Kara Long's Professional Portfolio

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Kara Kara Long: Long: Profession Profession al al

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A professional career portfolio created by Kara Long in her St. Gianna Catholic Healh Academy Class.

Transcript of Kara Long's Professional Portfolio

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Kara Kara Long: Long:

ProfessionProfessional al

PortfolioPortfolio

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Orientation WeekOrientation Week On orientation week several speakers On orientation week several speakers

came and talked to the class came and talked to the class We learned about HIPPA Laws, fire procedures We learned about HIPPA Laws, fire procedures

in the hospital, the importance of hand in the hospital, the importance of hand washing, and volunteer opportunities in the washing, and volunteer opportunities in the hospitalhospital

The COO of Via Christi also came to speak to The COO of Via Christi also came to speak to us about the opportunities that were available us about the opportunities that were available for us through the hospital for us through the hospital

We received our hospital IDs We received our hospital IDs We were given our TB shots We were given our TB shots We were given a tour of St. Francis Hospital We were given a tour of St. Francis Hospital

and St. Joseph Hospitaland St. Joseph Hospital

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Professional Professional Thank You Thank You

LettersLetters

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Handmade Thank Handmade Thank You LettersYou Letters

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Blog PostsBlog Posts

Each week we went on a rotation in the hospital. Each week we went on a rotation in the hospital. After we went on our rotations, we blogged about After we went on our rotations, we blogged about them and shared our experiences with each other. them and shared our experiences with each other.

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Week 6Week 6 I went to the Medical ICU this week. The nurse said I went to the Medical ICU this week. The nurse said

that they mainly get patients with respiratory problems, that they mainly get patients with respiratory problems, overdoses, and renal diseases. There was not much going overdoses, and renal diseases. There was not much going on the first day. It was sad because there was a patient on the first day. It was sad because there was a patient there who was about to be made comfort care, which there who was about to be made comfort care, which means that the patient will be taken off medication and means that the patient will be taken off medication and breathing machines and made comfortable until they die. breathing machines and made comfortable until they die. The nurse was waiting until the patient's whole family The nurse was waiting until the patient's whole family arrived to make him a comfort care patient. The next day I arrived to make him a comfort care patient. The next day I came I found out that the patient had died. came I found out that the patient had died.  On the second day I saw radiology come up to the On the second day I saw radiology come up to the MICU and put a feeding to into a patient. The nurse had to MICU and put a feeding to into a patient. The nurse had to restrain his hand during the procedure because he had restrain his hand during the procedure because he had pulled the feeding tube out the last time they put it in. I pulled the feeding tube out the last time they put it in. I also saw a patient being discharged. The nurse went over also saw a patient being discharged. The nurse went over the patient's prescriptions with her and her at home the patient's prescriptions with her and her at home treatment plan. Then the nurse walked her downstairs to treatment plan. Then the nurse walked her downstairs to meet her husband.meet her husband.

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Week 8Week 8 This week I was in the pediatric unit. The unit This week I was in the pediatric unit. The unit

was not very busy on the days I was there. On was not very busy on the days I was there. On the first day I saw a patient get discharged. I saw the first day I saw a patient get discharged. I saw a nurse give a child medicine. The child did not a nurse give a child medicine. The child did not want to take the medicine at first but she coaxed want to take the medicine at first but she coaxed the child into it after a while. On the second day I the child into it after a while. On the second day I saw a child who had extra fluid on her knee that saw a child who had extra fluid on her knee that they were going to get a biopsy of the next day. I they were going to get a biopsy of the next day. I also saw video of a patient who had autism. They also saw video of a patient who had autism. They were watching the child's brainwaves to try and were watching the child's brainwaves to try and find out what was triggering the child's find out what was triggering the child's seizures. While in the video room, I saw another seizures. While in the video room, I saw another patient have a seizure and their brain waves patient have a seizure and their brain waves while the seizure was occurring. while the seizure was occurring.

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Week 9Week 9 I was in the Emergency Room this I was in the Emergency Room this

week. It was a pretty slow day in the ER. I week. It was a pretty slow day in the ER. I saw the nurse give someone a pregnancy saw the nurse give someone a pregnancy and learned how to read the results. I and learned how to read the results. I went with the nurse to take a patient to went with the nurse to take a patient to get a CT scan of his appendix. Toward the get a CT scan of his appendix. Toward the end of my rotation, a patient was brought end of my rotation, a patient was brought in that was having breathing problems. in that was having breathing problems. The nurse asked the patient a lot of The nurse asked the patient a lot of questions about their medical history and questions about their medical history and their current conditions. Another nurse their current conditions. Another nurse put the patient on a ventilator. put the patient on a ventilator.

