Jennifer Lay, MSW, Lisa Coleman, MSW, Dr. John Wilkaitis, with Leanne Duncan, MSW, Field Instructor

POPLAR BLUFF REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER Behavioral Health Unit is a 22-bed inpatient acute care psychiatric treatment center located on the medical center campus. The facility provides treatment for adult patients with mental illness, substance abuse problems or both. The facility accepts voluntary patients as well as court ordered patients.

The staff on Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center’s Behavioral Health Unit offers hope and help for patients and families who are experiencing psychiatric disorders and problems that are disrupting their daily lives. The staff strives to provide a safe, supportive and nurturing environment where patients may improve their understanding of the illnesses they face and learn coping skills that may improve their quality of life. The Inpatient Psychiatric Program is designed to provide a consistent and structured program of various therapies, including activity therapy, coping skills, goals for living and recovery, and psychotherapy groups that assist patients with healing and improved health.

THE FIELD EXPERIENCE FOR THE BSW CANDIDATE: The following is a description of the internship opportunity on the Behavioral Health Unit located at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center for a bachelor-level student. The 22-bed acute care facility treats individuals 18 years and older who suffer from a mental illness, substance abuse/dependence issues or a combination of the two. At the facility, a student will learn about policy and what policies affect the behavioral health unit. The student will become familiar with certain state and federal policies that affect working in the mental health and substance abuse fields.

A BSW- or bachelor-level student will become skilled at writing treatment plans and working in a team environment.  He/she will also become familiar with discharge planning and the process involved with linking people with resources in the community. The student will also have the opportunity to build on his/ her current knowledge of resources in many different counties in Missouri as well as in other states, e.g., Arkansas and Tennessee. Individual, group and family psychotherapy sessions are provided for client; however, the therapist performing these duties must be at the masters or masters intern-level. BSW students may sit in on therapy sessions with the permission of the patient(s).

The student will be introduced to the group environment by leading education and coping skills groups to gain experience and confidence in working with groups. The BSW-level student will be required to eventually carry a caseload and perform a psychosocial history on each patient. The experience and knowledge gained at the Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center Behavioral Health Unit will be priceless and unforgettable.

WHAT STUDENTS SAY:  “This placement was an excellent learning experience.  They gave you hands-on training and I feel that the way they have this set up is just as it should be.  The field instructor was readily available to provide information and  structure during the semester….when I was confused about a certain situation or process the staff was always ready to lend a helping hand.  In addition to providing care for patients, I attended weekly staff reviews with doctors, social workers and nurses and daily staff meeting for treatment planning review.”

     "The Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center Behavioral Health Unit is an excellent choice for an internship.  The amount of “hands on” training you receive is exceptional.  A student is slowly put into the role of a social worker within the unit.  The pace of work steadily increases during the internship until it reaches a point of the student being in full rotation with the professional staff.

      The student has one close field instructor (MSW) and one BSW who are always available to offer assistance.  The instructor is always close by in case the student needs guidance but once you have attained knowledge and are comfortable with your position, you are allowed to work in the rotation.

      This placement is a first-rate placement for the student who desires to work in the mental health field.  The experience you receive at the micro and mezzo levels is astounding.  The student, on a micro level, sees the patient on a daily basis.  On the mezzo level the student is allowed to observe therapy groups and allowed to lead his/her own coping skills groups as the semester progresses.  The student also assists the patients with finding resources upon their discharge.

      For the student who is trying to find a placement, I can only say good things about the Behavioral Health Unit in Poplar Bluff as it is a great internship.”

For more information about Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center, Behavioral Health Unit, visit their Web site at:  www.poplarbluffregional.com/services_mental.htm

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