Goals Achieved Perhaps my most anticipated goal that I achieved was becoming certified. I successfully completed the ACLP Certification Exam in August of 2019.
I had four main goals that I wished to accomplish during my internship. First, I wanted become more familiar with supporting children of adult patients. I was able to observe three different interactions: preparing two children coming to visit their father in the medical intensive care unit, providing bereavement resources for parents experiencing a stillbirth with questions about what to tell their other children, and reporting a disclosure of abuse from the child of a patient. Second, I had the desire to develop my ability to prioritize patients in the emergency department. By reviewing the Stress-Point Potential chart and participating in an ED in-service, I was prepared both to observe several interactions with trauma patients and personally provide support for patients in the ED. Third, I have found that different hospitals each have their own unique strengths. By the end of my internship, I wanted to have a strong understanding of the resources used by Marshfield. Whenever an order of books came in, I took the time to review the resources and discuss which books were used most often. I provided "My Special Aflac Ducks" to hematology/oncology patients, and I toured the Ronald McDonald House in addition to assisting at community events such as SibShops and a Teddy Bear Clinic. Lastly, I wanted my internship to be a time for me to transition into being an independent professional. Using my time during my internship wisely, I practiced finding answers for myself, making use of the multidisciplinary team, and growing my own confidence. |
long-term goals One goal that I upheld in college and continue to strive to maintain is attending conferences regularly. Meeting new people and sharing ideas, I can use conferences to network and gain insight into areas I have not yet experienced. Seminars are the perfect way to continue my education.
In addition, I am a mentor for a child life undergraduate student at Concordia University Ann Arbor. This opportunity has been an exciting challenge and equally rewarding. My goal is to continue to find opportunities to encourage and provide resources for students through mentorship programs and through supporting the practicum and internship students at Marshfield. Lastly, once I have anchored myself in a CCLS position, I want to become an expert in that area. For example, if I find myself in a position in a NICU, I would like to become certified in infant massage. Sand tray and child passenger safety are other certifications I could be interested in. I am eager to see where my child life journey leads me! |