Bakery. I was able to measure the ingredients to make banana bread, and colored frosting for baby shower cookies. It was a lot of fun! All of the ladies working there are sweethearts. They seemed like they really loved baking. Nicole is a terrific boss, and knows what she wants to accomplish. I enjoyed making the different colors for the frosting. One thing I didn't enjoy was realizing that it was already time to leave. Time flies when you are having fun.
Through these experiences, I have realized that I'm a hands-on type of girl. I like working with my hands. I like getting things done the right way. I feel like my personality fits perfectly in both job careers. I am a fun person who wants to make people happy.
Another place I visited was the Bakery. I was able to measure the ingredients to make banana bread, and colored frosting for baby shower cookies. It was a lot of fun! All of the ladies working there are sweethearts. They seemed like they really loved baking. Nicole is a terrific boss, and knows what she wants to accomplish. I enjoyed making the different colors for the frosting. One thing I didn't enjoy was realizing that it was already time to leave. Time flies when you are having fun.
Through these experiences, I have realized that I'm a hands-on type of girl. I like working with my hands. I like getting things done the right way. I feel like my personality fits perfectly in both job careers. I am a fun person who wants to make people happy.
Maddie M.'s Experience at the Adler School of Professional Psychology
This week we went out in the field on Monday it was a great day for me! I had so much fun! I was able to shadow a professor in the field I plan on pursuing. Professor Gail Roy is an art therapist professor at the Adler School of Professional Psychology. Being there and hearing her stories of how she got to where she is today was an amazing story. She went to a community college and then decided she wanted to get a higher education for herself and her family so he went to a university and majored in art education. She taught a few years as an art teacher until she realized that she wasn't really helping anyone like she wanted to. She went back so school and go a degree in art therapy. She was able to find a job right out of school. She was teaching one class and the rest of the day she was able to use art therapy to help the children at the school. She was teaching at and underprivileged school on the south side and said that she felt like she was really making a difference in the lives of these children. This sounds just like what I wish to do I want to help people and use my love of art to help them express themselves through art. She helped me realized that when I am doing art I express myself better than I would if I was speaking to someone. I think I am on the path to the career for me!
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Jackie B.'s Experiences in ER and at the Police Station
On Friday I went to the hospital again to the Emergency Room. I shadowed a nurse named Amber, she was really nice and she let me put an I.D. band on a elderly patient who was having heart trouble. I saw a patient who was homeless and addicted to drugs and they had to call social services to find a place for them to live or stay. Social Services might try to get them to a place to help them with their problem. Before I had to leave, I saw a patient who was at the Allstate Arena to see a show and had fallen down the stairs, cut his head and possibly hurt his neck.
On Saturday I went to the Chicago Police Station in Rodgers Park. When I got there I was introduced to most of the police officers and the Watch Commander. The watch commander asked me if I would like to see a roll call. At 7 A.M. the roll call started and it was really cool and it felt like I was in a cop show. It was a really quiet day at the police station but I had a great time. I got to see how the officers fill out an accident report because a man came in to report and accident that he was in the day before. I don’t think I will be going again to the police station, but I really had a great time and meet some great officers as well. I wish I could go back but I had a great week in the field and I hope the rest of the semester is a good time as well.
On Saturday I went to the Chicago Police Station in Rodgers Park. When I got there I was introduced to most of the police officers and the Watch Commander. The watch commander asked me if I would like to see a roll call. At 7 A.M. the roll call started and it was really cool and it felt like I was in a cop show. It was a really quiet day at the police station but I had a great time. I got to see how the officers fill out an accident report because a man came in to report and accident that he was in the day before. I don’t think I will be going again to the police station, but I really had a great time and meet some great officers as well. I wish I could go back but I had a great week in the field and I hope the rest of the semester is a good time as well.
Monday, November 7, 2011
Theresa D. in the ER
This week in Practicum I went out to the hospital on Monday and Friday. I went down to the ER unit and I really enjoyed it! My mentor was Brittney. The first thing she did was take me on a tour around the whole ER unit. I learned where to get extra blankets, water for patients, laundry, and crash carts. We went between four rooms that Brittney was assigned. Brittney took me around her rooms to visit the patients and check vital signs. She explained charting to me and in the ER, there is a lot of it! Brittney was also in charge of answering the radio calls that come in from the paramedics. It is a phone hooked up to a computer and the paramedics tell the nurse about the medical history of the patient that they are bringing to Res Hospital. They also inform the nurse of any treatments that they are performing on the patient on the way to the hospital. It was really cool to hear about the patient that was coming in on the ambulance, and then see them arrive a few minutes later!
One of the patients that I visited had vertigo and had to get blood draws and an IV for nausea. Another patient was complaining of pain in the abdomen and went in for an X-Ray. There was also a patient that was rushed in from the airport. The patient was having an allergic reaction on the plane and came in by the ambulance. Once the patient was in the ER and out of the ambulance, I got a chance to go in the ambulance and look around. It had everything that the ER room had, just ion a smaller scale. I got to help out the nurses and went and got extra blankets and water for patients and visitors.
Today in the ER, I saw another allergic reaction, belspalsey, and a patient with a stage 3 heart blockage. I really love going to the ER because there is always something going on. I can’t wait to go back!
One of the patients that I visited had vertigo and had to get blood draws and an IV for nausea. Another patient was complaining of pain in the abdomen and went in for an X-Ray. There was also a patient that was rushed in from the airport. The patient was having an allergic reaction on the plane and came in by the ambulance. Once the patient was in the ER and out of the ambulance, I got a chance to go in the ambulance and look around. It had everything that the ER room had, just ion a smaller scale. I got to help out the nurses and went and got extra blankets and water for patients and visitors.
Today in the ER, I saw another allergic reaction, belspalsey, and a patient with a stage 3 heart blockage. I really love going to the ER because there is always something going on. I can’t wait to go back!
Amanda K. at Le Flour Bakery
My experience in practicum this week was amazing, I was at LeFleur bakery and it was so much fun. What I learned about myself is by just doing little things, you can even have allot of fun doing it, I had to label blueberry jam jars which was fun even though it wasn't just baking something. What I learned about this career is that if you work in a bakery it is a very busy environment and also you have to work very hard and know what your doing, but it also is a very friendly and fun environment.
One specific experience I enjoyed most was rolling out the cookie dough and using cookie cutters to cut them out of the dough and placing them on the baking sheet. What made it enjoyable and interest is because I was actually doing some of the work and not just sitting and watching them do the baking. There wasn't anything I didn't really enjoy doing, I loved it all.
I worked with Nicole who was really nice and friendly and gave me some of the different tasks I needed to do. The natural roles and personality traits I observed in my actions this week was I was very productive and worked really hard. My own personality traits and natural roles would fit this career because I love baking and I'm always very energetic and bubbly which helps create the fun environment in a bakery that it needs.
This experience helped me grow as a person because it gave me a better outlook on what this career is about and how much you have to work. It helped me grow as a student because now I know I have to work hard if I want to become someone in that job area, it also helps me as a young adult nearing high school graduation because now I need to start thinking of what I want to major in and be when I'm older so now I have to start working toward getting good grades if one day I want to be a pastry chef.
One specific experience I enjoyed most was rolling out the cookie dough and using cookie cutters to cut them out of the dough and placing them on the baking sheet. What made it enjoyable and interest is because I was actually doing some of the work and not just sitting and watching them do the baking. There wasn't anything I didn't really enjoy doing, I loved it all.
