Summation

The semester and my project are coming to a close. I wanted to take time to review what I've learned.

1. What learning objectives have I met?

While developing my project, I wanted to include a population that was most pertinent to my future career. Being that I was a veteran, and I wanted most to work in psychiatric nursing, homeless veterans were a perfect fit for me.

While working at the shelter, I gained exposure to the various mental illness and substance abuse disorders that plague the homeless population. Also, I was able to experience the many secondary effects of these disorders; an experience that is lacking in the traditional nursing career.

I feel that to see where many of my future patients come from, and where they will go after their hospital stay, will help me to include appropriate nursing interventions and to provide patient teaching that will be more effective for the homeless individual.

2. What surprised me the most about my project?

I was surprised mostly by the people I met at the shelter. My perception of homelessness was not accurate before I began. Many of them hold regular jobs, and have families. Some may dress in  manner that would not identify them as homeless. I wonder how many homeless people I meet in a week and don't even know it.

Mental illness is of coarse prevalent, but many homeless people are not mentally ill. Some, who have lived paycheck to paycheck like many Americans do, found themselves in a shelter soon after loosing their job. Some of these people, independent of any mental, or substance abuse disorders, are victims of the economy.

3. Words of wisdom to future honors students.

PERSEVERANCE. While developing a program to streamline entrance into a complicated VA system, I became a victim of it myself. Right at the time when my project really should have taken off, it fell apart due to someone else's lack of accountability.

I learned that when working with an organization, or a government agency in general, it's best to do the ground work yourself. Don't rely on anyone to relay information, or to process paperwork. It's best to do it all manually. If you are trying to reach someone, don't leave a message. E-mail only if you must.

Most importantly, Show your face! Even after you think you've got the ball rolling with your partner organization, be sure to remain visible. ASSUME THAT THEY WILL FORGET ABOUT YOU. It's important to stay fresh in their memories.

Advocating

This week I had two appointments scheduled; one with the veteran with the one month wait (Ill call him Steve), and the other a new case.

I sat down with Steve and his case manager on Monday to discuss some options as far as how to address his referral issue. We decided to have his case manager call to "schedule an appointment", to emphasize the fact that she was making the needed referral. I was not present for the call, and I'm still awaiting the results of it.

I was scheduled to meed a new veteran who was planning on transferring from the main shelter to transitional housing. From what I know of him, he would have qualified for VA services. Unfortunately, the veteran was not adjusting well to his new life in Birmingham, and decided to move in with his brother in Mobile. So, there was no meeting.

I've still got Steve. Hopefully he and I will make some progress next week.

Jason Watkins