Internship Site
I am currently interning as a Residential Case Manager at Ethan Crossing of Indianapolis.
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Ethan crossing is an multidisciplinary facility that offers a range of services, including Acute Psychiatric and Detox treatment, Residential Rehabilitation, and an Intensive Outpatient program. They provide direct patient care to individuals facing psychiatric, mental health, and substance use disorders, supporting their journey toward recovery and well-being.
Primary Responsibilities
​​My current work revolves around assisting individuals who are in treatment for substance use disorder on the residential unit. I spend my days assessing clients on their needs for maintaining their sobriety for when they discharge from our facility. This includes helping clients find safe housing, making sure that they are connected with both a Primary Care Provider and a Behavioral Health Therapist, referring them to programs such as Intensive Outpatient or Partial Hospitalization, and connecting them with community resources such as local AA or NA meetings to ensure that they have continued support and are in a stable positive environment by the time they complete their 28 days with us.
I also attend daily TEAMS meetings to staff clients with the clinical team to ensure all questions and concerns are being addressed and that clients needs are being met.
Learning Objectives
The learning objectives that I have set for myself at the beginning of my internship include:
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Improving my understanding when it comes to the harm of addiction and what it can do to peoples lives.
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Developing the best outcomes I can for my clients when it comes to living healthy lives and returning to society.
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Building strong and healthy relationships with my clients.
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Work towards promoting long term recovery and wellness for all my clients.
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Never letting myself forget that you can supply individuals with as many resources as possible, but at the end of day, choosing a sober lifestyle is a choice only they can make.
I can confidently say that I have met all of these goals during my internship. Working with clients everyday has opened my eyes when it comes to the harm that addiction has on the ones struggling with it as well as the friends and family that don't have a say in the matter. I have worked hard with every client I have had to ensure they have a safe discharge plan when they leave our facility, as well as made sure I had a relationship with every single one of my clients. Through actively watching clients leave our facility against medical device as well as leave successfully and return, I have always kept in mind that them not being ready to stay sober is not a reflection of my work as a Case Manager.
Personal Development
​​I have acquired a variety of new skills from this internship experience. Some of these skills include client assessments, case management, and collaboration with a multidisciplinary team. Specifically, I have developed skills in evaluating needs for individuals in treatment for substance use disorder, setting up a successful discharge plan, and exploring resources for sober living and community health centers all around Indiana. ​I have further developed my skills in identifying community resources, collaborating with a team of healthcare professionals, and knowing how to handle uncomfortable or challenging situations including administrative discharges and code violets.
When it comes to the contributions I have made during my internship, I have played a crucial role in helping individuals seek housing, getting them connected with community resources and programs, and getting them set up with healthcare services within a 28 day timeframe. I have also provided endless support to my clients making sure that they feel safe and heard during this vulnerable time while also ensuring that their support continues in their long term recovery. Lastly, I have been a support system to my clinical team, assisting them with any help they may need.
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While I have gained valuable skills in Case Management, I recognize that there are areas I can work on to continue to improve. Areas of growth that I need to continue to work on are time management, setting boundaries when it comes to clients wants versus their needs, following up with clients, and enhancing my clinical knowledge when it comes to Substance Use Disorder.
Academic Connections
​​​The knowledge and skills I have learned in the classroom have had a huge impact on my role as a Case Manager. This internship experience relates to many classes that I have taken in my undergraduate degree.
High Risk Health Behavior and Harm Reduction has provided me with a solid foundation when it comes to understanding the basics of Substance Use Disorder and strategies that can be put in place to assist these individuals in their recovery.
Health Systems Administration has given me the tools I need to to provide support to both my clients and my team in a healthcare setting. Understanding the administrative process has guided me in the right direction when it comes to advocating for my clients, communicating with referral sources, and navigating resources available within healthcare.
Professionalism in the Healthcare Workplace has helped me develop the way I carry myself in a professional healthcare setting. It taught me how to be confident when collaborating with other organizations, knowing how to effectively communicate with individuals, and build trusting relationships with clients and team members.