I worked with Nicole who was really nice and friendly and gave me some of the different tasks I needed to do. The natural roles and personality traits I observed in my actions this week was I was very productive and worked really hard. My own personality traits and natural roles would fit this career because I love baking and I'm always very energetic and bubbly which helps create the fun environment in a bakery that it needs.
This experience helped me grow as a person because it gave me a better outlook on what this career is about and how much you have to work. It helped me grow as a student because now I know I have to work hard if I want to become someone in that job area, it also helps me as a young adult nearing high school graduation because now I need to start thinking of what I want to major in and be when I'm older so now I have to start working toward getting good grades if one day I want to be a pastry chef.
Amber A. at the Vet
Today was my final placement at Niles Animal Hospital and Bird Medical Center. The overall experience there was very good and I thoroughly enjoyed it! Today was the best out of the days because there was only one bird and then dogs and cats which is what I prefer to be around.I was with one bird, two cats, and two dogs. One of the dogs that I observed was a two year old German Shepherd named Mason. It was such a sweet dog! He got four different shots and I was able to watch as they micro chipped him. I already knew how they did it but it was really cool to watch. The needle was much bigger than a normal needle used for shots but it was still just as quick. Right after the chip was in the dog they scanned it and it was working and the chip code showed up on the scanner. I was invited to go back and visit them whenever I want and I intend to do so!
Nicole R.'s Experience at Athletico
The past two days I have been working at Athletico and I absolutely love it. I have seen a lot of knee replacements and lower back pain but each person gets their own exercises and routines so it is never the same. I was talking to someone that works there and he said that he mainly works with baseball/softball players and does videos to help correct their throws when playing. I play softball and want to still be involved so being able to specialize in a sport or sports in general was something that really appealed to me and made me want to be involved in physical therapy even more. I love Athletico, the setting and people that work there, and I have trouble seeing myself anywhere else because I feel so comfortable there and find it so interesting and fun.
Mary's Experience at WGN Radio
My experience at WGN Radio today was great. I got to shadow Beth Swierk who is the producer for the John Williams Show. This was cool because I got to meet the real "King John Williams." I got to see how she worked on the show, answered fan calls, worked with commercial breaks and a lot more. I also shadowed her intern who was putting together podcasts of the show. I was able to talk with him for a while about how he got started. After that, I went into Beth's office where I talked with her and John Williams about how to get started in a radio career! Great experience!
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Skills Assessment Outside
Students were completing a skills assessment in the beautiful fall weather!
Alison C.'s Experience in Radiology
This week in Practicum we were in the classroom on Wednesday and on Friday we were in the field. In the classroom, we researched engineers and found out more about their careers. In the field, I went to Radiology and worked with Cariva Medina, a radiology technician.
I learned more about an engineers career which I found to be very interesting because I had never really known what exactly an engineer was. I did not even really know that there were so many different kinds of engineers, so I got to learn a lot more about that career. In the field, I got to see exactly what a radiology technician and what an actual radiologist does. I saw exactly what the techs dealt with on a day to day basis and learned a lot more about the CT scan machine and the PET scan machine.
I enjoyed going to Radiology the most because it is a career that I am very interested in, so it was cool to see exactly what two of the machines do and how the technicians and radiologists work together. It was a very comfortable environment and I had fun talking to the radiologist. There was nothing that I did not enjoy this week because, both in the classroom and in the field, I found what I was learning to be super interesting.
This week I worked with Cariva Medina, a radiology technician in the field. She was super nice and talked to me about how much school she went through and why she decided to become a radiology technician. Cariva was so nice and made me really appreciate what the technicians behind the scenes do everyday.
I saw how the technicians interacted with the patients- always with kindness- and how the technicians and doctors interacted. It was a very comfortable environment and everyone was really friendly with everyone else.
This helped me grow as a person because I really think I would like to be a radiologist one day. It was very interesting to see what the technicians do and what the actual radiologist does because I did not really know exactly the difference between the doctors and the technicians before. I had a really good time being in the field this week and am looking forward to going back.
Looking back at this reflection I am reminded of how much fun I had this week in Practicum. It was a very interesting experience this week because I learned a lot about two careers that I did not previously know much about.
I learned more about an engineers career which I found to be very interesting because I had never really known what exactly an engineer was. I did not even really know that there were so many different kinds of engineers, so I got to learn a lot more about that career. In the field, I got to see exactly what a radiology technician and what an actual radiologist does. I saw exactly what the techs dealt with on a day to day basis and learned a lot more about the CT scan machine and the PET scan machine.
I enjoyed going to Radiology the most because it is a career that I am very interested in, so it was cool to see exactly what two of the machines do and how the technicians and radiologists work together. It was a very comfortable environment and I had fun talking to the radiologist. There was nothing that I did not enjoy this week because, both in the classroom and in the field, I found what I was learning to be super interesting.
This week I worked with Cariva Medina, a radiology technician in the field. She was super nice and talked to me about how much school she went through and why she decided to become a radiology technician. Cariva was so nice and made me really appreciate what the technicians behind the scenes do everyday.
I saw how the technicians interacted with the patients- always with kindness- and how the technicians and doctors interacted. It was a very comfortable environment and everyone was really friendly with everyone else.
This helped me grow as a person because I really think I would like to be a radiologist one day. It was very interesting to see what the technicians do and what the actual radiologist does because I did not really know exactly the difference between the doctors and the technicians before. I had a really good time being in the field this week and am looking forward to going back.
Looking back at this reflection I am reminded of how much fun I had this week in Practicum. It was a very interesting experience this week because I learned a lot about two careers that I did not previously know much about.
Shannon B.'s Childcare Experience
My experience this week in practicum was unforgettable. We were in the field one day and in the classroom the other day. While working in the classroom, we got to go to the tech lab and research interesting jobs. I was able to read and learn about jobs I have never even heard of. My favorite jobs I saw listed were a nurse, occupational therapist and a vet. Researching on the computer about various types of jobs helped me come to a better understanding on what I want to be when I'm older.
This week in the field I went to child care. Earlier this month I worked with toddlers from the ages of one to two. This week I worked with infants whose ages ranged from three months old to seven months old. I was able to play with them, feed them, and hold them. All of my friends and family say I am great with babies therefore I feel as if child care is a perfect fit for me. My mentors were extremely welcoming and friendly. They allowed me to do hands-on activities. I was able to make the bottles, feed the babies, and burp them. The atmosphere in child care was very warm and welcoming which made it easy for me to picture myself working in child care in the future. From what I learned in the classroom helped me this week in child care. I was very patient, friendly, and helpful. The babies were extremely cute and happy which made the time fly by so fast. My experience in practicum this week helped me grow a a person because even if I do not go into child care as my profession, it helped prepare me for my future when I have children and a family.
My experience helped me grow as a student because I can focus on classes that correspond with child care. I am taking Child Development as an elective next year which will help me receive a better education which can help me get a job in child care. My experience this week helped me grow as a future graduate because I know what to look for in a college now and what they provide to fit my desired profession. Overall, my experience in practicum was a lot of fun.
This week in the field I went to child care. Earlier this month I worked with toddlers from the ages of one to two. This week I worked with infants whose ages ranged from three months old to seven months old. I was able to play with them, feed them, and hold them. All of my friends and family say I am great with babies therefore I feel as if child care is a perfect fit for me. My mentors were extremely welcoming and friendly. They allowed me to do hands-on activities. I was able to make the bottles, feed the babies, and burp them. The atmosphere in child care was very warm and welcoming which made it easy for me to picture myself working in child care in the future. From what I learned in the classroom helped me this week in child care. I was very patient, friendly, and helpful. The babies were extremely cute and happy which made the time fly by so fast. My experience in practicum this week helped me grow a a person because even if I do not go into child care as my profession, it helped prepare me for my future when I have children and a family.
