Nicola was a medical assistant for Madsen Family Practice during Fall 2023.
Briefly explain what you did and the result of your internship.
Clinical tasks: Take vital signs, prepare patients for examinations, assist with minor procedures, administer injections, and perform basic laboratory tests. Administrative tasks: Schedule appointments, update patient records, answer phones, and handle patient's message. Communication: Provide patients with accurate information and instructions, answer questions, and document interactions clearly and concisely. Also came up with and executed projects that would solve clinic issues and team building and communication exercises.
What did you learn on your internship that you were not expecting to learn?
Learning to read non-verbal cues, offer comfort, and navigate sensitive situations with empathy becomes crucial. Gaining firsthand knowledge of resource limitations, staffing shortages, and the impact on patient care. Importance of teamwork and collaboration: Observing how different healthcare professionals work together to deliver optimal care. And lastly building genuine connections with patients and understanding their perspectives on healthcare.
How have your future plans changed because of what you learned from your internship experience?
My internship sparked an interest in a specific medical specialty I hadn't considered before, like pediatrics, geriatrics, or oncology. Also reinforcing my nursing decision from witnessing the impact nurses have on patient care and the overall healthcare system as solidify my desire in becoming a nurse.
Please share how your experience led to personal inspiration or insightful revelation.
Strengthening Service and Compassion:
Witnessing firsthand the suffering and vulnerability of patients as deepened my understanding of Christ's teachings on compassion and service. This realization has translated into a renewed commitment to providing care with empathy, kindness, and a desire to alleviate suffering, aligning with covenant principle of "being instruments in the hands of God to bring forth his work." I witness the vulnerable population like refugees not getting the best care because of language barrier and the short time that a physician has to go over the patient problems, so important concerns get missed or not addressed, so i take my time in helping to schedule office visits or referrals set up for them, to help alleviate some of the problems.
Recognizing the limitations of medical care and the role of faith in healing has fostered humility and a reliance on God's divine power.
Observing the resilience and strength of patients facing challenges has cultivated an attitude of gratitude for my own blessings and health.
Would you recommend this internship to other students?
I would absolutely recommend a medical assistant internship to other students, especially those interested in pursuing a career in healthcare. Here are some compelling reasons why:
Gain Valuable Hands-on Experience:
Apply classroom learning to real-world scenarios: Internships bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. You'll gain firsthand experience in patient care, assisting with tasks like taking vital signs, preparing patients for examinations, and performing basic laboratory tests.
Develop essential clinical skills: You'll learn how to use medical equipment, administer injections, and perform basic procedures under the supervision of experienced healthcare professionals. This builds confidence and competence for future roles in the medical field.
Boost Employability:
Stand out from the competition: Having internship experience on your resume makes you a more attractive candidate to potential employers. It demonstrates your initiative, interest in the field, and acquired skills, giving you an edge over applicants without practical experience.
Discover Your Passion:
Explore different medical specialties: Internships expose you to various areas of healthcare, like pediatrics, geriatrics, or surgery. This helps you discover your interests and strengths, guiding your future career path towards a specialty you're truly passionate about.
Personal and Professional Growth:
Develop essential soft skills: Internships hone your communication, teamwork, time management, and problem-solving skills. You'll learn to interact effectively with patients, healthcare professionals, and colleagues, preparing you for success in any healthcare setting.
Is there anything else you would like to say regarding your internship?
I loved the ability to work and grow. My internship supervisor and company are great.