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Week 10Week 10 I was in the Cardiac unit this week. My nurse was I was in the Cardiac unit this week. My nurse was

getting the charts of several patients ready for discharge. getting the charts of several patients ready for discharge. Then I went with another nurse, and she showed me a Then I went with another nurse, and she showed me a handout that they give to patients about heart disease. The handout that they give to patients about heart disease. The handout was very informative. I also learned what kind of handout was very informative. I also learned what kind of food patients should eat on a low sodium diet. The nurse food patients should eat on a low sodium diet. The nurse took the blood pressure of a patient, but it was very low. took the blood pressure of a patient, but it was very low. The nurse tried using the other arm, and the blood The nurse tried using the other arm, and the blood pressure on that arm was very high. The nurse tried taking pressure on that arm was very high. The nurse tried taking it a few more times and kept getting different readings, so it a few more times and kept getting different readings, so she did not know what was happening but thought that the she did not know what was happening but thought that the machine might be broken. I saw a patient being admitted machine might be broken. I saw a patient being admitted who was being prepped for surgery the next day. The who was being prepped for surgery the next day. The nurse told me that the patient would have to have several nurse told me that the patient would have to have several blood and urine tests done as well as a sonography before blood and urine tests done as well as a sonography before he went to surgery. he went to surgery.

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Week 11Week 11 This week I was in the Transplant unit. The first day of my This week I was in the Transplant unit. The first day of my

rotation I followed a nurse technician. We took all the patient's rotation I followed a nurse technician. We took all the patient's vital signs, which included blood pressure, blood sugar, oxygen vital signs, which included blood pressure, blood sugar, oxygen levels, and temperature. The nurse practitioner told me that they levels, and temperature. The nurse practitioner told me that they take everyone's vital signs at 2:00, patients that are fresh out of take everyone's vital signs at 2:00, patients that are fresh out of surgery get theirs checked every fifteen minutes. The nurse surgery get theirs checked every fifteen minutes. The nurse practitioner also showed me how a Vander-lift works. I also practitioner also showed me how a Vander-lift works. I also learned about blood sugar levels and how they treat high and low learned about blood sugar levels and how they treat high and low blood sugar levels.blood sugar levels. The second day I followed a nurse. I saw a catheter being put The second day I followed a nurse. I saw a catheter being put into a patient. One of the nurse's patients had pancreatitis. She into a patient. One of the nurse's patients had pancreatitis. She said that it was a result of the surgery the patient had done on said that it was a result of the surgery the patient had done on their gall bladder. The patient was not allowed to have food or their gall bladder. The patient was not allowed to have food or water orally because that only makes the pancreatitis worse. The water orally because that only makes the pancreatitis worse. The patient was hooked up to IV fluids to keep them hydrated. There patient was hooked up to IV fluids to keep them hydrated. There was another patient who was having some difficulties with was another patient who was having some difficulties with rejection of their transplant, so they had to come in every day to rejection of their transplant, so they had to come in every day to get medication through the IV. The nurse also showed me how get medication through the IV. The nurse also showed me how she charted the orders she received from the doctor.she charted the orders she received from the doctor.

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Hand Washing Hand Washing PresentationPresentation

We created hand washing We created hand washing presentations for elementary school presentations for elementary school children:children: My group was called the Germ Squad. My group was called the Germ Squad. We made a skit about a girl who learns We made a skit about a girl who learns

how to kill germs with soap and hand how to kill germs with soap and hand sanitizer.sanitizer.

We made a poster of a hand and showed We made a poster of a hand and showed how germs on our hands are killed with how germs on our hands are killed with soap and hand sanitizer and how to soap and hand sanitizer and how to properly wash hands.properly wash hands.

We performed a song about proper hand We performed a song about proper hand washing washing

We presented our projects to local We presented our projects to local elementary schools and taught them about elementary schools and taught them about the importance of hand washing.the importance of hand washing.

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Mentor FormsMentor Forms

Each week we went on a rotation in different units of the hospital. We shadowed a professional from that unit and saw what a day in their profession would be like. Some of the many units we visited included the pediatric unit, the emergency room, and the operating room.

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Resume, Cover Resume, Cover Letter, and Letter, and References References Resume Resume

References- available upon request References- available upon request Cover LetterCover Letter

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Career ListCareer List We researched six different careers that interested us and wrote a We researched six different careers that interested us and wrote a

paragraph on each in order to introduce us to the many different paragraph on each in order to introduce us to the many different careers available in the medical field. careers available in the medical field.

