Continuing education
The ASHS program has provided me with an exciting learning experience which promises to define my professional and personal development. Through interactions with clients in various human service settings, I have been able to gain knowledge and intensive insight regarding my career field, which I believe will help me in becoming a better professional. The experience has provided challenging instances as well, which I have developed improvement and growth throughout study and practice. In this paper, I shall discuss my experience through a reflection of the ASHS program. Also, I will discuss how the program has impacted and changed my perspectives regarding various aspects of the field. According to Peisachovic, a reflection that is beyond action enables professionals with the understanding and capability to “view practice as a holistic approach to care” (Peisachovic, 2016). Thus, this reflection highlights an opportunity to have a critical thought of the impact and influence of my study and the program at large.
Through numerous experiences derived in my ASHS program, I have been able to have a better understanding of client problems as well as other social problems. During my program and field experiences, I often focused on the caring aspect especially in developing therapeutic relationships with clients. Initially, I used to think that my role and obligations in the profession included providing treatment to illnesses and symptoms to care for patients. However, as a result of clinical experiences and knowledge gained in the program, my feelings and thoughts have changed. To understand the problems of the client, it is prudent to build relationships with the clients. They should be able to trust in me and my actions while they are under my care. Also, understanding social problems is an important factor in my field as it provides an insight on the trends and occurrences that are taking place. For example, understanding the social problem of unhealthy eating habits within the society can indicate why there is a growing number of obesity related health conditions.
Besides, the program has helped me have a better grip in implementing observations, interviews as well as other tasks including record keeping and enhancing confidentiality. In addition to understanding the importance of the various methods of collecting data, I have learnt how to effectively apply the most appropriate method with respect to the underlying task. For example, in the process of determining an effective treatment plan for a client, interviews are often the most appropriate way to derive information that guides decision making in the process. Also, the information gathered as well as other important details should be carefully stored in record. The process of collecting information and record keeping also puts into consideration the privacy and confidentiality of clients. For example, it is not ethical to expose private details of a patient such as their diagnosis to irrelevant entities.
Throughout this program, I have explored various concepts as well as theories which construct and formulate to the phenomenon of what it means to be a professional in my career. Thus, I have come to realize the crucial aspect of developing theories as conducting research especially in advancing health care practice. The theories learned have helped in the enhancement of my critical thinking, challenged me to be more open-minded and developed my self-awareness. Also, they have been a huge influence in enabling me to care for the biopsychosocial being of a client.
Further, I have learned about the difficulties encountered in behavior change as well as the value of setting goals. Health is often a result of the interplay between biology and various social determinants which define human interactions. Some of these factors include norms, attitudes, cultural practices and knowledge. While behavior change influences the well-being and health of individuals, I learnt that sometimes it is challenging to implement some of these changes. However, broad knowledge on how to overcome this challenge as provided in the program such as effective communication will work in advancing my professional work. For example, I will apply evidence-based communication programs which aim at enhancing knowledge, enacting change as well as shifting some of the attitudes and cultural norms among people. Also, setting goals is another aspect I have learned from the program. Setting goals on what I need to achieve as well as defining a timeline for the goal is an important skill that applies to my personal life as well. Through this skill, I believe I will be able to realize my potential and grow my work ethics by always striving to attain my goals within the set period.
Additionally, the program has been essential in my growth especially with implementation of treatment plans. These plans are often derived from the various points of interaction that I will have with the clients. Also, each of these contacts has the potential to enable me with crucial information about the client as well their form of treatment. In this process, I learned that applying techniques of data collection such as carrying interviews proves viable. Through clinical interviewing during a treatment episode, large amounts of interpersonal information are passed from the client. It is important that I develop my interviewing skills to help make effective and successful treatment plans. Also, these interviews ought to entail a sense of purpose. For example, when a conversation lacks a central theme, the roles of a participant are not precisely defined. Problem solving skills are also important in the implementation of treatment plans. I have grown in client interaction as well as critical thinking which influences how I make decisions and solve problems. As a professional, I should always avoid getting overly emotional when I am faced with a problem. Instead, I should approach the problem with courage, wisdom and professionalism learned in my program.
Through the program, I have developed my problem solving skills which have been fundamental in the processes that entail advocacy for clients as well as their needs. Through the program, I have learned that to ensure effective problem-solving, there should be a free flow of ideas as it inhibits preconceived ideas from exerting control over the process. Further, I have grown in my problem-solving skills as I have understood how to identify a problem, weigh or measure the available alternatives as well as come up with a viable solution that manages the problem. However, some problems can be difficult and more input as well as skills is required to derive effective solutions. In such situations, the free flow of ideas can be done by carrying out consultations through teamwork as opposed to making individual decisions. Sharing insights from fellow workmates or those with more experience and knowledge prevents unnecessary wastage of time that would otherwise be used if a single person was to be involved.
Some virtues are essential in health care practice. During the course of my program, I have been able to develop and experience growth in harboring the virtues of hope and wisdom. These virtues are fundamental especially in influencing some of the challenging decision that I am required to make in this field. To describe this aspect, I have to consider the role of health care professionals. Often, the roles are multifaceted and challenging to generalize but the development of a helping relationship with the client is an important factor that defines these roles. For example, during therapy I understand that I should ensure the client fares well and survives during their condition as well as enable their recovery. Also, while dealing with terminally ill patients, I should work to ensure that they have fair or good deaths. Ensuring that these roles are carried out effectively requires that I employ various virtues that will guide my behavior and decisions. For example, the virtues of hope and wisdom are vital while dealing with clients. Through hope, I will trust my actions and offer treatment plans or advocacy while considering the possibility of their success. Also, through wisdom, I will be able to make diligent and informed decisions in my professional and personal life.
The need to mobilize community resources ways that enable consultation with workers in different organizations or agencies is an important approach in providing health care. I was able to experience the impact of community mobilization during my placement. Local resources are able to significantly contribute to the participation of various stakeholders such as governments and external donors in programs. Mobilization of community resources including, nonmonetary and monetary health programs helps in the development of effective partnerships within private, public and governmental sectors. During my placement in our community, the various groups within the community were able to come together in expanding as well as strengthening health services.
Also, it is important to note that resources come in various forms such as financial or nonfinancial. I noticed that some community resources such as supplies, labor and availability of space are often overlooked. However, these resources can be important sources of support in the health welfare of the community. This program has helped me identify some of these supportive resources and apply them effectively to meet the health needs of a community. I believe, as communities develop more involvement and responsibility for their health care, they may as well advocate actively with stakeholders in all levels to assume greater roles in supporting health care.
In conclusion, even though I have had the chance to gain a lot of insight with regard to my professional and career development through this program, I think there is still need for life-long learning and continuing education. Continuing education provides fresh and new information which can be applied in improving the outcomes of patients. For example, I have learnt that some of the practices carried out in my field are not static and often undergo transitions and changes. Some ways of things that are implemented now might not be in use years to come. Newer technological advancements and emergence of more evidence bring more ways that can be used to improve the quality of life for clients. Thus, it is important to consider life-long learning as well as continuing education to stay informed about the impending changes in the field. In addition, gaining more education of various topics will place me at higher paid positions which can increase my marketability as well as earning.