This internship has benefited my future career by giving me more experience interacting with strangers and uplifting their spirits. Infinity Hospice Care tied heavily into my major, psychology, because it exposed me to the mental reality of hospice care, both the pleasant and unpleasant parts. I don’t think there are major educational requirements for being a successful internship. I do believe, however, that a person should be empathetic and open minded towards the individuals they may come across given that everyone comes from different backgrounds, races, religions, beliefs, etc.. I want to become a clinical psychologist in the future and this internship has given me the ability to sit down and simply communicate with strangers about their experiences, their families, their favorite activities, etc… and build genuine relationships with them. To secure a position, a bachelor’s degree in a med field or in social work/counseling might help with experience. Since it’s a hospice, it relies heavily on well trained individuals to ensure the wellbeing and safety of the patients. As far as skills, I think it’s incredibly important to have great communication and punctuality. This internship constantly stresses how communication can create a healthy work environment. Communication even helps with keeping track of the patients and going above and beyond to care for their needs. Punctuality is just as important because being assertive of the patients needs leads to overall satisfaction for them and for the workers. For incoming interns, I suggest being open to all experiences that Infinity Hospice Care has to offer. If you’re not a social person, branch out and open up little by little. If you are dependent on others a lot, look for projects that force you to be independent and rely on your own skills. It’s important to be well versed in everything because it can be incredibly helpful for all of the other staff who already have jam packed schedules. Another important thing is that no matter how confusing something may get, the staff are always extremely helpful and want you to be as successful as you can be.
It's fascinating to hear about your internship experience at Infinity Hospice Care. The way you highlight the importance of empathy, communication, and independence resonates well with what I hope to eventually accomplish as a social worker. The emphasis on understanding diverse backgrounds and fostering genuine connections with patients is something we could all benifit from in some way. Your advice to incoming interns about openness, versatility, and seeking independence in tasks reflects a proactive approach to personal and professional growth. It's so important to be open to so many things, including the unexpected. Thank you for sharing your experience.