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Developmental Developmental PsychologistPsychologist

The career that I am would like to go into the most is being a developmental The career that I am would like to go into the most is being a developmental psychologist. Developmental psychologists work in a wide range of areas and with a psychologist. Developmental psychologists work in a wide range of areas and with a large range of people. Some fields which developmental psychologists work are in large range of people. Some fields which developmental psychologists work are in health care, research, and teaching. Developmental psychologists can work with health care, research, and teaching. Developmental psychologists can work with age groups ranging from infants to the elderly but usually specialize in one age age groups ranging from infants to the elderly but usually specialize in one age group. There are many careers open to developmental psychologists. group. There are many careers open to developmental psychologists. Developmental psychologists can be professors, work in research, treat the Developmental psychologists can be professors, work in research, treat the mentally disabled, and work in many other fields. There are so many different jobs mentally disabled, and work in many other fields. There are so many different jobs in developmental psychology because it is the study of development of the human in developmental psychology because it is the study of development of the human mind throughout a lifetime. The area in developmental psychology that I am most mind throughout a lifetime. The area in developmental psychology that I am most interested in is working with mentally disabled children. In order to become a interested in is working with mentally disabled children. In order to become a developmental psychologist one must first earn their bachelors in psychology or a developmental psychologist one must first earn their bachelors in psychology or a curriculum that focuses strongly on biology and statistics. After one earns their curriculum that focuses strongly on biology and statistics. After one earns their bachelors, a master’s degree or PhD is also required depending on the specific field bachelors, a master’s degree or PhD is also required depending on the specific field one is working in. I would like to be a developmental psychologist because I love one is working in. I would like to be a developmental psychologist because I love helping people. I would like to work with mentally disabled children because I helping people. I would like to work with mentally disabled children because I believe it would be and extremely rewarding experience and that I would love my believe it would be and extremely rewarding experience and that I would love my job. I have a cousin who is mentally disabled, and it is wonderful watching her learn job. I have a cousin who is mentally disabled, and it is wonderful watching her learn and develop and being able to interact with her. I have always had an interest in and develop and being able to interact with her. I have always had an interest in psychology, and I believe that becoming a developmental psychologist would allow psychology, and I believe that becoming a developmental psychologist would allow me to work in the field of psychology while being able to work closely with my me to work in the field of psychology while being able to work closely with my patients. patients.

AllPsychologyCareers.com. AllPsychologyCareers.com. The Developmental Psychology Field.The Developmental Psychology Field. 1 September 2010. 1 1 September 2010. 1 September 2010 <http://www.allpsychologycareers.com/topics/developmental-September 2010 <http://www.allpsychologycareers.com/topics/developmental-psychology.html>.psychology.html>.

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Psychiatric Nurse Psychiatric Nurse PractitionerPractitioner

A career that I find interesting is being a psychiatric nurse practitioner. A career that I find interesting is being a psychiatric nurse practitioner. Psychiatric nurse practitioners diagnose and treat patients’ mental health Psychiatric nurse practitioners diagnose and treat patients’ mental health needs. They can open their own practices and can prescribe medicine in needs. They can open their own practices and can prescribe medicine in some states. In order to become a psychiatric nurse practitioner one must some states. In order to become a psychiatric nurse practitioner one must earn their bachelors degree in nursing and at least a two year masters earn their bachelors degree in nursing and at least a two year masters degree in nursing. One must also take and pass the NCLES-RN exam to degree in nursing. One must also take and pass the NCLES-RN exam to become a licensed registered nurse. After one obtains their masters they become a licensed registered nurse. After one obtains their masters they must then undergo supervised clinical training in order to specialize with must then undergo supervised clinical training in order to specialize with different age groups. Psychiatric nurse practitioners usually make around different age groups. Psychiatric nurse practitioners usually make around $75,000 to $85,000 a year. Within the next ten years there is expected to $75,000 to $85,000 a year. Within the next ten years there is expected to be a shortage of psychiatric nurses. I am interested in becoming a be a shortage of psychiatric nurses. I am interested in becoming a psychiatric nurse practitioner because I love the field of psychology. I psychiatric nurse practitioner because I love the field of psychology. I think the brain is a fascinating thing and love to learn about it. Psychiatric think the brain is a fascinating thing and love to learn about it. Psychiatric nurse practitioners also work very closely with their patients and are able nurse practitioners also work very closely with their patients and are able to specialize in child psychiatric nursing. I am excellent at working with to specialize in child psychiatric nursing. I am excellent at working with and helping children and believe that I would find this job very rewarding.and helping children and believe that I would find this job very rewarding.

All Nursing Schools. All Nursing Schools. Become a Psychiatric Nurse.Become a Psychiatric Nurse. 2 September 2010. 31 2 September 2010. 31 August 2010 <http://www.allnursingschools.com/faqs/psychiatric-nurse>. August 2010 <http://www.allnursingschools.com/faqs/psychiatric-nurse>.

American Psychiatric Nurses Association. American Psychiatric Nurses Association. About Psychiatric-Mental About Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurses (PMHNs).Health Nurses (PMHNs). 2 September 2010. 31 August 2010 2 September 2010. 31 August 2010 <http://www.apna.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=3292>.<http://www.apna.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=3292>.

