My name is Abe Choe, a current PrepStep-Health Care Scholar and a Recruitment and Training Coordinator of a new health professions program called PrepStep-Health Care Scholar Program at Swedish Medical Center, First Hill Campus. I have been working on the Medical/Surgical Unit since the beginning of November. In the little time I have been a PrepStep, I have gained invaluable hands-on clinical and administrative experiences, and have observed inner workings of a hospital that I would not have been exposed to otherwise. I’d love to share this opportunity with other students interested in health care.
The PrepStep-Health Care Scholar Program, managed by COPE Health Solutions, is designed to engage health care-focused individuals with the entire patient care team. At Swedish Medical Center, PrepSteps can look forward to hands-on clinical and administrative exposure while rotating through various inpatient, specialty and administrative areas. Students build excellent bedside manner while supporting direct patient care and gain a holistic understanding of the hospital setting.
The PrepStep program also offers a great avenue for experiencing health care reform in real time, as well as opportunities for creating lasting mentors and networks with health care leaders. Students will be joining a network of over 23,000 COPE Health Solutions alumni for seminars, career guidance and employment opportunities.
Also, the PrepStep-Health Care Scholar Program was recently recognized by the Joint Commission as a “leading practice/best in show/outstanding” program in October 2014. The program continues to grow exponentially at this 697 bed facility.
During my first three months as a PrepStep, I’ve learned a lot through working closely with hospital staff and patients. I have performed duties such as changing, feeding, ambulating, and discharging patients, as well as taking vital signs. Other responsibilities include answering call lights and rounding on patients to ensure their comfort and safety.
The most fulfilling experiences I’ve had come from interactions with patients. The demographic of patients I have met is enormous, yet their gratitude for your helping presence remains the same. The appreciation staff and patients express bolsters my passion for health care, and working in such an environment reaffirms my career goals of becoming a physician. Ultimately, this program inspires me to continue down the arduous road to joining the health care team.
Students interested in applying to the PrepStep-Health Care Scholar Program can find the application process at https://www.l3connect.org/prospective-applicants/cce-application. The next application deadline is February 15, 2015.
Feel free to e-mail me any questions at swedishrtc5@copehealthsolutionshcti.org .
