Internship Report Homework Essay Help

Bachelor of Science in Health Science StudiesHealth Informatics and Information Management (HIIM) Emphasis

Internship Manual

Assembled by Jaime Sand

Created Fall 2016

Table of Contents

Introduction 3 Definitions 3 Goals 3 Benefits to the Internship Site 3 Internship Requirements 4 Finding an Internship 4 Before Your Internship 5 Program Requirements 5 Internship Application Process 5 Online Orientation Workshop 6 Facility-Specific Requirements 6 Initial Contact 6 During Your Internship 7 Documenting and Completing Hours 7 Student Professional Conduct 7 After the Internship 8 Grading 9 Internship Coordinator Responsibilities 9 Responsibilities of the Organization Providing the Internship 10 Organization Guide 10

Introduction

Internships are defined by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) as “a form of experiential learning that integrates knowledge and theory learned in the classroom with practical application and skills development in a professional setting”.* Internships provide unique opportunities for students to apply knowledge gained in the classroom, making connections between theory and practical application. They also offer employers the opportunity to preview, evaluate, and train potential future employees.

Internships provide practical, hands-on professional experience and build skills employers look for when hiring college graduates. They offer students an opportunity to explore a potential career path, an industry and/or an organization, and to network and make valuable connections for references and future jobs. Internships require students to apply the knowledge gained in the classroom to the world of work.

For HIIM students, internships are time-limited, supervised periods of health information activities carried out in a healthcare facility or health-related organization. A community internship offers a vast range of opportunities for the student to explore health in different settings, including acute care hospitals, clinics, surgery centers, long-term care facilities, insurance companies, registries, and others. The majority of internships are unpaid.

Through the internship program, Boise State University strives to establish cooperative relationships with public and private organizations resulting in a positive experience for students, the academic departments, and the placement organization.

*http://www.naceweb.org/advocacy/position-statements/united-states-internships.aspx

Definitions

· Student Intern: A student who has enrolled in one of the department’s internship courses and has been placed in a local agency to fulfill their pre-determined internship hours.

· Organization Supervisor: A qualified staff member at the participating organization who will act as the student’s on-site supervisor during the student’s internship period.

· Internship Coordinator: Boise State University faculty member specifically assigned to coordinate and supervise the internship program, as well as the student intern.

Goals

· To prepare students for entry into the health information field.

· To allow students to gain work experience applicable to the health information field.

· To provide students an opportunity to practice their skills on health information related projects and activities.

Benefits to the Internship Site

· Interns can provide valuable work hours and services, assisting the pursuit of organizational goals.

· Some ideas include having an intern create an implementation plan, create new quality indicators, perform audits and/or assist in the preparation of an external audit, perform data collection for a reporting requirement, utilize a database for searching and summarizing results for a presentation, create and deliver additional training, create a documentation guide, research and report a new initiative, and many more!

· Advancement of education for students interested in health information, leading to better training and expanded opportunities for health information professionals.

· A fresh, new perspective on achieving the goals of the organization, which the intern can provide based on the knowledge and skills they have gained through their formal training at Boise State University.

· An opportunity for the organization to network, resulting in a stronger alliance of local community health information professionals.

Internship Requirements

Students must apply for internships. To be an eligible applicant, students must have a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA and upper-division standing.

Students earn one credit for each 45 hours of work. The HIIM program requires completion of 3 academic internship credits, or 135 hours. This experience may be with one organization or the student may select multiple experiences during their academic career, based on availability.

An internship must be completed in the semester the student is getting academic credit. Once registered, the internship will appear on the transcript as HLTHST 493, Health Informatics & Info Mgmt Internship. It is considered academic credit and will be billed as such. HIIM internships are graded on a pass/fail basis.

Internship requirements are addressed in Boise State University Policy #3060.

Finding an Internship

HIIM Internship Coordinators will make recommendations for internship placements based on student interests, personalities, and availability.

Some students find their internship by contacting the company directly. If a student contacts a new organization or supervisor, this contact information must be submitted to the HIIM Internship Coordinators. HIIM Internship Coordinators will contact the potential supervisor to review internship requirements and confirm availability and compliance. It is the student’s responsibility to provide this contact information to the HIIM Internship Coordinators.