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Neonatal NurseNeonatal Nurse An entry-level position that I find interesting is becoming an RN An entry-level position that I find interesting is becoming an RN

in the neonatal unit. A neonatal RN works in the NICU caring for in the neonatal unit. A neonatal RN works in the NICU caring for ill newborns, premature babies. Neonatal RNs must earn their ill newborns, premature babies. Neonatal RNs must earn their associates degree. In order to become a neonatal nurse, at least associates degree. In order to become a neonatal nurse, at least one year work experience in adult health care may be required one year work experience in adult health care may be required depending on the institution and the need for neonatal nurses at depending on the institution and the need for neonatal nurses at the time. I understand that working in NICU would be a difficult the time. I understand that working in NICU would be a difficult job and that watching babies die would in no way be easy. job and that watching babies die would in no way be easy. However, even though working in the NICU may be one of the However, even though working in the NICU may be one of the most emotionally challenging jobs in the hospital, I believe that it most emotionally challenging jobs in the hospital, I believe that it would also be one of the most rewarding jobs because you can would also be one of the most rewarding jobs because you can save a child’s life.save a child’s life.

Nurses for a Healthier Tomorrow. Nurses for a Healthier Tomorrow. NEONATAL NURSE.NEONATAL NURSE. 1 1 September 2010. 1 September 2010 September 2010. 1 September 2010 <http://www.nursesource.org/neonatal.html>.<http://www.nursesource.org/neonatal.html>.

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Speech-language Speech-language PathologistPathologist

A career that I find interesting is being a speech-language pathologist. A career that I find interesting is being a speech-language pathologist. Speech-language pathologists work with people that have problems Speech-language pathologists work with people that have problems speaking. Speech-language pathologists can work with children who have speaking. Speech-language pathologists can work with children who have speech problems, elderly who have difficulty communicating due to illness speech problems, elderly who have difficulty communicating due to illness or old age, those who have been injured in some way that affects their or old age, those who have been injured in some way that affects their ability to speak, and with the mentally disabled who need help learning to ability to speak, and with the mentally disabled who need help learning to communicate. Speech-language pathologists also work with those who communicate. Speech-language pathologists also work with those who have lost the ability to speak by teaching the other ways to communicate. have lost the ability to speak by teaching the other ways to communicate. In order to become a speech- language pathologist, a master’s degree is In order to become a speech- language pathologist, a master’s degree is usually required. The more experience you get in the field, the more usually required. The more experience you get in the field, the more opportunities will be opened up. A speech-pathologist must also be opportunities will be opened up. A speech-pathologist must also be patient, a good teacher, and have good listening skills. I am interested in patient, a good teacher, and have good listening skills. I am interested in speech-language pathology because it would give me the opportunity to speech-language pathology because it would give me the opportunity to work closely with the mentally disabled and children. I also think that the work closely with the mentally disabled and children. I also think that the ways in which humans communicate is fascinating and would be ways in which humans communicate is fascinating and would be interesting to learn about and work with.  interesting to learn about and work with. 

  United States Department of Labor. United States Department of Labor. Speech-Language Pathologists.Speech-Language Pathologists. 17 17 December 2009. 1 September December 2009. 1 September 2010<http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos099.htm>.2010<http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos099.htm>.

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Occupational Therapist Occupational Therapist AssistantAssistant

An entry level position that I find interesting is an occupational therapy An entry level position that I find interesting is an occupational therapy assistant. Occupational therapy assistants work with occupational assistant. Occupational therapy assistants work with occupational therapists in helping clients with treatment plans. They also keep track of therapists in helping clients with treatment plans. They also keep track of the client’s progress and help to determine if the treatment plan needs the client’s progress and help to determine if the treatment plan needs revised or is working as expected. An associate’s degree is usually revised or is working as expected. An associate’s degree is usually required for this position. The courses of study in becoming  an required for this position. The courses of study in becoming  an occupational therapist assistant include biology and medical terminology. occupational therapist assistant include biology and medical terminology. Occupational therapist assistants also undergo training in children, the Occupational therapist assistants also undergo training in children, the mentally disabled, and the physically disabled and must also complete mentally disabled, and the physically disabled and must also complete sixteen hours of field work. In order to increase your chances at qualifying sixteen hours of field work. In order to increase your chances at qualifying at a school that trains occupational therapists one can take biology and at a school that trains occupational therapists one can take biology and health courses in high school and volunteer in the medical field. I think health courses in high school and volunteer in the medical field. I think this would be and interesting field to work in and this job would also allow this would be and interesting field to work in and this job would also allow you to become more familiar in the field of occupational therapy and also you to become more familiar in the field of occupational therapy and also advance in this field. advance in this field.

United States Department of Labor. United States Department of Labor. Occupational Therapist Assistants Occupational Therapist Assistants and Aides.and Aides. 17 December 2009. 2 September 2010 17 December 2009. 2 September 2010 <http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos166.htm>.<http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos166.htm>.

