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1. I have been a Licensed Practical Nurse for nineteen years. I have worked in several

different areas of healthcare. I worked in a long-term care facility that remodeled a wing

to take on patients that required physical, occupational, or speech therapy with the intent

that these patients would be discharged home. This was my first nursing job, perfect

place for a new nurse to start work. I had to administer medications, complete treatments,

and assess patients with issues, the pace was perfect for a new graduate and my Director

of Nursing was patient and willing to educate.

I left there under some not so good terms, and became employed at an Assisted Living

Facility where there wasn’t much of a challenge. The patients were there for assistance

only, I would administer their medications and help the staff with patient care, laundry, or

housekeeping but really not a lot of challenges.

I applied for a position as a jail nurse and got it. Basically 1-2 nurses for 235+ male and

female patients, had to administer medications, complete any treatments, monitor

pregnant patients, screen in or assess new patients and monitor patients that could

possibly detox from drug/alcohol use. The screening process could take anywhere from

20 minutes to an hour depending on a patient’s medical, mental health, or drug use.

While I would screen someone in, I got to talk to them, hear their history, and learn

about their drug use if any, learn about any abuse or mental health history, or any medical

problems. The packet we used was lengthy, about eleven pages. While these patients

were in the facility and if they reported drug use, I would determine what type of detox

monitor they would need and order it. This was a great opportunity and I got to learn a

lot. After awhile I felt like I could do more for these patients that were going through

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detox. I wanted to be able to sit with them, talk with them about why they used, what

they were going through, if I could help somehow without being in the nurse capacity. I

saw a commercial about Chemical Dependency Counseling on television and decided

that was what I was going to do. I found a program that I could afford and applied at

Cuyahoga Community College.

2. I feel like my life has changed in a positive way since I started this program. I have had

some hurdles along the way but in some instances was able to apply techniques we

learned in class and they really helped. I also have seen changes at my job, I feel like I

am a better nurse. I have improved some of my skills: communication, assessments and at

times assertiveness. As a mom, I also feel like I have improved. Taking the time to think

things through and questions rather than snap.

3. HS-1101 Foundations of Substance Abuse and Addiction-This class was meaningful

to me because as a nurse I had to learn the pharmacology end. As a student in this class I

learned that there was a lot more to it than just what the drug handbook told me. The

effects of ATOD has on families, relationships was amazing. This was the first class I

took when I enrolled into the program and it made me keep going because I had to know

more.

HS-1300 Introduction to Human Services-This class was meaningful to me because I

enjoyed learning about the many people in history that took it upon themselves to help

others.

HS-1850 Introduction to Human Services Principles and Practices-This class was

meaningful to me because it taught me to fine tune my skills or improve some of the

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skills I have. I feel like this class made me a better listener and more observant not just at

my practicum site but overall.

HS-1200 Treatment Modalities and Diversity Issues in Chemical Dependency-This

class was meaningful to me because it taught me that not everyone can be treated the

same. It taught me that I need to be aware of the different cultures and special populations

for best client treatment. Introduced the 12 Core Functions/Global Criteria to me and

introduced the different types of charting and assessments.

HS-1210 Prevention and Chemical Dependency-This class was meaningful to me

because it taught me that there were several levels of prevention. It taught me the process

of starting a prevention program in my area.

HS-2200 Ethics in Chemical Dependency-This class was meaningful to me because I

learned that chemical dependency has considerations that I need to be aware of, not only

hippa and scopes of practice but that every person should be treated with dignity and

worth regardless of background.

HS-2850 Human Services Principles and Practices I-This class was meaningful to me

because I learned that effective time management skills are very important and that not

everything has to be serious, or traditional.

HS-2860 Human Services Principles and Practices II-This class was meaningful to me

because I was able to spend more time talking with clients. I like learning the billable

terms documentation.

HS-2990 Human Services Capstone-This class was meaningful to me because I learned

how to effectively complete a resume and cover letter.

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HS-1120 Suicide Prevention and Intervention-This class was meaningful to me

because it made me aware of risks factors and predictors. It also made me aware of all the

different populations that are associated with suicide. It also made me relate some of this

to my work and helped me be able to assess patients better.

HS-2600 Systems Approach to case Management -This class was meaningful to me

because it made me more aware of what all a case manager does. I also liked this class

because we made genograms on ourselves and I found out things about my family that I

didn’t know. We also did ecomaps on our clients and I think that they helped motivate the

client that we used in our study, so they can see how much they have changed.

D. I learned a couple things at my practicum that was meaningful. First, not to be afraid

to come back. Wess was a client that successfully completed the program but started

using 1 month after he left. He told his PO that he needed to return to CATS to get help

and he was welcomed back without question.

Second, I learned that it doesn’t matter how old you are, addiction doesn’t discriminate. I

have worked in the jail for 8 years and I don’t think I have seen 10 patients over 55 that

were addicted to something. At my practicum site though, I saw that it doesn’t matter. I

saw multiple men of various races over the age of 55 addicted to heroin or alcohol. This

was meaningful to me because it was an eye opener. It made me realize just how that the

drug and alcohol addiction isn’t with a certain age group.

E. I am employable and competent in the human services field because I can relate well

with others, and I want to help people. My personal and professional qualities that I

possess include being organized, efficient, have experience in different areas(case

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management, referrals, assessments ), can communicate effectively with others, can

delegate tasks, am trustworthy, and not afraid to take initiative, and am willing to learn

new skills.

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