Under no circumstances may internship credit be received for experience prior to the date that the internship is approved. Under rare circumstances in which there is a significant learning curve in a new job or work project, a student may seek internship supervision at a current employer. This will be approved on a case-by-case basis by the HIIM Internship Coordinators.

Before Your Internship

Due to the steps necessary to meet both university and facility requirements for internship credit, it is recommended that students begin the internship process at least one semester prior to their planned enrollment in the internship. These steps may vary depending on the facility requirements.

Program Requirements

In the semester prior to enrolling in the internship, the student must submit the following materials to the HIIM Internship Coordinators:

· An updated resume.

· A statement of interest that identifies areas of health information and/or patient settings that the student is interested in.

· A statement of limitations that addresses any physical limitations, travel restrictions, or other concerns that would limit the settings in which the student can successfully complete the internship.

In the semester of enrollment in the internship, the student must submit the following materials to the HIIM Internship Coordinators:

· Signed confidentiality statement

· Signed acknowledgement of internship requirements

Internship Application Process

Once the student has obtained an internship and is ready to register for the internship course, the student must complete an application online. The instructions are as follows:

· Access the Internship Application for Academic Credit found online at http://career.boisestate.edu/students/internships/. Click on the button on the left side, “Internship Application for Academic Credit”.

· Log in using your Boise State username and password.

· To create your application, hit the plus (+) sign next to Internship Application for Academic Credit on the left side of the page. Click on the option to “Create an Application”.

· Enter all required information (fields with * are required).

· The department is Community and Environmental Health.

· Your Internship Coordinator is either Jaime Sand or Linda Osgood.

· Hit “Submit” (if you do not have all the information, you can “Save” and come back, but remember it is not submitted until you hit “Submit”).

· Once submitted, the application will be routed to the department Internship Coordinator (Jaime or Linda) for approval.

· Once approved by the department Internship Coordinator, it will then be routed to the organization supervisor for approval via email.

· Once approved by the Organization Supervisor, it will be routed via email to the Registrar’s Office and the approved internship course will be added to your class schedule. It will appear as HLTHST 493.

The deadline to submit this internship application to the Registrar’s Office is typically the 8th week of a semester, or 2nd week for financial aid purposes. However, the deadline will be different every semester and can be found on the Registrar’s website.

Online Orientation Workshop

As part of doing an internship for academic credit, students are required to complete a short online orientation workshop and quiz prior to beginning an internship. To complete the workshop and quiz, the instructions are as follows:

· Access the Internship Application for Academic Credit.

· Log in using your Boise State username and password.

· On the left side you will see Internship Application for Academic Credit (+). Click on the plus (+) sign. Click on “View Online Orientation Workshop”.

· After completion of viewing the orientation video, you will be prompted to take a quiz. Complete 10 question quiz and submit.

Facility-Specific Requirements

Some facilities require additional documentation. This may include:

· Verification of a clean background check.

· Verification of a variety of immunizations. These may include:

· Negative PPD

· History of MMR vaccination

· History of varicella vaccination or historical documentation of the disease

· History of Hepatitis B vaccination

· Verification of current influenza vaccination

Some facilities may also require a facility-specific application, facility orientation, and/or online courses.

The Internship Coordinator will confirm additional requirements with the facility. It is the Student Intern’s responsibility to provide required documentation to the Internship Coordinator.

Initial Contact

Once the required registration and documentation are obtained, it is the Student Intern’s responsibility to contact the Organization Supervisor to begin the internship. Details should be obtained on location, parking, building access, and schedule.

Student Interns should work with the Organization Supervisor to develop a realistic schedule that will work for all involved parties. Student Interns can work any number of hours per week as long as it is realistic for the student and convenient for the internship site. Student Interns should not be left unsupervised at the internship site.

During Your Internship

The Student Intern is expected to adhere to organizational work schedules and administrative policies. Failure to participate in scheduled work activities will result in termination of the internship.

An internship is an investment in a student’s future. Gaining valuable work experience and critical skills, and expanding their professional network will pay off as they pursue career opportunities after graduation. To make the most of an internship, it is recommended that Student Interns do the following:

· Work with the Organization Supervisor to develop a list of mutually beneficial goals and objectives for the internship and continue to re-evaluate these.

· Be positive, professional, and take initiative – demonstrate a positive attitude, be timely, dress appropriately, ask questions, show interest, and work hard.

· Network and build relationships with the Organization Supervisor and others at the organization.