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Pharmacy TechnicianPharmacy Technician An entry level position that would be a good job is a pharmacy An entry level position that would be a good job is a pharmacy

technician. Pharmacy technicians receive prescriptions and technician. Pharmacy technicians receive prescriptions and review them to make sure all the information is correct. Then review them to make sure all the information is correct. Then they prepare the prescription and label it. Pharmacy technicians they prepare the prescription and label it. Pharmacy technicians also fill out insurance claims. There is no official training also fill out insurance claims. There is no official training required to be a pharmacy technician. However, in order to required to be a pharmacy technician. However, in order to increase your job prospects having official training, certification, increase your job prospects having official training, certification, or previous training is helpful. Community colleges often provide or previous training is helpful. Community colleges often provide official training for pharmacy technicians. This training can last official training for pharmacy technicians. This training can last from two to six years and includes training in medical and from two to six years and includes training in medical and pharmaceutical terminology and the use and effects of pharmaceutical terminology and the use and effects of prescription drugs. Some programs also provide internships for prescription drugs. Some programs also provide internships for students. Pharmacy technicians must also recertify every two students. Pharmacy technicians must also recertify every two years with usually twenty hours of furthered education. I think years with usually twenty hours of furthered education. I think being a pharmacy technician would be a good job because it being a pharmacy technician would be a good job because it would allow you to work in the pharmacy and with pharmacists would allow you to work in the pharmacy and with pharmacists without many years of education.without many years of education.

Pharmacy Technicians and Aids.Pharmacy Technicians and Aids. 17 December 2009. 2 17 December 2009. 2 September 2010 <http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos325.htm>.September 2010 <http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos325.htm>.

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Lecture Lecture ReflectionsReflections

Each week we went to Newman Each week we went to Newman University and listened to different University and listened to different speakers from different professions. speakers from different professions.

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Week 1Week 1Physician Physician

One of the things that I found interesting that Dr. Summerhouse told us, One of the things that I found interesting that Dr. Summerhouse told us, was that basic four year degree that a doctor gets, which is called pre-med, is not was that basic four year degree that a doctor gets, which is called pre-med, is not actually and introduction to medical school but just a degree in a field such as actually and introduction to medical school but just a degree in a field such as English, chemistry, or biology. Previously, I thought of pre-med as just the beginning English, chemistry, or biology. Previously, I thought of pre-med as just the beginning part of med school. I was surprised to find out that this is not the case. part of med school. I was surprised to find out that this is not the case.

Another thing that I learned is the differences between a psychologist and Another thing that I learned is the differences between a psychologist and a psychiatrist. I knew that in order to be a psychologist getting a PhD is necessary a psychiatrist. I knew that in order to be a psychologist getting a PhD is necessary and to become a psychiatrist med school is necessary. I did not know that the med and to become a psychiatrist med school is necessary. I did not know that the med school a psychiatrist goes to is the same as any other doctor and then a person has school a psychiatrist goes to is the same as any other doctor and then a person has to specialize in psychology. I thought that the med school program for a psychiatrist to specialize in psychology. I thought that the med school program for a psychiatrist was different from a regular doctor’s med school program. I was also surprised to was different from a regular doctor’s med school program. I was also surprised to find that psychiatrists get paid more than psychologist, but that the PhD program find that psychiatrists get paid more than psychologist, but that the PhD program for a psychologist is harder to get through than med school. However, I still want to for a psychologist is harder to get through than med school. However, I still want to be a psychologist because I would love my job. As Dr. Summerhouse said, “You do be a psychologist because I would love my job. As Dr. Summerhouse said, “You do what you love, and it’s not work.” I have a passion for psychology and want to work what you love, and it’s not work.” I have a passion for psychology and want to work with the patients to try to help them, not just prescribe them medicine as a with the patients to try to help them, not just prescribe them medicine as a psychiatrist does. I believe that medicine is an important part of getting better, but psychiatrist does. I believe that medicine is an important part of getting better, but working with the patient to help them and using other methods to help them besides working with the patient to help them and using other methods to help them besides medicine is also just as if not more important. medicine is also just as if not more important.

I learned that there are two different types of doctors, MDs and DOs. I I learned that there are two different types of doctors, MDs and DOs. I thought that all doctors were the same and never knew that there were different thought that all doctors were the same and never knew that there were different degrees for doctors, even though the distinction may not be very large. degrees for doctors, even though the distinction may not be very large. 

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Week 9Week 9Respiratory TherapyRespiratory Therapy

I really enjoyed the talk on respiratory therapy. It was very educational I really enjoyed the talk on respiratory therapy. It was very educational and interesting. I especially liked the hands on experience we got since I learn and interesting. I especially liked the hands on experience we got since I learn better when I am doing things. It really gave me an idea of what respiratory better when I am doing things. It really gave me an idea of what respiratory therapists do.therapists do.