My experience helped me grow as a student because I can focus on classes that correspond with child care. I am taking Child Development as an elective next year which will help me receive a better education which can help me get a job in child care. My experience this week helped me grow as a future graduate because I know what to look for in a college now and what they provide to fit my desired profession. Overall, my experience in practicum was a lot of fun.
Shannon C's Experience with Human Resources
This week in Practicum I was out in the field once and then we were in the class room for the other day.
While the class was in the library during class time we researched different fields of engineering and other top jobs of the future. When I was researching about engineering it really surprised me about how much engineering ties in with everyday life. Also, when I researched the different popular jobs you would be surprised with the different industries that these jobs were in.
When I was out in the field I went downtown again to Locke Lord Bissell LLP. I met with Jean Bouslog who is the Director of Human Resources at that law firm. Luckily, she has worked at many other different jobs within the law firm before her Director position and was able to share a lot of that knowledge with me. She explained the direction that she recommended I take in college majors also which I really thought was interesting. She explained how she is the main problem solver of this global firm, and how things should get done. I just love that whole atmosphere of being downtown in a law office, and I know it is exactly what I want to do.
To be completely honest, I think the whole “cool” atmosphere of the building and the people is really what intrigued me the most this week; I really got to see what I want in my future. Again and again, the natural leadership role comes out in each profession that I am looking into and it intrigues me more each time.
As a student I learned time management skills, such as being able to take the train on time, getting to the meeting on time and also making a good first AND last impression on the mentor. I learned that just because you may start off small does not mean that you will not be someone very important one day.
While the class was in the library during class time we researched different fields of engineering and other top jobs of the future. When I was researching about engineering it really surprised me about how much engineering ties in with everyday life. Also, when I researched the different popular jobs you would be surprised with the different industries that these jobs were in.
When I was out in the field I went downtown again to Locke Lord Bissell LLP. I met with Jean Bouslog who is the Director of Human Resources at that law firm. Luckily, she has worked at many other different jobs within the law firm before her Director position and was able to share a lot of that knowledge with me. She explained the direction that she recommended I take in college majors also which I really thought was interesting. She explained how she is the main problem solver of this global firm, and how things should get done. I just love that whole atmosphere of being downtown in a law office, and I know it is exactly what I want to do.
To be completely honest, I think the whole “cool” atmosphere of the building and the people is really what intrigued me the most this week; I really got to see what I want in my future. Again and again, the natural leadership role comes out in each profession that I am looking into and it intrigues me more each time.
As a student I learned time management skills, such as being able to take the train on time, getting to the meeting on time and also making a good first AND last impression on the mentor. I learned that just because you may start off small does not mean that you will not be someone very important one day.
Lauren R's Classroom Experience
This week in Practicum, we stayed in the classroom working with Ms. Cunniff and learned about different roles we take in our lives. After taking the quiz in the book, I found out that my roles include: mother, comedian, extrovert, team member, networker, deal maker, free spirit, manager, street wise person, protector, investigator, and peacemaker. I learned a lot about each of these roles, and it made me think about how they fit into my life. It made me realize a lot about myself that I didn’t really think about before. It also got me to think about careers that will match my natural roles. Being a police officer would be a good fit with investigator, street wise person, and protector. Getting into the computer programming field may not match with these, but it still remains a large interest for me. Hopefully after shadowing different computer- related careers, I can find out how my natural roles will fit in them.
Also in practicum this week, we had a guest speaker come in and talk about the entire the hospital and the different careers we will be shadowing there. Although it may not seem that way, this was my favorite part of the week. It got me excited for my first shadow day in surgery on Tuesday. The only part that I did not enjoy was that we were not yet in the field. The personality quizzes are interesting, but I am very eager to go out into the field and really experience the different careers that we keep learning about.
This experience helped me grow by making me realize my natural roles, and wanting o put them into use. After reading over my reflection, I realize that I am really excited to go into the field, but hope to learn more about myself in the classroom as well.
Also in practicum this week, we had a guest speaker come in and talk about the entire the hospital and the different careers we will be shadowing there. Although it may not seem that way, this was my favorite part of the week. It got me excited for my first shadow day in surgery on Tuesday. The only part that I did not enjoy was that we were not yet in the field. The personality quizzes are interesting, but I am very eager to go out into the field and really experience the different careers that we keep learning about.
This experience helped me grow by making me realize my natural roles, and wanting o put them into use. After reading over my reflection, I realize that I am really excited to go into the field, but hope to learn more about myself in the classroom as well.
Sarah B.'s Reflection about Classwork
This week in Practicum we stayed in the classroom. We all were given a yellow paper with seven circles on it, in the shape of the flower. We soon found out that we'd be filling in these circles as the year went on. In class that day we worked on three of them: Natural Roles, Personality Type, and People/Environment. These circles were based off of previous tests that we took in the book. These tests had questions to figure out why we are how we are and what our characteristics are. In the Natural Roles pedal I have ten things listed: extrovert, leader/queen, free spirit, athlete, team member, manager, comedian, marketer, father, and warrior. These words represent traits that I contain that come natural to me. They describe me and my actions. The Personality Type pedal is very similar to the Natural Roles one. This pedal has words in it that describe my personality, they are viewed in four letters: ENFP. These four letters stand for Extroversion, Intuition, Feeling, and Perceiving. Some words that go with that description are: playful, warm, clever, accepting, outgoing, motivated, cheerful, dreamer, wild, and excited. I like this pedal the most because I believe it really shows who I am and gives people a feel of how I act. The last pedal we filled out in class is the People/Environment pedal; this pedal also has letters that stand for something but only three. These letters are: EAS; meaning Enterprising, Artistic, and Social. These words tell me that I want a job with people who are, "up-front", creative , imaginative, and helpful.
There wasn't anything specific this week that I didn't like. If I'd have to choose, I'd say not going out in the field; but class time is always fun too. I just find going out in the field to be different and exciting every time. I enjoyed this exercise because it shows me as a person through words that describe different parts of my personality and life. I learned a lot about me this week, like what fields I'd have a fun and successful time working in.
There wasn't anything specific this week that I didn't like. If I'd have to choose, I'd say not going out in the field; but class time is always fun too. I just find going out in the field to be different and exciting every time. I enjoyed this exercise because it shows me as a person through words that describe different parts of my personality and life. I learned a lot about me this week, like what fields I'd have a fun and successful time working in.
Nicole B.'s Experience in Ultrasound
This week in practicum we went out into the field. Monday I went to the hospital again and went to ultra sound. For the first time while I was there I got to see a baby ultra sound. The mother was 8 months pregnant and the baby was very big inside of her stomach. In the beginning I wasn’t able to see the baby's face, only its feet and toes. Then the baby started moving and I was able to see the baby's face. I never knew how much technology has changed in the past few years. I was able to see everything. I saw the baby’s eyes, noise, and fingers. His hands were over his mouth and it was the cutest thing ever. After this ultra sound I went and looked at pictures of someone’s kidneys stones and even saw a video of them moving in the kidneys. It was my favorite time in ultra sound because I’ve never got to see a ultra sound done on a pregnant woman.
