Over the course of the summer, I completed 230 hours at Melissa Memorial Hospital in the physical therapy department for my internship. I had a great experience and learned vital information for my future career and schooling. I split my time between the physical therapy department and many other departments. I spent a lot of my time this summer working with cardiac rehab. This was my favorite part of my internship because of all of the relationships that I formed. I also shadowed cardiology, radiology, wound care, and sat in on some surgeries. Radiology was very interesting to me because I was able to see many different MRIs and bone scans. I learned a lot in this department such as what to look for and how the radiologists are able to produce these images.
Another part of my internship that was very unique was that I was able to observe a total knee replacement. I felt that this would be very helpful to me as a future physical therapist because I can see what the patients that I am treating went through. I was able to observe the patient that underwent the knee replacement for a few weeks in physical therapy as an inpatient and an outpatient. Because we saw her every day, I really was able to see the progress that she made and the good that therapy does.
Although it was a little overwhelming at the beginning of the summer to shadow different departments, it was very interesting to see and learn many new things. There were also traveling therapists that helped out at the hospital, so I was able to observe four different physical therapists over the course of the summer. They were all very knowledgeable and used varying techniques, so I felt that I learned a lot of new information.
At the beginning of the summer, I set three goals for myself in my internship. My first goal was to better my communication skills, especially with my superiors. I wrote many emails and had conversations with my superiors, and each day I felt more and more confident and comfortable with this. Another goal that I had was to expand my professional network. I worked hard to act professionally and build relationships with everyone that I could at work. I also worked on my community service projects with one of my fellow OC interns. My final goal was to become a better leader by forming a relationship and talking to each of the patients. I learned all of the names of our patients and found a way to connect with each of them, whether it was talking about the weather or sports or farming.
I am truly so grateful for this internship through the Ogallala Commons. I learned very valuable information and formed many relationships that I am so thankful for. It was a great experience, and I am so happy to have had the opportunity to be an Ogallala Commons intern.