Documenting and Completing Hours

Attendance

Absenteeism and tardiness are considered unprofessional and undesirable traits. Student Interns are expected to be at the agency on a consistent, regular basis throughout the semester in order to complete total internship hours required. If a Student Intern is running late, they must contact the Organization Supervisor and give him or her an estimated arrival time. Student Interns should not ask to leave early. If a Student Intern must depart early, the arrangement must be agreed to by the Organization Supervisor, and a later visit must be arranged to make up missed hours. Excessive absenteeism and tardiness will result in a failing grade.

Timekeeping

Student Interns are expected to track all time spent at the organization. Student Interns must create a spreadsheet in Google Drive that is shared with the Internship Coordinator. In addition to listing hours worked each day, Student Interns must document a brief description of activities.

Unexpected Absences

If a Student Intern is unable to be at his or her internship as scheduled for any reason, it is essential that the Student Intern discuss this with the Organization Supervisor. Hours missed must be made up to ensure Student Interns complete the total number of hours required each semester. Extensions may be considered in extenuating circumstances, but must be approved by the Organization Supervisor and by the Internship Coordinator.

Student Professional Conduct

The HIIM program is preparation for professional practice. There are physical, cognitive, emotional, and character requirements for effective health information practice, in addition to compliance with health information laws and ethics. Students who violate or fail to demonstrate adherence to these essential skills, values, and standards as they progress through the HIIM program and their internship may be subject to dismissal from the HIIM emphasis and may be unable to secure a health information job upon graduation.

Professionalism

Student Interns are expected to follow facility rules and policies. They are expected to be punctual and dependable. They are expected to demonstrate professional behavior in their interactions with patients, facility staff, and Boise State University faculty and staff. Student interns must demonstrate an ability to prioritize responsibilities and complete assignments.

Student interns should practice professionalism by presenting a professional appearance. Student interns must adhere to the facility’s dress code, suitable business casual or office attire. If required by the facility, Student Interns should wear their identification badge at all times. If there are questions regarding proper attire and appearance, the Student Intern should discuss them with the Organization Supervisor.

Student Interns should demonstrate professional conduct throughout the course of the internship. This includes the following:

· Demonstrate initiative by completing activities as assigned.

· If you complete your assignments early, ask for additional work rather than waiting for someone to notice.

· There may be times when office personnel are unavailable to work with you. During those times use initiative to interview staff, maintain log of activity, review policy manuals, and so on.

· Do not use your cell phone during working hours, this includes texting. Make personal calls and texts only at break and lunch times. Additionally, the use of other electronic devices, such MP3 players, pagers, and iPods, is generally considered to be unprofessional in the workplace.

· Do not surf the Web during working hours, this includes checking e-mail and logging into social networking websites.

· Demonstrate a professional attitude during any unexpected situations that might occur.

· Assist, if you can. Otherwise, be a silent observer or remove yourself from the situation.

· Remember, much can be learned by observing how other professionals handle difficult situations.

Interpersonal and Communication Skills

Student Interns must demonstrate an ability to relate effectively to others. Compassion, objectivity, integrity, and demonstration of respect for and consideration of others are paramount. Student Interns must be able to express ideas and feelings clearly and demonstrate an ability and willingness to listen to others.

Utilize professional communication, including the following:

· The Student Intern should be cognizant of the professional titles used in the healthcare setting. Medical professionals, patients, and coworkers should be addressed in the appropriate manner at all times. (for example, Doctor Jones, Mrs. Smith, or Mr. Johnson)

· Maintain professional relationships by avoiding personal discussions.

· As a professional you are expected to handle minor difficulties that arise on your own. However, if attempts to solve the situation have been unsuccessful, these matters should be brought to the attention of the Organization Supervisor and the Internship Coordinator.

· Avoid gossiping or complaining about your internship with site staff or other students. If you have issues, you should discuss them with your Internship Coordinator.

Values, Diversity, and Ethical Behavior

Student Interns must demonstrate a commitment to the core values of health information including quality, integrity, respect, and leadership.

HIIM students must value diversity. Student Interns must serve in an appropriate manner all persons seeking assistance in their agency regardless of the client’s age, class, race, religious affiliation, gender, disability, sexual orientation, and/or value system. Student Interns must not impose their own personal, religious, sexual and/or cultural values on others and must know how their own background and value base affect his or her interactions with staff and patients.