Monica M.'s Experience at the Vet
This week for practicum I went to TLC Vet. I got to see a dog having surgery and a tooth extraction. I felt bad for the dog, but also calm knowing that the dog will be okay and better than ever. As cool as it was to see some real action in the vet’s office, I would probably hate having to do surgery. I would feel too bad for the animal even though after surgery they would be back to normal. Seeing an animal in pain makes me feel so sad, but once they are healed it would be a good feeling knowing that I helped them. Like the last time I shadowed and this time I shadowed the same people. Dr. Sue, Dr. Monica, and the tech Wayne. They were nice and helping me understand what was going on and why they were doing it. Like a vet I would love to help and save animals from any kind of pain, but some of the ways to help seem hard. As a person I have had a more hands on experience with the animals at a vet’s office not by doing, but by observing and asking questions to get a real feel for the job and whether or not I would like to have it as a career. If I really choose to become a vet then there will be a lot of schooling and a lot of stress because of the pressure to help the animal quickly and efficiently. Whether people choose to be a people doctor or an animal doctor both field are hard and full of stress. Being a vet may seem fun, but there is a lot of work behind it even though you can spend all day with animals that you love.
Caroline P.'s Interview with a Pediatric Nurse
For my first Informational Interview, I interviewed my mother’s good friend, Debbie Moore. She has been a Pediatric Nurse for fourteen years. Before this job, she interned at Advocate Health Care in Downers Grove, Illinois. A Pediatric Nurse cares for those raging from infant to eighteen years old. They can be a licensed practical nurse or a registered nurse. One responsible of a Pediatric Nurse is the assessment of a patient. They also administer medication, give vaccines, and more. A very important part of this career is teaching a patient and their families about their care in the hospital as well as what they’ll need at home.
When asked what she likes most about her career as a Pediatric Nurse, Debbie response was “the rewards that my job brings.” One of the rewards is being able to help those in need. She loves to see a patient heal and get better. She is grateful to have a job that allows her to lend a helping hand to those in need. Challenges of this job, she says, are seeing the youth of today hurt and sick and seeing them in pain. One of the hardest things she had to do was take her of a 5-year-old patient who had a seizure.
Some words of advice she would give someone hoping to work in a health care field is to work hard and to make sure always to do your best. Nursing school is hard and a lot of work, but she says it is definitely worth all of the hard work. Being a Pediatric Nurse brings greats rewards and she recommends it to any Nursing student that loves kids and wants a job that allows you to help others. She says the salary isn’t too bad either.
She feels the demand for Pediatric Nurses or any career in health care will only increase over time. She also believes that with a rising demand, the more education, training, and experience one has only improved the chances you have of getting hired.
When asked what she likes most about her career as a Pediatric Nurse, Debbie response was “the rewards that my job brings.” One of the rewards is being able to help those in need. She loves to see a patient heal and get better. She is grateful to have a job that allows her to lend a helping hand to those in need. Challenges of this job, she says, are seeing the youth of today hurt and sick and seeing them in pain. One of the hardest things she had to do was take her of a 5-year-old patient who had a seizure.
Some words of advice she would give someone hoping to work in a health care field is to work hard and to make sure always to do your best. Nursing school is hard and a lot of work, but she says it is definitely worth all of the hard work. Being a Pediatric Nurse brings greats rewards and she recommends it to any Nursing student that loves kids and wants a job that allows you to help others. She says the salary isn’t too bad either.
She feels the demand for Pediatric Nurses or any career in health care will only increase over time. She also believes that with a rising demand, the more education, training, and experience one has only improved the chances you have of getting hired.
Kristen T's Experience at the Chamber of Commerce
This week in Practicum I went out in the field to the Chamber of Commerce and I worked in the classroom and learned how to write a resume. On Monday I went to the Chamber of Commerce and they are having another event for Saint Patrick’s Day so I got to help Melissa with that. We went around Edison Park to take measurements for the tents. Then I helped her to make lists.
I learned a lot about myself this week. When we were creating the resumes in class I learned that this is something I will do many times in my life for each of my jobs. I like that we learned how to create one because I never knew how and it’s a good thing to learn. Being out in the field I learned many things about myself I learned that I enjoy even the little things you do with event planning. I learned that you really need to remember a lot of things and you can’t forget anything!
The one thing I enjoyed doing this week was the resumes only because I have never done one before and I am happy that I now know how to do them. There was nothing that I did not enjoy this week. Each day in the field was fun and I learned a lot. I will be going out in the field again today to the Chamber of Commerce and I hope to learn new things. After shadowing Allison today at the Chamber of Commerce I got to help her create all new files for 2012. It was cool to see all of the companies that they work with and just every little thing that goes along with planning all of their events. I enjoyed both of my days out in the field and I was glad to spend them at the Chamber of Commerce.
After reading my reflection I feel that I got a lot done this week and I learned many things I learned that I can multi-task very easily which is a good thing.
I learned a lot about myself this week. When we were creating the resumes in class I learned that this is something I will do many times in my life for each of my jobs. I like that we learned how to create one because I never knew how and it’s a good thing to learn. Being out in the field I learned many things about myself I learned that I enjoy even the little things you do with event planning. I learned that you really need to remember a lot of things and you can’t forget anything!
The one thing I enjoyed doing this week was the resumes only because I have never done one before and I am happy that I now know how to do them. There was nothing that I did not enjoy this week. Each day in the field was fun and I learned a lot. I will be going out in the field again today to the Chamber of Commerce and I hope to learn new things. After shadowing Allison today at the Chamber of Commerce I got to help her create all new files for 2012. It was cool to see all of the companies that they work with and just every little thing that goes along with planning all of their events. I enjoyed both of my days out in the field and I was glad to spend them at the Chamber of Commerce.
After reading my reflection I feel that I got a lot done this week and I learned many things I learned that I can multi-task very easily which is a good thing.
Theresa D.'s Experience at the Police Station
Last Saturday I visited the police station and I had a great experience. I shadowed Sgt. Sopcak. I got there a little before 8 in the morning and stayed until the end of a shift which was at around 1:30pm. 8 A.M is when they do the last roll call for the day, so I got there at a good time. All of the police men and women go into a conference room and the watchman assigns them on where they will be taking the cars for the day. A few people were assigned to go to a protest downtown and others would look for traffic violations. After roll call, they are issued radios. One of the officers told me that having the radio can be more powerful than having a gun in situations because you always know that there will be someone there for backup. Saturday mornings are slow at the station, but there were a few people who came in to report accidents and there was a missing person reported. I sat behind the main desk for most of the day and I saw how they track where the police cars are located throughout the city and I saw how the surveillance cameras work in the city. They also have a special room that has two officers in it that work with things like domestic abuse victims and the elderly. Before I left, Sgt. Sopcak took me to see the jail cells. There were not any prisoners in the one that I looked in, but they did have prisoners there. This station was a men’s only station, so they only keep male prisoners. I really enjoyed the station and I had a good day! I can see myself being a police officer.
Samantha D.'s Experience at the Bakery
This week in practicum I went to the Sicilian Bakery. Every time I go here I have the best time ever. Today I filled pastries, and since I caught on so fast, they were shocked! I helped decorate cookies which I had fun with I made spooky ghost, black cats, and pumpkins for Halloween. I also put whipped cream on the pumpkin slices which I messed up a little bit but it still looked okay. I love going here because I have so much fun and I laugh everyone is so close and is friendly to everyone. Today was Friday and they didn’t have really a lot to do so Mike was teaching me how to make coffee with this really big coffee machine that make tea coffee, latte, cappuccino, and Frappuccino. When I first did my espresso I made it to strong and it tasted so bad which no else wanted. Then I did it a couple of times then it was better. Then I made myself a Frappuccino with vanilla flavoring which was so good and everyone wanted to try some. Another thing I learned today was how to decorate cake with an icing design!
