SOUTHEAST MISSOURI HOSPITAL - PSYCHIATRIC UNIT is a 14-bed voluntary, adult, general, non-forensic, acute, psychiatric, locked unit. The unit is designed to provide therapy and education to patients suffering from debilitating emotional and mental problems therefore allowing patients to regain control of their lives and be better prepared to cope with life.   The unit treats a wide range of patients with acute illnesses and patients exhibiting acute exacerbations of chronic psychiatric conditions.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE BSW STUDENT:  The BSW student will have the opportunity to be involved in the following learning experiences:  complete initial assesments, observe cognitive therapy groups, lead Educuational Focus Discussion groups, attend inter-agency meetings, attend individual patient meetings, attend family meetings, arrange follow-up post-discharge, locate mental health resources for patients, arrange transportation post-discharge, attend in-service information meetings that related to patient population, attend Individual treatment plan meetings with patient and MSW, attend Master Treatment Plan meetings with patient and MSW.  Students will also have the opportunity to shadow medical social workers assigned to medical floors in the hospital.      

WHAT STUDENTS SAY:  “I feel like I learned a lot during my field education.  It was definitely a challenging setting to be placed in.  One good thing about this placement is that not only was I able to see what social workers at the bachelor’s level can do, I also witnessed master’s-level work.  I feel like I was exposed to more this way.  I learned quite a bit by watching my supervisor talk with clients and do therapy.  I have thought about becoming a counselor and this placement allowed me to decide if I would really want to do that.  It also gave me ideas for how to handle certain situations if I do decide to counsel.  I learned some different ways to talk with clients and [I learned] that what works when dealing with one client may not work for another.  I did see that is important to build rapport, paraphrase, empathize and keep confidentiality.  This experience has helped me learn more about mental disorders and to understand them.  I have learned the criteria for certain disorders and I am even able to guess what a person might have before I ever see their diagnosis.

     There were a few days that I was able to spend with other social workers outside the psychiatric unit.  I spent a day with the hospice social worker, a home health social worker, a social services worker and a CPRC [outpatient mental health outreach) social worker.  This was a good experience, seeing their roles and figuring out if this is something I would like to do.  It was nice being able to…..go on home visits.  I have developed my skills in…interviewing.  I have completed many assessments with patients and reviewed their treatment plans.  Many clients told me that I helped them a lot  and thanked me for talking with them.  This made me feel good about what I was doing.  This population is often misunderstood and I believe I can help them feel like there are people who at least try to understand and do not judge them.  I also developed skills in discharge planning and talking with other professionals. I was often in charge of lining up appointments and arranging aftercare for patients.

    I was constantly asking questions.  I liked that I was able to observe my supervisor many times before I had my own patients.  He was very laid back and always asked me what I wanted to do that day which I liked.  He gave me a lot of choices and opportunities.   He was open to letting me try anything. I had the support of other agency staff.  There was a part-time social worker on the [psychiatric unit] that I helped out some and she seemed happy to have me there. The nurses and doctors were all very nice to me.  They helped me out if I needed it and answered any questions I had.  I felt comfortable with these people.  

     Overall, I am satisfied with my experience.  I learned a lot and will be able to carry this knowledge into my career.  My field education has prepared me to enter into a job with more confidence and skills than I had before.” 

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"This is a good agency for learning about mental health.  I was able to learn at my own pace and was able to have a lot of freedom.  I was allowed to work on other floors of the hospital other than the psychiatric unit.  The staff is great!!  They go out of their way to help you find employment after graduation."

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For more information about Southeast Missouri Hospital, visit their Web site at:  http://www.southeastmissourihospital.com/

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