Internship Assignment D

Kirsten

West Middlesex Hospital

Patrick Ryland

Part 1

1.       1. Prepare Spreadsheets from information given for volunteers. 2. Assist supervisor in correcting patient files. 3. Search database for NHS numbers. 4. Find GP codes to be sent to NHS.

2.       For the most part I was able to see how certain parts of the hospital were run. By finishing spreadsheets and searching the database I learned how the hospital gets their money from the NHS and I learned what the NHS pays for and what the hospital would be responsible for.

Supervisor

Patrick is really straight forward about what he wants on each spreadsheet. Most of the spreadsheets are the same but sometimes there is different information that I have to make so the NHS can read it. if I ever have a question about something he is always willing to help me and a lot of times he will work on a spreadsheet with me so I don’t have to do the whole thing myself since sometimes there can be up to 500 patients on one sheet. When I first started he was really good about training me and making sure I understood everything I was doing. He also sat with me for the first few days to make sure I wasn’t confused about anything in the CAMIS database. He is also really good about giving praises and commenting on how much I have helped then get ahead of where they are supposed to be.

Coworkers

My co-workers around me are awesome. There is always entertainment in the office when everyone is there. They are always laughing and joking around about something. I really like that it isn’t a big deal if you want to go over to someone else’s desk for 20 minutes to chat about whatever. I really like how important relationships with everyone are so important. They are all extremely nice to me and include me in on their jokes and conversation. I’m going to miss everyone that works around me when I leave!

Yourself

1.       Although I did like my internship I thought a lot of the time it was a bit below my academic preparation. Yes, I had to learn the database and how the whole system works but I didn’t think it was terribly hard or out of my realm.

2.       Looking back I think I should have spoke up more about wanting to do other things. Potentially harder assignments that would be more suitable for what I am studying in school currently. I also think on some days I could have been a lot more productive that I actually was.

3.       Before I did this internship I was semi interested in possibly doing something with hospital administration. Now, I’m not so sure. I think if I would have moved to different departments I could have got a better feel for what it was really like, instead of just seeing one aspect. It has made me realize not to just settle for anything.

Central College’s Programme Organisation

1.       The application process was a lot easier than I thought it was going to be. At the time of everything I thought it was difficult but looking back at it I realize that it was a lot easier than I originally thought. Everything was really straight forward.

2.       For me on a personal level it wasn’t really that helpful at the beginning. I really had no idea what I wanted. It did however make me realize that I need to start thinking about what I want and make a decision so I am ready after I graduate.

3.       Everyone did a great job in each way. They answered all of my questions that I had and were really helpful with everything.

4.       Don’t go in with too many expectations. Be willing to break out of your comfort zone and have an open mind. Be willing to challenge yourself and be willing to ask for more!

Part 2

Within my internship I have played an important role of finding patient information. Without this information the NHS won’t pay for the medical bills for the patient. If the NHS isn’t paying for it the hospital has too. Now it doesn’t seem like such a huge problem but with hundreds of patients it adds up. Hospitals are having enough trouble as it is with funding and staying open so the more bills the hospital doesn’t have to pay the better. The IT department at West Mid is great. The people were fantastic, incredibly nice, and always making work not feel like work. They made it exciting to be in the office on Mondays and Tuesdays. In hindsight I wish I would have asked for more/different things to do on occasion. My advice to others would be to have fun with, get to know the people around you, and if you aren’t feeling challenged enough talk to your supervisor and have him/her find you something more your speed. Keep an open mind the whole time!