Interim Healthcare Internship

Presenter: Jada Bonsu, Public Health Science, Global Public Health Scholars

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During my practicum, I had the opportunity to work with Interim Healthcare in Columbia, a geriatric home health care organization. I provided weekly in-home care to elderly clients, supporting around five individuals regularly. My responsibilities included assisting with daily living activities such as ambulation,hygiene, feeding,etc. Through this experience, I developed skills in monitoring vital signs, practicing infection control, and maintaining proper documentation, as I had to display them on a daily basis. I was able to observe how this aspect of healthcare operates, and deepen my understanding of clinical workflows, communication protocols, and teamwork. As a pre health student, who is an aspiring physician assistant, this practicum experience solidified my passion for hands-on healthcare and broadened my perspective on patient advocacy. I saw how effective communication makes a difference in addressing needs of a client/patient, ensuring that they are heard, which is very important, especially when caring for elderly people. From a public health lens, the experience highlighted the importance of quality care for aging populations. As I stated before, providing supportive care to elderly clients not only improves their physical well-being, but also impacts their mental and emotional health, contributing to their overall wellness. This goes hand-in-hand with the public health goals of disease prevention, promoting better health outcomes and reducing health disparities. My practicum experience reinforced the role home healthcare workers play in improving public health outcomes and inspired me to continue pursuing a career where I can make a positive impact in many lives.