Student Interns must abide by the ethical standards of the profession developed by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) Code of Ethics, Boise State University’s Code of Conduct, the organizational policies and procedures, and HIPAA rules and regulations.

Privacy and Confidentiality

HIIM students should respect and protect the privacy and confidentiality of patients. Student Interns should not solicit private information from patients unless it is needed to provide services. Student Interns are expected to comply with confidentiality requirements outlined in agency policy, applicable laws, and the AHIMA Code of Ethics and only disclose patient information in accordance with such policies. Student Interns should not disclose identifying information about patients in classes.

After the Internship

Internships are a critical step in building a network, and gaining the skills and experience essential for future employability. Students benefit from leaving a positive impression with the supervisor and the organization. When it’s time to go, Student Interns should remember to:

· Take the opportunity before leaving to ask for feedback.

· Thank everyone involved in the internship, perhaps with a handwritten note.

· Update your resume with your internship experience highlighting the skills and accomplishments you gained.

· Ask your supervisor/coworkers if they would be references for you in the future (remember to notify them ahead of time).

Grading

HIIM Internships are pass/fail. The Internship Coordinator will submit grades to the Registrar’s Office. To receive full credit for an internship, the student must: (1) submit a complete log of hours worked, (2) submit a 4-5 page written reflection paper, and (3) have the Organization Supervisor submit a final evaluation form to the Internship Coordinator.

The 4-5 page written reflection paper should include the following:

· A summary of what you accomplished

· Suggestions of how your performance can be improved

· Suggestions of how your internship can be improved

· Clear links of your internship to the classes you have taken

· How the internship will impact your future career

A passing (P) internship represents professional work with no major areas of needed improvement. The Student Intern exhibits an appropriate degree of responsibility, accuracy, maturity, and overall quality. Communication is professional and timely, appearance is professional, and behavior is appropriate for the workplace. Deadlines are met with good quality work and the Student Intern attends scheduled work times and meetings. The student Intern is attentive, listens to directions, asks questions as needed, and demonstrates interest and initiative.

A failing (F) internship represents unacceptable work. The Student Intern demonstrates a clear lack of motivation, responsibility, accuracy, and overall quality. Many skills are lacking and the Student Intern’s work has to be repeatedly checked and redone. Work is incomplete and/or late, appearance is unprofessional, and/or behavior is inappropriate for the workplace. The Student Intern demonstrates indifference and complains about the assigned work or staff. The Student Intern misses scheduled work times with little to no notification to the Organization Supervisor. The Student Intern is distracted, repeatedly asks questions on already covered material, and appears disinterested.

Internship Coordinator Responsibilities

When working with a Student Intern and a sponsoring organization, a Boise State University Department Internship Coordinator is responsible for the following:

· Assume general responsibility for the pre-internship orientation, academic instruction, advisement, and evaluation of the Student Intern.

· Approve, for academic credit, the Boise State student who will be working in the internship position and the effective dates of work. Provide assistance to the organization in determining job assignments and work objectives.

· Communicate and consult with the organization to facilitate the successful operation of the internship activity.

· Inform the Student Intern that he/she is subject to the general rules, policies, and procedures of the organization.

· Respond in a timely manner to any complaints concerning the Student Intern or internship.

Responsibilities of the Organization Providing the Internship

When working with a Student Intern, an Organization Supervisor and their organization are responsible for the following:

· When a Boise State Student Intern is working for academic credit, being supervised by, and being paid wages by the organization, the organization will be responsible for that Student Intern’s liability and worker’s compensation insurance.

· Accept a qualified Student Intern without discrimination based on race, color, sex, creed, national origin, religion, age, or disability.

· In conjunction with the Boise State department Internship Coordinator, plan and implement the learning experiences for the Student Intern.

· Designate a suitable qualified supervisor for each Student Intern who will also serve as a liaison with the Boise State department Internship Coordinator evaluating this internship.

· Accept primary responsibility for the Student Intern at the worksite.

· Provide or assist the Student Intern in developing work plan, objectives and project outcomes and orient the Student Intern to the organization.

· Take all reasonable and necessary precautions to provide safety for the Student Intern including notification concerning any dangerous conditions or hazards to which the Student Intern may be exposed.