Respiratory therapists can work in a wide variety of fields with a wide Respiratory therapists can work in a wide variety of fields with a wide variety of people. They can work with premature infants, the elderly, and everyone variety of people. They can work with premature infants, the elderly, and everyone in between. They can work in hospitals, home care, ambulances, rehab centers, in between. They can work in hospitals, home care, ambulances, rehab centers, physician’s offices, diagnostic labs, and medical equipment facilities. Respiratory physician’s offices, diagnostic labs, and medical equipment facilities. Respiratory therapy is a fast pace, high-tech, and high-touch profession. There is always therapy is a fast pace, high-tech, and high-touch profession. There is always something new to learn in respiratory therapy. Every day as a respiratory therapist, something new to learn in respiratory therapy. Every day as a respiratory therapist, there is a new challenge and a new situation that must be handled. Respiratory there is a new challenge and a new situation that must be handled. Respiratory therapists use a lot of technology. Respiratory therapists must know how to operate therapists use a lot of technology. Respiratory therapists must know how to operate the equipment and technology they work with and also know how to repair it. the equipment and technology they work with and also know how to repair it. Respiratory also work right alongside the patients. Respiratory also work right alongside the patients.

Respiratory therapists have to be able to work in a fast paced environment Respiratory therapists have to be able to work in a fast paced environment that can become very stressful. They must also be able to adapt well because they that can become very stressful. They must also be able to adapt well because they never know what might happen next or who might need their assistance. They must never know what might happen next or who might need their assistance. They must also be able to adapt well to using new technology and be open to trying new also be able to adapt well to using new technology and be open to trying new approaches. Respiratory therapists must also work well with others since they are so approaches. Respiratory therapists must also work well with others since they are so involved with the patients and also often have to work in groups. They must also involved with the patients and also often have to work in groups. They must also have good communication skills since they interact with other people so often. have good communication skills since they interact with other people so often.

Respiratory therapy is a dynamic career. Since respiratory therapists can Respiratory therapy is a dynamic career. Since respiratory therapists can work almost anywhere, there are abundant job opportunities for them. Respiratory work almost anywhere, there are abundant job opportunities for them. Respiratory therapy is a great career for those who love technology, health, and helping others. therapy is a great career for those who love technology, health, and helping others.

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Week 10Week 10

NursingNursingNurses in the hospital treat patients, administer medications, teach Nurses in the hospital treat patients, administer medications, teach

patients and their families, and provide patients and their families with assistance patients and their families, and provide patients and their families with assistance pertaining to the patient’s illness. Nurses also put together the charts of the patients pertaining to the patient’s illness. Nurses also put together the charts of the patients in the hospital and document everything they and the doctors do to that patient in in the hospital and document everything they and the doctors do to that patient in that patient’s chart. Nurses work everywhere in the hospital and perform numerous that patient’s chart. Nurses work everywhere in the hospital and perform numerous different tasks. The duties of a nurse depend on what unit the nurse works in. different tasks. The duties of a nurse depend on what unit the nurse works in. Nurses can also work in physicians’ offices, outpatient care, ambulances, and home Nurses can also work in physicians’ offices, outpatient care, ambulances, and home care facilities. care facilities.

Registered nurses (RNs) typically earn their bachelor’s of science in Registered nurses (RNs) typically earn their bachelor’s of science in nursing (BSN). This is a four year degree that teaches students all about medicine, nursing (BSN). This is a four year degree that teaches students all about medicine, disease, treatment, and communication. Upon graduation, students must take and disease, treatment, and communication. Upon graduation, students must take and pass the National Counsel Licensure Examination in order to receive their nursing pass the National Counsel Licensure Examination in order to receive their nursing license. If a nurse wishes to advance in their career, they can become an advanced license. If a nurse wishes to advance in their career, they can become an advanced practice nurse (APN). Advanced practice nurses can work independently or with a practice nurse (APN). Advanced practice nurses can work independently or with a physician. They provide advanced treatment and counseling for their patients and physician. They provide advanced treatment and counseling for their patients and give patients primary care. Some advanced practice nurses can also prescribe give patients primary care. Some advanced practice nurses can also prescribe medications, although this varies from state to state. In order to become an medications, although this varies from state to state. In order to become an advanced practice nurse, a registered nurse must go on to earn at least a master’s advanced practice nurse, a registered nurse must go on to earn at least a master’s degree.degree.

Registered nurses usually make around $50,000 to $60,000 a year. There Registered nurses usually make around $50,000 to $60,000 a year. There is a shortage of nurses nationwide, which provides many job opportunities for is a shortage of nurses nationwide, which provides many job opportunities for nursing careers. However, Wichita is not currently experiencing a shortage of nursing careers. However, Wichita is not currently experiencing a shortage of nurses, so the job market for nursing in Wichita is more competitive than in other nurses, so the job market for nursing in Wichita is more competitive than in other areas of the country. areas of the country.