Krista M.'s Experience with 1st and 4th Grades
My experience with Practicum this week was a lot of fun and interesting. I was in the field and I went to Immaculate Conception first grade and fourth grade. I learned that I really enjoy teaching little kids and that a teacher might be a good career for me.
Something that I enjoyed the most was when the first grade teacher let me grade the children's worksheets when they were done working on it so when they were done they made a line by me and I graded it for them or helped them if they needed it. They were very interested in what I had to say and were very eager to learn. I enjoyed working with them.
I worked with Mrs. Casey in first grade and I worked with Mrs. Piersan in fourth grade. I noticed that both of them had to be very patient with the children because sometime they got out of hand and were not listening. I also noticed that they have to be in charge and really make sure that all the children were on task and not goofing off. I think that my natural roles would fit this because I enjoy taking charge and being a leader but I can also be patient, helpful, and understanding.
These experiences helped me to grow as a person because I got to see how much younger children really look up to older people in their lives. It helped me grow as a student by showing me college options I might want to look into to become a teacher. It helped me grow as a young adult nearing high school graduation because I'm very excited to graduate and figure out what career path I want to take.
Something that I enjoyed the most was when the first grade teacher let me grade the children's worksheets when they were done working on it so when they were done they made a line by me and I graded it for them or helped them if they needed it. They were very interested in what I had to say and were very eager to learn. I enjoyed working with them.
I worked with Mrs. Casey in first grade and I worked with Mrs. Piersan in fourth grade. I noticed that both of them had to be very patient with the children because sometime they got out of hand and were not listening. I also noticed that they have to be in charge and really make sure that all the children were on task and not goofing off. I think that my natural roles would fit this because I enjoy taking charge and being a leader but I can also be patient, helpful, and understanding.
These experiences helped me to grow as a person because I got to see how much younger children really look up to older people in their lives. It helped me grow as a student by showing me college options I might want to look into to become a teacher. It helped me grow as a young adult nearing high school graduation because I'm very excited to graduate and figure out what career path I want to take.
Jocelyn K's Experience in Physical Therapy and Athletico
This past week in practicum was great as usual! On Saturday last weekend, I went to Athletico for physical therapy. It was very exciting to go to the field that I would really like to go into. Then on Tuesday, I went across the street to Resurrection Hospital for my last placement at physical therapy there. It is upsetting to know that I am very close to finishing up my few placements that are left. On Thursday, I stayed at school because I will be going to Athletico again tomorrow morning for my placement. I learned that when I go into physical therapy I would prefer to work at a place more like Athletico rather than a hospital. I believe I felt more comfortable at Athletico rather than the hospital. However, I still enjoyed my experience at Resurrection Hospital.
The thing that I enjoyed most this past week in practicum was my placement at Athletico. I enjoyed Athletico because I got a great experience and had a wonderful hands-on experience. The physical therapists definitely gave me some great advice and taught me a lot bout this career. The thing I did not enjoy was not being able to go out on Thursday in the field. I really enjoy going into the field and wish I could get more placements to fill in the slots that I will be making up on the weekends and after school. This past week I worked with Amy Kuczera, a physical therapist, at Athletico. Also, at the hospital I worked with physical therapist Nicole, who also happens to be the practicum connection.
In my placement I observed that as a physical therapist you need to have patience and be able to multitask. I believe I have the patience required for this field and have plenty of experience with multitasking. My experiences helped me grow as a person because I learned about the different struggles people go through with injuries. I grew as a student because I learned a lot about the different reasons why people have to go for physical therapy. I grew as a young adult nearing high school graduation through my experiences because I learned more about the profession I would like to go into even more then I already knew. I feel great after all of my experiences this week my time in practicum has only helped my passion for physical therapy grow stronger.
The thing that I enjoyed most this past week in practicum was my placement at Athletico. I enjoyed Athletico because I got a great experience and had a wonderful hands-on experience. The physical therapists definitely gave me some great advice and taught me a lot bout this career. The thing I did not enjoy was not being able to go out on Thursday in the field. I really enjoy going into the field and wish I could get more placements to fill in the slots that I will be making up on the weekends and after school. This past week I worked with Amy Kuczera, a physical therapist, at Athletico. Also, at the hospital I worked with physical therapist Nicole, who also happens to be the practicum connection.
In my placement I observed that as a physical therapist you need to have patience and be able to multitask. I believe I have the patience required for this field and have plenty of experience with multitasking. My experiences helped me grow as a person because I learned about the different struggles people go through with injuries. I grew as a student because I learned a lot about the different reasons why people have to go for physical therapy. I grew as a young adult nearing high school graduation through my experiences because I learned more about the profession I would like to go into even more then I already knew. I feel great after all of my experiences this week my time in practicum has only helped my passion for physical therapy grow stronger.
Jenny S.'s Experience in Cancer Treatment and Athletico
This week for Practicum I went to Athletico and to Cancer Treatment. Also, on Wednesday I was in the classroom. I learned a lot more about of these careers this week. At Athletico, I learned a lot about physical therapy. When I first walked in my eye's lit up! It's like a big play ground in there. My mentor, Katie, had two patients during the time I was there. One patient was recovering from shoulder surgery. He couldn't lift his arm up past his head. She helped stretch his shoulder and did a lot of strength training with him. He was improving very well, as she stated. Then her next patient was recovering from back surgery. She couldn't bend down to reach or grab anything. Katie told me that she loved her job. She spent about 7 years in college for physical therapy school. She told me a lot about her past, how she was a runner and how she decided that she wanted to go in to pt. In Cancer Treatment, it was packed. I saw some patients from the previous time before they all greeted me with big happy smiles. My mentor taught me all about chemotherapy. She taught me how to find out things mathematically, how they decided which chemotherapy to give certain patients. I also learned one patient's whole history on his cancer. I was quiet confused when it came to some of the names of the medicines and the names of the treatments. But, I got through it. I love the nurses in Cancer Treatment and since Friday was my last time there, it was a sad goodbye. I tried soda bread for the first time; all the nurses were trying to turn me Irish! Also in class this week, we started our own resumes. This was something I have never done before so this was definitely a learning experience.
I enjoyed Cancer Treatment the most this week. I love seeing the face's of the patients light up when they see a young face walk into the room. I learned so much more this week, and I loved it. Overall I think the reason I liked it so much is because it is very home like. The nurses and other staff made me feel at home. I learned so much about the patients lives in general, and their lives with cancer. There was nothing this week that I didn't enjoy. This week I worked with Katie Constanini, Ms. Cunniff and the nurses on staff in Cancer Treatment.
This week, my natural roles played a big part in the careers. I realized that at Athletico, you have to be a people person. This is something I am. You also have to like exercising and being around sports and things like that. In cancer treatment, I got to learn a lot, which is something I love, I got to talk to people, do math and eat! Who can ask for anything more?! My experience helped me grow as a person because I got to communicate with people, learn there stories and gain advice from the patients. One lady at Athletico told me, "Follow your dreams. Be the difference. If you love it, don't give up on it. Keep Going." This is advice that I will never forget. I grew as a student because I did a lot of math, and I got to just learn a lot in general. I grew as a young adult nearing high school graduation because I officially know that I want to do something in the medical field.
After reading my weekly reflection, I feel really proud of myself. I enjoyed this week! Next week, I'll be in the class room and back at Athletico!
