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.