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Week 10Week 10RadiologyRadiology

The field of radiology provides medical imaging for patients within the hospital. The field of radiology provides medical imaging for patients within the hospital. Those who work in radiology often work with x-rays, MRIs, nuclear medicine, and Those who work in radiology often work with x-rays, MRIs, nuclear medicine, and ultrasounds. There are several careers within radiology that include the professions ultrasounds. There are several careers within radiology that include the professions of a radiologist, a radiologist assistant, and a radiologist technologist. of a radiologist, a radiologist assistant, and a radiologist technologist. A radiologist is a physician who specializes in medical imaging and diagnosing A radiologist is a physician who specializes in medical imaging and diagnosing patients from those images. Radiologists treat patients by nuclear medicine, patients from those images. Radiologists treat patients by nuclear medicine, radiation, and minimally invasive surgery using radiological imaging to assist in the radiation, and minimally invasive surgery using radiological imaging to assist in the procedure. A radiologist must graduate from medical school, have a one year procedure. A radiologist must graduate from medical school, have a one year internship, and do graduate studies in radiology for at least four years. Radiologists internship, and do graduate studies in radiology for at least four years. Radiologists must also pass an examination in order to become a licensed radiologist. must also pass an examination in order to become a licensed radiologist. A radiologist assistant works under the supervision of a radiologist to treat patients. A radiologist assistant works under the supervision of a radiologist to treat patients. The radiologist assistant is responsible for managing the patient, observing images The radiologist assistant is responsible for managing the patient, observing images sent to the radiologist, and assisting the radiologist in surgical procedures. In order sent to the radiologist, and assisting the radiologist in surgical procedures. In order to become a radiologist assistant, a student must attend a radiologist assistant to become a radiologist assistant, a student must attend a radiologist assistant program, which are usually master’s level education facilities. The student must also program, which are usually master’s level education facilities. The student must also have an internship and be certified by the American Registry of Radiologic have an internship and be certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.Technologists. A radiologist technologist works with the radiological equipment that is used in A radiologist technologist works with the radiological equipment that is used in radiology and can assist the radiologist in radiological procedures. Radiological radiology and can assist the radiologist in radiological procedures. Radiological technologists can be CT technologists, MRI technologists, Sonographers, and technologists can be CT technologists, MRI technologists, Sonographers, and Radiographers. A radiologist technician typically goes to school for two to four years. Radiographers. A radiologist technician typically goes to school for two to four years. In order to maintain registration as a radiologist technologist, continued education is In order to maintain registration as a radiologist technologist, continued education is required. required.

  

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Week 11Week 11Veterinary MedicineVeterinary Medicine

Veterinarians’ patients are animals. They can work with animals of all Veterinarians’ patients are animals. They can work with animals of all kinds including pets and livestock and animals in zoos, racetracks, and kinds including pets and livestock and animals in zoos, racetracks, and laboratories. Most vets treat the diseases and illness of animals and give animals laboratories. Most vets treat the diseases and illness of animals and give animals checkups, shots, perform surgeries and whatever else may be needed. However, checkups, shots, perform surgeries and whatever else may be needed. However, some veterinarians do research on animal diseases and how to treat them as well some veterinarians do research on animal diseases and how to treat them as well as conduction research on how to prevent animal disease from spreading to as conduction research on how to prevent animal disease from spreading to humans. Veterinarians also use much of the same equipment that nurses use on humans. Veterinarians also use much of the same equipment that nurses use on human patients such as stethoscopes, ultrasounds, and radiographs. The findings human patients such as stethoscopes, ultrasounds, and radiographs. The findings of veterinary treatments on animals also help to further advancements in treating of veterinary treatments on animals also help to further advancements in treating humans. humans.

Veterinarians usually work long hours. They have to be able to work Veterinarians usually work long hours. They have to be able to work well with people as well as animals. They often times work in unsanitary well with people as well as animals. They often times work in unsanitary conditions if they have to perform surgery at a barn or farm. They also have the conditions if they have to perform surgery at a barn or farm. They also have the risk of being bitten or injured by the animals they treat. To be a veterinarian, one risk of being bitten or injured by the animals they treat. To be a veterinarian, one must have a passion for working with animals and be adaptable to many different must have a passion for working with animals and be adaptable to many different situations and settings.situations and settings.