I enjoyed Cancer Treatment the most this week. I love seeing the face's of the patients light up when they see a young face walk into the room. I learned so much more this week, and I loved it. Overall I think the reason I liked it so much is because it is very home like. The nurses and other staff made me feel at home. I learned so much about the patients lives in general, and their lives with cancer. There was nothing this week that I didn't enjoy. This week I worked with Katie Constanini, Ms. Cunniff and the nurses on staff in Cancer Treatment.
This week, my natural roles played a big part in the careers. I realized that at Athletico, you have to be a people person. This is something I am. You also have to like exercising and being around sports and things like that. In cancer treatment, I got to learn a lot, which is something I love, I got to talk to people, do math and eat! Who can ask for anything more?! My experience helped me grow as a person because I got to communicate with people, learn there stories and gain advice from the patients. One lady at Athletico told me, "Follow your dreams. Be the difference. If you love it, don't give up on it. Keep Going." This is advice that I will never forget. I grew as a student because I did a lot of math, and I got to just learn a lot in general. I grew as a young adult nearing high school graduation because I officially know that I want to do something in the medical field.
After reading my weekly reflection, I feel really proud of myself. I enjoyed this week! Next week, I'll be in the class room and back at Athletico!
Shannon B.'s Informational Interview with Chicago Police Chief
For my interview, I interviewed my dad who is the Chief of Police for Chicago. He has been working as a police officer for 24 years now. Half of his life has been working with the police; therefore there is no one better to interview than my dad. He is hard working and dedicated to his job. Before he was working as a policeman, he worked at Jewel. He also held a job working for a law clerk at a law firm. My father's favorite thing about his job is protecting Chicago. Everyday he looks forward to help, protect, and serve the community. Unfortunately there are challenges in his job as well. It is huge challenge for him, as well as all other policemen to try to reduce crimes and solve them. It's not always an easy task to do; it comes with hard work and determination. As someone who is interested in the police force, the advice my father gave was to always be honest and fair. Also, he encourages me to get a degree. In the next ten to twenty years, the police force will change dramatically. According to my father, the police will be reduced in size because of the devastating economy. It will become more dangerous because of possession of guns may increase. Also, it will become more technological. Overall, my dad's job is something he takes pride in and hopes that others do too.
Kerry C's Experience in Social Work
This week in practicum I went in the field one of the days and stayed in class the other. I only went in the field once because I was on a college visit on Friday. On Monday I shadowed Social work again, for the second time. The first time I liked it, I was really interested in it. My attitude remained the same the second visit. It was interesting again. I really enjoy the social work career. Their intentions are great and they really help others cope with their issues. After shadowing social work, I would defiantly consider working as a social worker. I really enjoyed the environment and the people there. I feel that this career can impact my life greatly in a positive way.
On Wednesday, we stayed in the classroom and created our own resumes. The resume that I created is a base to my completed and finalized resume that I will send to work fields I am interested in. Creating this resume I saw how important it is to get involved not only for school purposes but also career purposes. This resume gave me an idea on types of areas I could work on to make my resume stand out. Resumes are very important and creating our resumes in class with a guide and some samples was a great idea. It is helping prepare me for my future career and my future job interviews. By having my resume started as a base is great and will make it easier for me in the future.
On Wednesday, we stayed in the classroom and created our own resumes. The resume that I created is a base to my completed and finalized resume that I will send to work fields I am interested in. Creating this resume I saw how important it is to get involved not only for school purposes but also career purposes. This resume gave me an idea on types of areas I could work on to make my resume stand out. Resumes are very important and creating our resumes in class with a guide and some samples was a great idea. It is helping prepare me for my future career and my future job interviews. By having my resume started as a base is great and will make it easier for me in the future.
Danielle F's Event Planner and Retirement Center Experience
This week in Practicum I went to Victoria Banquets and the Resurrection Retirement Center. I thought that this week was awesome! I got to experience a job that I never knew anything about and it was just fun to learn about. At Victoria Banquets, I met an event planner named Tracey Power who is in charge of the front of the house which is dealing with the party and figuring out the costs and what type of menu the party would like to have. Another head guy, Eric Gazda, is in charge of the back of the house. That is the part where he makes sure that everything during the party is running smoothly from the kitchen and the meals to making sure the DJ is there on time and everything is set up correctly. According to Tracey, he is the guy that makes everything happen. I learned that for this job I have to be a very extroverted person and I have to be able to be patient with customers and be willing to have an open mind. I also have to be able to work with others and work a good deal out. I think I could do this job but I have to be on call at anytime and it can be a stressful job if you get behind.
At the Retirement Center, I helped an elderly woman, Frances Kelly, work her Ipad and show her how to send emails and what not. This honestly did require a lot of patience and repeating. She loved to tell me stories and show me pictures of her family. I loved it here and I didn't want to leave but unfortunately I had to. I made a new friend while being here. I could do this job because I love to teach people how to do something but I really have to try and be patient. I'm not an automatically patient person, but if it's for a good cause I think I could. After reviewing my week in the field, I was so happy with the accomplishments I've made as well as listening to the accomplishments of the people at Victoria Banquets and how they serve the needs of others. I really do wish I could have shadowed an actual meeting with clients though but then again it is a private thing. I can't wait to go in the field again next week!
At the Retirement Center, I helped an elderly woman, Frances Kelly, work her Ipad and show her how to send emails and what not. This honestly did require a lot of patience and repeating. She loved to tell me stories and show me pictures of her family. I loved it here and I didn't want to leave but unfortunately I had to. I made a new friend while being here. I could do this job because I love to teach people how to do something but I really have to try and be patient. I'm not an automatically patient person, but if it's for a good cause I think I could. After reviewing my week in the field, I was so happy with the accomplishments I've made as well as listening to the accomplishments of the people at Victoria Banquets and how they serve the needs of others. I really do wish I could have shadowed an actual meeting with clients though but then again it is a private thing. I can't wait to go in the field again next week!
Kristen T's Informational Interview with a Baker
For this interview I decided to interview my aunt, Debbie Schmidt. She works as the head baker at Hoffman Estates High School. My aunt has been working at her job for a little over 3 years and she loves every second of it. I have never met someone so excited to go to work every day. I decided to interview her because she is somebody that is very dedicated to her job and not only does it have a little to do with event planning but I also love baking.
Before this job my aunt has always been involved with planning events for the school that her son goes too. She is always planning things for grammar school carnivals and other events that go on with the grammar school. She is great at planning events and always has the best ideas and imagination. She loves everything about her job but she especially loves the holidays because she loves making and decorating special things/food for the students. Whichever events the school is holding she is the one that cooks and plans everything for it. There are not many challenges that come along with her job because she makes most of the decisions one challenge though is she has to do pretty much everything which can get tough at times. Another problem that she goes through daily is that being a petite woman she always has to life big appliances in the kitchen and being very small it is hard for her.
The advice my aunt gave me for this particular field was that I should never give up on my dream job, also that I need to be very dedicated to which ever job I’m interested in. She also told me her motto “when the going gets tough, the tough get going.” My aunt thinks that in the next ten to twenty years they won’t even have bakers and everything will be run through companies.
Before this job my aunt has always been involved with planning events for the school that her son goes too. She is always planning things for grammar school carnivals and other events that go on with the grammar school. She is great at planning events and always has the best ideas and imagination. She loves everything about her job but she especially loves the holidays because she loves making and decorating special things/food for the students. Whichever events the school is holding she is the one that cooks and plans everything for it. There are not many challenges that come along with her job because she makes most of the decisions one challenge though is she has to do pretty much everything which can get tough at times. Another problem that she goes through daily is that being a petite woman she always has to life big appliances in the kitchen and being very small it is hard for her.
