I majored in nursing for two years and have a lot of respect for the industry, but I found that hands-on care was not for me.
Still, I loved the world of healthcare and wanted to pursue my career in it and Health Management and Policy offered a wide range of interesting opportunities that allow me to combine my love for healthcare with the behind-the-scenes work that keeps facilities running smoothly.
Finding the Right Internship Opportunity
Professor Mark Bonica does a lot to put great internships in front of students. First, our class was provided with a list of internships available, including their pay rate, location, and job title.
Also, Professor Bonica and the program have developed a strong network, allowing alumni and early careerists to visit our class during our pre-practicum, providing us with resources and connections with similar experiences.
Pleasant Valley stood out to me because it’s relatively close to Durham and I loved their mission of offering high-quality long-term care and rehabilitation services to patients.
My Experience as an Administrator Assistant at Pleasant Valley Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
I've been immersing myself in various departments, from laundry all the way to administration. My most significant project involves reviving the Ambassador Program, which aims to strengthen bonds between patients and managers while alleviating nurse burnout.
Before COVID-19, PVNC used to offer this service which allowed managers of the facility to visit and care for patients (in ways they're allowed), creating close bonds between patients and managers, not just patients and nurses.
Since the pandemic caused human contact to diminish to a minimum, the Ambassador Program was put on the back burner. My preceptor and I have decided that this program is crucial for our facility due to staffing shortages and patients who may have more needs than others.
Bringing Classroom Knowledge to Life
The Health Management and Policy program does a great job focusing on real-world career practices and knowledge, such as finances, marketing, law, and public health.
It’s been very rewarding to experience these lessons and put them into use during my internship.
There have been countless times where I have been able to relate my internship experiences to information that I have learned in the classroom, especially about the financial aspects of a business and the laws that you must comply with in healthcare.
Growing Professionally and Personally
To succeed in your internship, hold yourself accountable and make the most of your time. I've learned the importance of routine, professionalism, punctuality, and teamwork while maximizing my productivity on the clock.
Looking Ahead
While I'm still exploring my options, I'm leaning towards a career in assisted living, potentially in administration or social work.
This internship experience has solidified my passion for working behind the scenes in healthcare, an area I feel deserves more recognition.
Advice for Future Interns
Internships are an essential experience, and you need to take advantage of the opportunity.
It’s a great way to put your knowledge to use, as well as build connections, practice professionalism, and be a part of a team. Without my internship, I feel that it would be more difficult for me to figure out my ideal future career, because I have been able to decipher my likes and dislikes throughout this internship experience.