· Assist the Boise State department Internship Coordinator in the evaluation of the Student Intern’s work and provide with timely notification, any significant problems concerning the Student Intern or the internship. Organization Supervisors are to submit a final evaluation for the Student Intern.

· Maintain the confidentiality of the Student Intern’s academic and personal records.

Organization Guide

Below are suggestions of considerations before and during the supervised internship.

Determine Expectations and Necessary Skills

Organization Supervisors are welcome to interview potential internship candidates prior to course registration. When interviewing students, be clear about expectations that will be placed on them in the agency and minimum knowledge and skills required to be successful. Ask students what they would expect of you, as the Organization Supervisor, and describe your supervision/teaching style so you both can start with clear expectations.

Develop an Orientation Plan

A thorough orientation is critically important in setting up Student Interns for success. Student Interns benefit from a structured, planned orientation. Plan and identify activities that will help your Student Intern get to know organizational staff, become aware of key organizational functions and techniques, and to identify and prioritize skills and knowledge that will help them be successful. Orientation plans should include:

· Discussion of Expectations: Schedule, organizational dress code, how Student Intern should identify him/herself to patients and staff, and appropriate roles and boundaries for the Student Intern should be discussed.

· Tour of Physical Space: Make sure Student Interns know where staff restrooms, break room, and other important areas are located. Be sure to provide a space for Student Interns to store their personal belongings. In large organizations, providing a map or floor plan can be helpful.

· Introductions to Organizational Staff: Introducing Student Interns to staff early in their internship experience can help students feel they are important to the organization as a whole. You may want to consider having Student Interns meet with different staff during their orientation to get acquainted and to learn about the different roles staff have in the organization. Including Student Interns in staff meetings (as possible) can be a good way for students to learn about decision-making processes, staff dynamics, and organizational leadership.

· Safety and Emergency Procedures: Student Interns should review organizational policies relevant to student/staff and patient safety. Student Interns should be provided with instructions on how to contact the Organization Supervisor or another staff person should an emergency arise.

· Organizational Mission, Organizational Structure, and Governance: Assist Student Interns with understanding the organization’s mission, program objectives, and role in the community. Provide Student Interns with an organizational chart and discuss roles of different staff members, Board of Directors, and other important stakeholders. Discuss funding sources for organizational operations.

· Organizational Policies and Procedures: Student Interns should review and discuss key policies and procedures that govern the organization.

Review Expectations

Have open, honest dialogue with your Student Intern about what is expected of him or her, and discuss appropriate roles and boundaries for students in your organization.

Schedule Supervision Meetings

Schedule and emphasize the importance of weekly, one-on-one, face-to-face supervision meetings. During these meetings you may:

· Review the Student Intern’s time sheet.

· Review the Student Intern’s current workload and adjust demands on student as/if needed.

· Clarify performance expectations as/if needed. Provide concise, direct, constructive, timely, and balanced feedback.

· Encourage the Student Intern to reflect on progress toward development of professional behaviors and competencies.

· Review the Student Intern’s progress toward completion of goals.

· Discuss and promote healthy boundaries and self-care practices.

· Assist the Student Intern in exploring and clarifying personal values.

· Discuss ethical concerns and demonstrate use of ethical decision-making models.

· Assist the Student Intern with integration of theory with practice.

Relationship Development

Get to know your Student Intern and work to build trust, rapport, and a professional relationship. Assess your Student Intern’s skill and confidence level. Discuss their preferred learning style. Be aware of any information about the Student Intern that may impact their work in the agency and provide support as needed.

Task Assignment

As you ask Student Interns to complete tasks, be sure to clarify the purpose of assignments. Help them understand why it is important for them to complete the task. Provide sufficient instructions and support. Allow Student Interns to shadow or work collaboratively with you early in their internship experience.

Discuss Problem-Solving Model of your Organization

Help Student Interns understand how they should approach problems they may encounter during their internship. In addition, be up-front with Student Interns about what steps you will take if concerns arise about their performance.

When Concerns Arise

· Address concerns promptly from a strengths-based approach.

· Get input from other organizational staff and supervisors.

· Consult in a timely manner with the student’s Internship Coordinator.

· Refer Student Interns to support services (counseling, academic supports) as needed.

· Document concerns, how they are being addressed, and the consequences of not meeting expectations, including timelines.

· Maintain ongoing collaboration and communication with student’s Internship Coordinator.