The advice my aunt gave me for this particular field was that I should never give up on my dream job, also that I need to be very dedicated to which ever job I’m interested in. She also told me her motto “when the going gets tough, the tough get going.” My aunt thinks that in the next ten to twenty years they won’t even have bakers and everything will be run through companies.
Danielle S.'s Experience in the ER and Surgery
This week in Practicum, I went to surgery and the emergency room. Going out into surgery was much anticipated and I couldn't wait. When I got to the hospital I changed into scrubs and met up with Linda Kane. She is a very detailed, wise, and informative woman. I asked her alot of questions when we got to go into the room where they cleaned the tools used for surgery and hospital procedures. She gave me a thorough explanation for everything even though she is a busy woman and has places to go to. After that she showed me around the surgery floor and then we went into a room where they sorted the cleaned tools. We then got to look through the window on the surgery room doors and I got to watch the end of a surgery. A 95 year old man was getting his hip fracture fixed. It was really cool to watch because there was a huge rotating xray machine taking pictures of his leg every so often so the doctors could get a a better view at where the fracture was. They took pictures from the side and the top/bottom since they don't have a three dimensional view of the leg. I was really into watching the surgery and I didn't mind any of the blood or drilling. I love knowing how things work and how they are fixed. I'm really interesting in surgery but I doubt that I'd make it as a surgeon. I might be interesting in a surgical tech nurse but I'm not sure yet and I have plenty of options in the medical field to choose from! I'm so excited to go back and learn more!
The second place I was at was the high-energy, fast-paced, Emergency Room. Again, this visit was highly-anticipated. I had some trouble finding where it's location was so the kind man from the front desk took me there. I was assigned to Meredith who seemed very busy and young. She was a very nice woman and explained what was going on in a language I would understand (not using big medical terminology). She works three 12 hour shifts and says even though it doesn't sound like alot, being on your feet, consistantly moving for 12 hours isn't exactly the easiest or most comfortable thing in the world. I could tell she cleary is concerned about her patients and she let me in the room when she examined them. A 17 year old girl was there with her second accounted seizure. Meredith really put herself in the girl's shoes and tried comforting her. The second patient was a drunk man and apparently Meredith sees these patients often. She is in charge of 3-4 rooms at a time and sometimes more. Thursday it was a very busy day and I got to witness how the ER worked.
Also in Practicum, we got to make a resume that I know will be useful for future references. I had no idea how to make a resume before, and now that I have one, and it'll really help me out. This week was a really good, informative week hoping making me one step closer to realizing what I'm born to do.
The second place I was at was the high-energy, fast-paced, Emergency Room. Again, this visit was highly-anticipated. I had some trouble finding where it's location was so the kind man from the front desk took me there. I was assigned to Meredith who seemed very busy and young. She was a very nice woman and explained what was going on in a language I would understand (not using big medical terminology). She works three 12 hour shifts and says even though it doesn't sound like alot, being on your feet, consistantly moving for 12 hours isn't exactly the easiest or most comfortable thing in the world. I could tell she cleary is concerned about her patients and she let me in the room when she examined them. A 17 year old girl was there with her second accounted seizure. Meredith really put herself in the girl's shoes and tried comforting her. The second patient was a drunk man and apparently Meredith sees these patients often. She is in charge of 3-4 rooms at a time and sometimes more. Thursday it was a very busy day and I got to witness how the ER worked.
Also in Practicum, we got to make a resume that I know will be useful for future references. I had no idea how to make a resume before, and now that I have one, and it'll really help me out. This week was a really good, informative week hoping making me one step closer to realizing what I'm born to do.
Grace L's Nursing Experience
This week's experience was a pretty good one for me. I learned that being a nurse takes patience and a friendly attitude. I learned that I can stand seeing blood and although it might be heartbreaking to give a shot to a baby, I feel that I would be able to do it. I learned that I really enjoy working in the Family Practice Clinic because you get a feel for all the different ages and you do not get extreme cases like you would get in the Emergency Room. After reading my reflection, I feel that nursing is my passion and that I look forward to exploring it more not only in practicum but also in college. Finally, I learned that as a nurse you need to be ready to take care of anything as small as giving a shot to dealing with someone who has gone into cardiac arrest.
Ashley S. at Pharmacy
I went to the pharmacy at the hospital. I really enjoyed being here I could definitely see myself doing that. My mentor showed me numerous drugs and medicines for all sorts of medical issues. It was interesting to learn about all these medications. I also watched her fill multiple prescriptions, count pills, and label bottles. She also ran into conflict when noticing certain drugs being mixed had reactions and had to find substitutions, it was appealing to watch. And remarkable the knowledge she had in chemistry. I really enjoyed observing at the pharmacy and have other date. This field does require a lot of school and we did discuss the struggle for pharmacy jobs.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Athletico Mentor and Student!
Students at Athletico learn about athletic training and rehabilitation.
The value and challenge of Practicum
Alexis:
"As a young adult nearing high school graduation, I realize that college is nearing and I'm really torn between baking and being a teacher. I never thought I could find such enjoyment out of work. Next year when I really have to decide what I want to do, it will be really difficult."
Kelly:
"Working at the Chamber has shown me how important it is to be friendly to clients or just people in general. If you show them respect and kindness, they will show it back and things may be easier to achieve and you can build up trust with them... I enjoy speaking to people on a regular basis and being part of a team rather than working alone."
Stacey:
"After rereading this week's reflection, I feel even more confident in my dream to become a teacher. I feel I have knowledge for helping young people learn. I want to make a difference in the world and help people become more educated and find ways to make it exciting for them... I feel this is what I would like to do and actually be excited to go to work every day.
Ashley:
"I helped kids that had a hard time on their math papers. I helped them make corrections to raise their scores... I really enjoyed this because I got to see exactly what mistakes they were making and teach them how to do it correctly."
Kirsten:
"This experience helped me grow as a person because I got to see first-hand what goes on after someone has a stroke or head injury, what they have to go through even to have a conversation with someone. It has helped me as a student because it opened my eyes to all the opportunities I would have as a speech therapist.
Anastasia:
"This was probably my best week yet in Practicum because I was placed where I have the strongest interest in a a career... I want to be an ultrasound technician and specialize in pregnancy."
"As a young adult nearing high school graduation, I realize that college is nearing and I'm really torn between baking and being a teacher. I never thought I could find such enjoyment out of work. Next year when I really have to decide what I want to do, it will be really difficult."
Kelly:
"Working at the Chamber has shown me how important it is to be friendly to clients or just people in general. If you show them respect and kindness, they will show it back and things may be easier to achieve and you can build up trust with them... I enjoy speaking to people on a regular basis and being part of a team rather than working alone."
Stacey:
"After rereading this week's reflection, I feel even more confident in my dream to become a teacher. I feel I have knowledge for helping young people learn. I want to make a difference in the world and help people become more educated and find ways to make it exciting for them... I feel this is what I would like to do and actually be excited to go to work every day.
Ashley:
"I helped kids that had a hard time on their math papers. I helped them make corrections to raise their scores... I really enjoyed this because I got to see exactly what mistakes they were making and teach them how to do it correctly."
Kirsten:
"This experience helped me grow as a person because I got to see first-hand what goes on after someone has a stroke or head injury, what they have to go through even to have a conversation with someone. It has helped me as a student because it opened my eyes to all the opportunities I would have as a speech therapist.
Anastasia:
"This was probably my best week yet in Practicum because I was placed where I have the strongest interest in a a career... I want to be an ultrasound technician and specialize in pregnancy."
