Friday, October 8, 2021

SLU PT Student Appreciates Leadership from Clinical Instructor in Engaging Opportunities at Mercy Hospital


SLU PT Clinical Site Spotlight - Mercy Hospital
By: Jacquelyn Cameli (DPT Class of 2022)

I am so thankful to have had my clinical experience at Mercy Hospital for Acute Care Physical Therapy, in Springfield, Missouri. I especially enjoyed the fast-paced schedule, as well as the diverse workday, variability, and unpredictability that occurred from day to day regarding my patient caseload in being that no two days were the same. I evaluated, educated, and treated patients on the Cardiac Floor, Emergency Department (ED), Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Oncology Floor, Neurological Floor, COVID Step- Down Unit, Burn Unit, Orthopedic Floor, Gynecology Floor, as well as within Psychiatric Center. I enjoyed working with patients thoroughly, and problem-solving scenarios to ensure that patients were discharging safely and appropriately, as well as discussing different rehabilitation options (Inpatient Rehabilitation (IPR), Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF), Home Health Physical Therapy, Outpatient Physical Therapy) when appropriate. I am very thankful for each patient interaction and to have been involved within their care. I am thankful for all of the health care professionals at Mercy Hospital that I crossed paths with including other Physical Therapists (PTs), Nurses, Personal Care Assistants (PCAs), Physical Therapy Assistances (PTAs), Occupational Therapists (OTs), Speech Therapists (STs), Respiratory Therapists (RTs), Hospitalists, Surgeons, and Medical Doctors (MDs). 
Thank you to Rebecca Herron, PT, MPT, for being my clinical instructor! I am thankful to have had the opportunity to have had my clinical experience with you at Mercy Hospital and to have learned from you. I appreciate everything you have taught me to enhance my clinical knowledge and skills as a Student Physical Therapist. I appreciate the questions you asked me, and how you allowed me to discuss my plan of care and findings with you. I appreciate you allowing me the opportunity to engage with patients and be involved with their care through performing tasks, treatments, and evaluations within the hospital. I have learned so much from you about Acute Care. I appreciate all the learning opportunities you coordinated for me at Mercy Hospital in being able to observe Surgeries at Mercy Orthopedic Hospital, as well as observing a Swallowing Study with Speech Therapy. I am thankful to have had your leadership throughout my clinical experience! I will continue to utilize everything you have taught me!

This is one of a series of posts by the Saint Louis University Program in Physical Therapy students featuring their clinical site and their clinical instructors. The number, quality, and diversity of clinical instruction are major assets for the SLU PT Program.

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