Orientation at ASH

To start this post I want to brag a little bit about the amazing January weather we are experiencing right now. Today it was in the 70's all day and when I got home from work my aunt had the windows open to let the breeze in. We then grilled out and sat on the deck to enjoy the weather while we ate our delicious meal. What a great way to end a long day of training.

As far as work goes, I have now completed 3 of the 12 days of training and orientation. Everyone who is a new employee or intern must go through this training. My class consists of 6 other interns who are finishing their degree in Social Work, 2 Nurses, and 4 PNA's (Psychiatric Nurse Assistant). So far, the classes have included things like learning the basics of what mental illness is, how to clean a spill, how to wash our hands, using a fire extinguisher (probably the most exciting so far since we did get to put out an actual fire), and a video entitled "Slips, Trips and Falls" that taught us how to avoid these things and included step by step instructions on how to go down a flight of stairs. As I'm sure you can guess all of this has been extremely boring but I understand the reasons behind why the training is necessary. However, I have not yet observed any music therapy sessions or met any of the patients. I am getting very antsy to get some actual hands on experience.

Don't get me wrong, not all of the training has been mindless. I have learned some useful information along with some sad realities that are difficult to deal with. I think I knew to some extent the nature of working in a state institution, but actually being here and hearing some of the procedures makes them so much more real.

I have been doing a lot of things besides work that have been fun and keep me busy. I have attended yoga and zumba with my aunt a few times (both of which I had never tried before) and I love both of them. I also have been hanging out with my cousin Rossie and have also seen some of the my other family. I am so blessed to have them near by.

I can't wait to have things to talk about when I actually do get to start doing some therapy. Until then, I am realizing more and more what I great opportunity I have with this internship to educate people around me not only about music therapy but also about mental illness. It surprises me that almost everyday I meet someone who doesn't know what music therapy is, or who has a negative opinion about working in a mental health facility. I am going to try my hardest to use these opportunities to advocate for both.

Finally Here!

Well I am finally in Austin and getting settled in. My mother and I drove here from Hutchinson on Saturday. I spent the afternoon and evening getting settled into my room and visiting with my aunt. In case you don't know, my aunt Jo (mother's sister) has graciously let me stay with her. My room is adorable and very homey complete with a large window seat that allows for a lot of natural light during the day!

Today my aunt showed me where the hospital that I will be working at is. It is surprisingly close to her house. It only took us about 10 minutes to get there! We drove around the hospital's campus and I can tell that once winter is over it must be beautiful with all of the trees. The campus is quite large with many buildings. It will be interesting to see what all of them are for. The main building is quite impressive. It was built in 1857. Pretty awesome!

Later we drove around some of the more trendy parts of the city and saw the downtown area. There are so many things to do here, I can't wait to explore! My aunt took us to the largest Whole Foods Market you have ever seen and I was in heaven! Not that I can really afford to do most of my shopping there, but I can't wait to spend Sunday afternoons exploring new ingredients to try out.

We spent the rest of the afternoon eating lunch with some more of my family that lives in Austin at an adorable Italian cafe that was incredibly delicious! After lunch we went to Mount Bonnell where you can see beautiful views of the river and the Austin city skyline.

On Wednesday I am going to go to the hospital to meet my internship directors and observe their Martin Luther King Day celebration. The music therapy department is putting on a presentation and I can't wait to see it! On Friday I will start my general orientation that will be with all the new employees. I am so anxious to start and see what is in store for me!