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Surgery and Detective Shadowing
Here are a few updates...
Annemarie:
"I had a phenomenal experience this week in Practicum. I had the chance to be in the field of surgery twice this week. On Tuesday, I scrubbed in and stood in the operating room while the procedure was going on. I got to stand right next to one of the assisting nurses while robotic arms removed a patient's uterus. The nurses talked me through, step by step, the entire thing... I saw from the very beginning when they made the first cut to when the patient was being wheeled to recovery... It was a great experience for me as a student because I could ask as many questions as I wanted."
Melissa:
After observing at a police station and with detectives who specialize in internet crimes, she wrote:
"I feel like this is one of the coolest experiences I've been through. I am getting a feel for what I want to do after college. All this time, I could've thought I wanted to work in law enforcement, but in reality, I could have hated it. I would've spent so much money on college courses for something that may not have fit me. Because of my Practicum experience, I know when I go to college, I will be investing money in classes that interest me. They will also help me to pursue my career goals."
Annemarie:
"I had a phenomenal experience this week in Practicum. I had the chance to be in the field of surgery twice this week. On Tuesday, I scrubbed in and stood in the operating room while the procedure was going on. I got to stand right next to one of the assisting nurses while robotic arms removed a patient's uterus. The nurses talked me through, step by step, the entire thing... I saw from the very beginning when they made the first cut to when the patient was being wheeled to recovery... It was a great experience for me as a student because I could ask as many questions as I wanted."
Melissa:
After observing at a police station and with detectives who specialize in internet crimes, she wrote:
"I feel like this is one of the coolest experiences I've been through. I am getting a feel for what I want to do after college. All this time, I could've thought I wanted to work in law enforcement, but in reality, I could have hated it. I would've spent so much money on college courses for something that may not have fit me. Because of my Practicum experience, I know when I go to college, I will be investing money in classes that interest me. They will also help me to pursue my career goals."
Monday, February 14, 2011
Tara Observing in Cancer Treatment
"It made me glad to see how much the nurses loved doing their job and helping the patients they have known for months or even years...With all of the ups and downs of my first experience, it helped me realize as a person how much love you can feel for a patient the moment you hear what they have been through... Seeing the patients smile even as they were receiving blood transfusions or chemotherapy gave me the knowledge and insight to leave the high school drama alone and do something that is more important- enjoy life."
Nicole's Preschool Experience
"I learned how to communicate with children. It's hard because they have a small vocabulary, so at times I didn't know what to say. [The teacher] also taught me about some of the learning skills that preschoolers need to develop. They have to learn how to hold the pencil the right way, so they can develop the muscles in their hands. They need to learn vocabulary, counting, and writing. I enjoyed my whole experience... I feel very proud of myself. I am a very shy person, and I have never done anything like this before. I was nervous to go to the school at first, but once I got there, I felt very comfortable. I feel like an adult. This is a huge accomplishment; and I will never forget this experience."
Annmarie Observing Surgery
"I was able to experience two major surgeries, a uterus being taken out of a body and someone who had prostate cancer was being operated on by the doctor who used the robot arms to get inside of him. I learned a TON of things from the nurses that I shadowed. Amanda, a nurse who works in the "core" of all the operating rooms, taught me how she prepares the instruments for all the surgeries every day... One specific thing I enjoyed most was how the nurses didn't treat me like I was a teenager. They talked to me as if I was a med student and they were mentoring me. That made me feel grown up and I felt like they were glad I was there...
My experience helped me grow as a person because I was treated like an adult, so I had to act like one. No one was holding my hand and telling me everything. If I wanted to know something, I had to speak up and ask my question myself."
My experience helped me grow as a person because I was treated like an adult, so I had to act like one. No one was holding my hand and telling me everything. If I wanted to know something, I had to speak up and ask my question myself."
"My Practicum experience helped me grow as a person..."
Alexis on her Practicum experience at the Bakery and the Chamber of Commerce:
"My experience helped me grow as a person because when walking into a new place, you can't be shy. You have to be friendly and personable. You have to be outgoing so you can work well with your coworkers. After rereading my reflection, I feel very good about what I did this week... I got to see what actually happens at jobs I could possibly want to do. I really like that I was able to see what I want to do after high school in real life."
Annie on her Practicum experience at Athletico:
"While I was working with a patient, he filled me in on some interesting tips about physical therapists. This patient told me that PT's have to have patience with the injured person, but along with patience, they have to push their patients to get better. During the patient's therapy, they might 'hate' the therapist for putting them through so much pain, but the patient will always say, 'thank you' and in the end, truly mean it.
The atmosphere at Athletico is perfect; it is the ideal work place for an athlete. I was amazed at the layout and immediately fell in love... My favorite thing this week was being able to stretch out a patient's shoulder. I actually got to see his range of motion which was 170 degrees. At the beginning of his therapy two months ago, his range was only 120 degrees. He has made tremendous improvement! It was so good to see how happy the patient was with his improvement and his drive to keep getting better! Stretching the patient out and actually working a knot out of his shoulder were incredible to experience.
Practicum this week helped me to grow as a student because I realized the dedication needed to become a therapist needs to start here in high school... I learned I needed to step out of my comfort zone and talk to the PT's and patients that I did not know. After reading my weekly reflection, I wish I could become a PT right now! I loved it! I was comfortable in the work place and could totally see myself becoming a PT! I am so excited to visit again! I plan to get a job at Athletico when I turn 18. My mentor said it would greatly benefit me!"
Kristen on her experience shadowing in the Emergency Room:
"This experience has helped me to grow because now I know a lot more about what I want to do. Nursing was in the back of my mind and didn't seem too interesting, but I really enjoyed it and would consider it for a career now that I know so much more about what they actually do."
"My experience helped me grow as a person because when walking into a new place, you can't be shy. You have to be friendly and personable. You have to be outgoing so you can work well with your coworkers. After rereading my reflection, I feel very good about what I did this week... I got to see what actually happens at jobs I could possibly want to do. I really like that I was able to see what I want to do after high school in real life."
Annie on her Practicum experience at Athletico:
"While I was working with a patient, he filled me in on some interesting tips about physical therapists. This patient told me that PT's have to have patience with the injured person, but along with patience, they have to push their patients to get better. During the patient's therapy, they might 'hate' the therapist for putting them through so much pain, but the patient will always say, 'thank you' and in the end, truly mean it.
The atmosphere at Athletico is perfect; it is the ideal work place for an athlete. I was amazed at the layout and immediately fell in love... My favorite thing this week was being able to stretch out a patient's shoulder. I actually got to see his range of motion which was 170 degrees. At the beginning of his therapy two months ago, his range was only 120 degrees. He has made tremendous improvement! It was so good to see how happy the patient was with his improvement and his drive to keep getting better! Stretching the patient out and actually working a knot out of his shoulder were incredible to experience.
Practicum this week helped me to grow as a student because I realized the dedication needed to become a therapist needs to start here in high school... I learned I needed to step out of my comfort zone and talk to the PT's and patients that I did not know. After reading my weekly reflection, I wish I could become a PT right now! I loved it! I was comfortable in the work place and could totally see myself becoming a PT! I am so excited to visit again! I plan to get a job at Athletico when I turn 18. My mentor said it would greatly benefit me!"
Kristen on her experience shadowing in the Emergency Room:
"This experience has helped me to grow because now I know a lot more about what I want to do. Nursing was in the back of my mind and didn't seem too interesting, but I really enjoyed it and would consider it for a career now that I know so much more about what they actually do."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)