Week 4

I have continued developing relationships with some of the patients and am acclimating myself to working with severe mental disorders. This was a busy week and I learned much.

Activities -

• Treatment team meeting
• Rounds meeting
• Attended care-provider meeting with three patients
• Continued working with patient from prior week
  
• Attempted to work on action plan
• Attended adolescent talent show and Larue Carter
• Refined learning plan and identified a few groups I would like to attend

Learning -

Larue Carter has several deaf patients that require interpreters so they can communicate effectively with the staff. My eyes were opened to just how dificult it must be for persons who are deaf and mentally ill. It is difficult for them to communicate how they feel and often feel isolated as there aren't enough interpreters. I have developed an interest in working with the deaf population and am seeking out deaf patients at Larue Carter to work with. I realize that they, just as all persons, deserve an appropriate amount of attention. I don't know where my career as a social worker will take me, but my interest in working with the deaf may alter or influence my course.

Reflection -

My personality affects how I work with clients and co-workers in multiple ways. First, I am a compassionate, empathic person and this influences how I treat the people I work with. When someone is upset or discouraged about their day or life in general, I am typically eager to lend an ear and give advice, if solicited. Also, my compassionate/empathic personality helps me to see people for whom they are on the inside and what their untapped potentials are. I believe that I generally care about people and this influences how I work with and help others.

Secondly, I tend to be an objective person and try to look at all possible perspectives of a situation. When helping people or working with coworkers, I am able to help them look past the obvious and see aspects that they didn't consider. I help by staying clam, taking critical looks at all angles, and staying focused on the issue at hand. I believe my ability to stay objective, even in personal matters, influences how I interact with all the different people I come into contact with.

Lastly, I believe my desire to succeed influences how I work with clients. There are many times in life when it seems easier to give up than to push forward. I believe I instill a sense of hope and possibility in my clients by my ability to express the possibilities I see. Often times, we learn from how others live their lives and not by what they say. My desire to succeed and move forward despite the obstacles brings a positive tone to the relationships I have with clients.

Total Hours this Week (with 2 seminar hours): 18 hrs, 50minutes
Total Hours to date: 66.5 hours