Reflection on my internship

    Internships with the practicum are quite essential in one’s career as it gives one an opportunity to learn more through practice. However, during this period challenges are not an exception as they are part of the internship period and they are not entirely there to make us fail but to make us, even more, stronger and especially in our profession.

    I personally encountered some challenges during my practicum period. At the onset of the practicum all seemed to be so different and the anxiety that I had made me find the roles and the responsibilities bestowed upon me an overwhelming. Hence I regretted every single day of the first month on the reasons as to why I pursued health care and life sciences. It was quite challenging as we used to be called in for either very early shifts or rather night shifts. Managing time, therefore, was a problem since I had to work part time so as to be able to raise some cash for my maintenance. Other days I would get so sleepy at work following the sleepless nights. I knew that this would affect my overall performance and thus I had to strike a balance between all sectors of my life. As time went on I started becoming familiar with the organization's operations and work schedule and close relationship with my supervisor started to build up. This changed my attitude towards my profession and instead of taking it as a heavy task, it becomes an interesting environment for learning.

    As a fresh graduate from the institution, my perception of the profession was so limited but with the practicum opportunity, I got a chance to broaden my perception through the diverse experiences. Through the passion that has developed over time in the internship duration I was able to synthesize the learning from class setting into proficiency career practice and thus enabling me to resolve the numerous public health issues in our health care services.

    The extent to which I was able to practice my theoretical studies into practicality was extremely large hence allowing me to implement the skills in the various consequential issues and structures facing the public. This, therefore, called for additional effort in the internship role and responsibilities hence allowing for expansion of leadership qualities and excellence.

    The institution required me to be enrolled in a clinical institution which is similar to the apprentice mechanism. Teamwork was paramount where we all shared a mutual goal and understanding. Great support and mentorship were given by my supervisor. I studied common crises that faced the public through my engagement in simulation training. Hence I acquired crisis management skills and public relation skills as I engaged in public health education.

    The practicum experience is one of a lifetime and it has really played a bigger role in impacting my life positively as it has enhanced me to improve on my personal philosophies and value addition. There is a huge difference between the person I was when I enrolled in the program and the person that I came out as from the internship program.

    My future prospects have been transformed as I know believe in perfecting my skills through furthering my studies as I am confident that I can make a difference in the field of healthcare and life sciences. My next big step is to enroll for a master’s level and later a doctorate level in health care.