Dialysis InternAt — VAN BUREN DIALYSIS

• Interns may assist licensed social worker in providing emotional support and counseling to patients who experience stress, anxiety, depression, or other psychological issues related to their medical condition.

• Interns will help conduct assessments to evaluate patients' mental health, coping strategies, social support systems, and emotional responses to treatment.

• Interns will assist in educating patients about the emotional and psychological aspects of chronic illness, including coping strategies, emotional self-care, and lifestyle adjustments.

Interns will assess patients' emotional well-being, coping strategies, social support systems, and any mental health issues. This will involve structured interviews and the use of psychological assessment tools. Interns will participate in meetings with doctors, nurses, social workers, and dietitians to discuss patient care plans. They will contribute insights from their psychological assessments and help develop holistic care strategies. Interns will prepare written reports and case notes for patient sessions, including psychosocial assessments, progress notes, and treatment recommendations. These reports will be reviewed by supervisors for accuracy and completeness. They will be responsible for handling sensitive patient information, maintaining confidentiality, and adhering to ethical standards in all patient interactions, documentation, and reporting. By performing these duties, students will actively engage in professional-level tasks, allowing them to demonstrate mastery of key skills and competencies i

Training:

Interns will undergo a comprehensive introduction to the dialysis center, including an overview of the facility’s operations, patient care protocols, and health and safety regulations. They will be introduced to the multidisciplinary healthcare team, including nephrologists, nurses, social workers, and dietitians, to understand each member’s role in patient care. Interns will meet regularly with the social worker to discuss their experiences, receive feedback, and address any challenges they may face. Interns will observe the social worker conducting patient assessments, counseling sessions, and group therapies. This observation will allow them to learn by example and understand the application of psychological principles in a healthcare setting. They will have access to psychosocial assessments and treatment plans to familiarize themselves with professional documentation and best practices. They will also undergo training that will cover ethical considerations, including patient confidentiality (HIPAA in the

Learning Outcomes:

The intern will develop skills in conducting psychosocial assessments, identifying mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, or emotional distress in patients undergoing dialysis. The intern will gain experience working as part of a healthcare team, learning to collaborate effectively with physicians, nurses, social workers, and dietitians to provide holistic patient care. The intern will also develop the ability to work with diverse patient populations, understanding the importance of cultural, social, and individual factors in shaping patients' experiences of illness and care.