I work directly with patients in the hospital, helping them and their families navigate the complex healthcare system and identifying resources to help them manage their illness after they leave the hospital setting. I interface with doctors, nurses, therapists, chaplains, and other members of the interdisciplinary team to address needs of the whole patient. I also have my own Private Practice, where I provide
psychotherapy to individuals experiencing serious or chronic illness or medical trauma.
My field experience at Messiah directly contributed to my current employment. My senior field placement was through Penn State Health, my current employer, and I
never would have had that opportunity if it weren’t for the networking and relationships I built during my time at Messiah.
All of the field experiences and having a safe place to process all I was learning (or needed to learn!) Even though I may have felt unprepared in the moment, I was always glad when faculty pushed me because they saw my potential!
The practice classes (with individuals, families, groups) were so helpful and I often reflect on the skills I learned. I also appreciated the courses aligned with field experience: to provide a space to connect classroom and field learning.
Would you recommend Messiah's BSW program to future social workers?
Absolutely! I often talk with previous or current students at other institutions and their experience is not as full of field work and hands on opportunities