In order to become a veterinarian, a student must obtain a bachelor’s In order to become a veterinarian, a student must obtain a bachelor’s degree or have a large amount of credit hours (ranging from 45 to 90 depending degree or have a large amount of credit hours (ranging from 45 to 90 depending on the school) in order to enter veterinary school. Their course work before on the school) in order to enter veterinary school. Their course work before veterinary school should focus on advanced science, math, and biology veterinary school should focus on advanced science, math, and biology coursework. Students will also be required to take a test upon application to coursework. Students will also be required to take a test upon application to veterinary school. Admittance into veterinary school is competitive. A student will veterinary school. Admittance into veterinary school is competitive. A student will earn their Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree through veterinary school. Upon earn their Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree through veterinary school. Upon graduation, internships may be necessary and are extremely useful in the hiring graduation, internships may be necessary and are extremely useful in the hiring process and later advancement within the veterinary field. Veterinarians must process and later advancement within the veterinary field. Veterinarians must also receive licensure from the state before being allowed to practice.also receive licensure from the state before being allowed to practice.

Being a veterinarian is definitely not a job for everyone. Veterinarians Being a veterinarian is definitely not a job for everyone. Veterinarians must have a passion for helping animals. They must also be dedicated to their must have a passion for helping animals. They must also be dedicated to their course work in school since admittance into veterinary school is so competitive. course work in school since admittance into veterinary school is so competitive. Veterinarians must be adaptable and get along well with humans and animals. Veterinarians must be adaptable and get along well with humans and animals.

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Future PlansFuture Plans To attend Friends University and To attend Friends University and

earn a Bachelor’s Degree in earn a Bachelor’s Degree in PsychologyPsychology

To obtain a Master’s Degree in To obtain a Master’s Degree in Psychology Psychology

To become a therapist for children To become a therapist for children with mental disabilities with mental disabilities

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Final ReflectionFinal Reflection Health Academy provided me Health Academy provided me

with many new opportunities. with many new opportunities. Before Health Academy, I had Before Health Academy, I had not seen very much of the not seen very much of the hospital and did not know all hospital and did not know all of the jobs that were available of the jobs that were available in the hospital. Through my in the hospital. Through my rotations, I was able to see rotations, I was able to see what working in a hospital what working in a hospital really entails. Although I now really entails. Although I now know that the hospital may know that the hospital may not be the place for me, I not be the place for me, I found the Health Academy found the Health Academy program to be very program to be very educational and enlightening educational and enlightening experience for me. experience for me.

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Career PaperCareer Paper

We wrote a six page research paper We wrote a six page research paper on a future career we are on a future career we are considering. I chose to do my paper considering. I chose to do my paper over developmental psychology.over developmental psychology. On On the next page I have placed the first the next page I have placed the first page of my paper, so you can see a page of my paper, so you can see a sample of my writing. sample of my writing.

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Developmental Psychologist Developmental Psychologist Developmental Psychology is the study of the Developmental Psychology is the study of the

development and change that occurs throughout the life of a development and change that occurs throughout the life of a human (Miller 17). Developmental psychologists research the human (Miller 17). Developmental psychologists research the changes that a person undergoes throughout their life and work changes that a person undergoes throughout their life and work to find ways to improve that developmental. They also study the to find ways to improve that developmental. They also study the effects of heredity, environment, culture, and many other factors effects of heredity, environment, culture, and many other factors upon development (“Developmental Psychology” 1). upon development (“Developmental Psychology” 1). Developmental psychologists also work with people that have Developmental psychologists also work with people that have developmental disabilities and diseases. Most developmental developmental disabilities and diseases. Most developmental psychologists specialize in one period of development such as psychologists specialize in one period of development such as infancy, adolescence, or adulthood because the field of infancy, adolescence, or adulthood because the field of developmental psychology is so large. Developmental developmental psychology is so large. Developmental psychologists can also evaluate patients and create treatment psychologists can also evaluate patients and create treatment plans for them. They can help people to develop speech and plans for them. They can help people to develop speech and communication skills as well. Developmental psychology is a communication skills as well. Developmental psychology is a broad field that allows a professional to work in a number of broad field that allows a professional to work in a number of different settings with different types of people (“Developmental different settings with different types of people (“Developmental Psychology” 2). Psychology” 2). Developmental psychologists can work with people of all ages Developmental psychologists can work with people of all ages and in many different fields. Developmental psychologist can be and in many different fields. Developmental psychologist can be found in universities, elementary schools, hospitals, mental found in universities, elementary schools, hospitals, mental health facilities, nursing homes, research facilities, and private health facilities, nursing homes, research facilities, and private practices (“How to Become a Developmental Psychologist”). practices (“How to Become a Developmental Psychologist”). Developmental psychologists that have earned their Ph.D. or Developmental psychologists that have earned their Ph.D. or Psy.D. and that open their own private practices usually have Psy.D. and that open their own private practices usually have several professionals with a Master’s degree in psychology several professionals with a Master’s degree in psychology working under them (Coleman). working under them (Coleman).

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Thank YouThank You