Work Readiness Skills at Marin General Hospital
Positive
1. One work readiness skill that I used at my internship in a positive way was professionalism. At Marin General, I must wear business-casual outfits everyday, keep my hair neat, and have an ID badge that must be above my waste. If I wasn't dressed like this, people might think I am just a visitor, and I wouldn't receive as much respect. It's important to show my supervisor and her colleagues that I am professional and act in a professional way.
2. Another skill I use frequently is having a positive attitude. At the beginning of my internship, there was always a lot of waiting. My supervisor would have continuous meetings, so sometimes I would just be in her office making copies and filing papers. It wouldn't be fun at all, but I had to keep a positive attitude towards everything and make sure to show my supervisor I was willing to do anything she asked of me.
Negative
1. The one skill that I struggled with at the beginning was communication. The hospital was very intimidating when I didn't know anybody, especially when I am just a high school student. The first couple of times at my internship I kept my head down and didn't really introduce myself to different staff members. Now that I am more comfortable at the hospital, I try to talk to as many people as I can. The other day, I was running errands for my supervisor and found myself talking to an anesthesiologist for a while. I think it's important for me to build somewhat of a relationship with doctors or other staff members, because it might be helpful if I want to return to Marin General for a different internship/volunteer opportunity.
Caitlin, I think that it is very good that you are looking and acting professional around your supervisors and colleagues. At my internship in the hospital, I must also do the same, and I think it is very important to dress as professional as possible because it reflects on who you are as a person. As for communication, I too struggle with that at times. But it is a skill you learn over time. Have confidence in your work and make sure to always let your colleagues know when and where to reach you. This skill will definitely develop over time and I also agree that it is very important to develop good relations with the people you are working with.
ReplyDeleteCaitlin, I completely understand what you're going through at your internship because I have been experiencing a lot of the same strengths and weaknesses at my internship. I agree with your point that a lot of respect you receive from your peers is derived from what attire you are wearing at work, and I think that it's awesome that you are staying professional in what you wear and communicating through your attire that you deserve respect as well. And as for the communication portion of your internship, I think that building relationships with as many people as you can will definitely be helpful, and since I'm struggling with the communication portion of my internship as well, I think that is something I might take back and try and implement in my internship as well.
ReplyDeleteCaitlin, I think it is great that you were able to keep a positive attitude at your internship. I know my internship will include lots of filing papers and making copies as well, so I am going to strive to keep a positive attitude too. I am impressed with your communication skills. It sounds like you really turned your negative skill into an additional positive skill. I hope that I will be able to do the same because communication is difficult for me as well. I am sure that your supervisor notices and appreciates the work you put into looking professional.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI agree that hospitals can be very intimidating and you must be professional in all situations. But it is also very important to build relationships with people who work in the hospital. Keep up the good work.
ReplyDelete