Final Evaluation

HLTH 4200-INTERNSHIP
Final Evaluation
Internship Reflection
1. Review your goals and objectives for your internship and assess your internship site as it
provided a setting for achieving those goals and objectives.
The Speech Department of Grand Strand Regional Medical Center was truly the perfect place for
me to serve as an intern and set and achieve my goals. This internship quickly exceeded my
expectations and provided me with endless opportunities, hand on experience, and one of a kind
advice and encouragement for reaching my career goals. Throughout my internship I spent the
majority of my time with my preceptor or other speech language pathologists in inpatient or
outpatient swallow or speech evaluation and therapy sessions. I set goals at the beginning of the
summer to learn as much as possible about how to deliver and conduct these sessions as well as
familiarize myself with the most common diagnoses and conditions that cause speech and
swallow dysfunction. I am extremely grateful for the patience, guidance, encouragement, and
teaching of each SLP in the department. The staff at Grand Strand never stopped filling my brain
with information that I will value as I pursue a career in this field. My preceptor as well as the
other staff members worked diligently to ensure I learned, experienced, and practiced day after
day at my internship site. They never failed to explain, provide additional information, challenge
my thinking, and push me to achieve my goals as an intern. My preceptor has a background in
teaching students and constantly provided me with outside information and materials that will be
useful both now and in the future. She also challenged me each day to think outside of the box,
engage myself in all aspects of my internship, to never stop trying to understand, and to learn
from everything that I do. The variety of patients I saw throughout the hospital opened my eyes
to the wide array of different evaluation and therapy methods used in this field and allowed me
to gain a better understanding of each. Without my preceptor, the staff at Grand Strand, the
phenomenal facility, and daily effort I would not have been able to achieve all that I
accomplished at my internship site. I am forever thankful that this experience led me to
confidently solidify my career goals and start the application process for a Master’s in Speech
Language Pathology.
2. Explain and show how you achieved the goals you set.
1. Speech/Swallowing Assessment Goal
By the end of my internship, I will have developed an understanding and basic knowledge
of how to conduct bedside evaluations to identify difficulty in swallowing and speech
language cognition, while also being able to incorporate associated vocabulary.
After observing over 150 evaluation and therapy sessions I feel confident in my understanding of
how to conduct a swallow or speech evaluation to determine the patient’s current swallow
function or cognitive status. Through research and time spent learning and practicing vocabulary
I feel as if I can use appropriate terms associated with these procedures. Creating materials for
future interns as well as writing a case study have increased my understanding of speech and
medical related terms and the process of conducting evaluation and therapy sessions. Creating a
vocabulary list of terms and abbreviations that I found most challenging throughout my
internship allowed me to master my understanding of these terms and use them daily throughout

my experience. I have been able to accomplish this goal through the objectives I set forth at the
beginning of my internship that are listed below.
• I have studied and learn speech language related vocabulary terms and practiced using
them daily throughout discussions with my preceptors and other professionals.
• I have studied and learned a large amount of general hospital related terms that are
incorporated into daily speech pathology practices and used them when they were
applicable to the situation
• I took daily notes throughout evaluation and therapy sessions to better my understanding
of the techniques that were being used
• I closely observed evaluation and therapy strategies in all patients and settings and
developed a stronger understanding of the various scenarios for speech language
evaluation and therapy methods
• I noted vocabulary terms and words that I was unfamiliar with and spent time studying
and learning them outside of my internship.
• I studied patient charts and practice diagnosing and creating hypothetical patient goals
not only for patient’s being seen, but practiced with other patient scenarios as well.
2. Speech/Swallowing Evaluation Planning Goal
By the end of my internship, I will be able to develop and plan a bedside evaluation
incorporating different segments of diagnostic testing materials that target speech,
language and cognitive deficits to evaluate and diagnose the patient’s current level of
functioning to determine future treatment.
I quickly found myself interested in the different types of diagnostic testing used by SLPs to
evaluate patient’s cognitive abilities. I incorporated a section for diagnostic testing methods in
the intern notebook and study guide that I created for future interns. This section includes not
only copies of the tests but also instructions and guidelines for administering and scoring each
test. Outside of observing my preceptor as well as other SLP’s administer and deliver different
testing techniques, I spent a great amount of time researching testing methods, their uses and
measures, instructions for administration, how to score, and the meaning of scores. I took notes
and closely observed my preceptor’s strategies during administration of tests and developed an
understanding of what particular responses and scores mean for the patient’s future treatment and
therapy goals. Taking data during the delivery of tests by my preceptor allowed me to practice
scoring, assessing, and suggesting my treatment plan and therapy exercises to address the
patient’s specific problems and challenges. Through these actions along with the objectives listed
below I was able to achieve this goal and feel confident in my understanding and abilities related
to the main diagnostic tests used in speech pathology.
• I observed a variety of different testing methods my preceptor used when diagnosing a
patient’s cognitive ability and established a strong understanding of why each test is used
and what is being measured.
• I researched and gained a better understanding of the types of tests that are used by SLP’s
and feel comfortable suggesting which test is most appropriate for the situation at hand.
• I researched and discussed with my preceptor how to administer and score different types
of tests and recorded data for scoring purposes during test delivery at bedside.
• I discussed patient responses and scores with my preceptor following the delivery of a
test which included discussing key observations, determining the patient’s biggest

difficulties, proposing therapy strategies and treatment plans, and brainstorming exercises
that will be beneficial to that particular patient.
• I practiced administering a cognitive test and used my understanding of scoring to
determine future therapy goals.
3. Speech/Swallowing Intervention Development Goal
By the end of my internship, I will be able to fully understand as well as demonstrate the
most common exercises that build lingual and labial muscle strength to increase swallowing
and speech functioning.
Throughout my internship I worked with many patients suffering from severe injuries that
impaired their
ability to swallow limiting their choices of foods and liquids. Swallowing exercises are an
important part of regaining ability and strength to swallow safely and ultimately reach their
baseline diet. I observed these exercises being used in both inpatient and outpatient settings and
over the course of my internship I saw many individuals regain the strength needed to eat or
drink again through persistent practice of swallowing related exercises. By observing these
patients I was able to notice improvements from the daily incorporation of exercises. Depending
on the patient’s deficit there are a variety of different exercises used and I feel comfortable with
the most commonly used exercises for swallowing function. I researched these exercises further
and learned new exercises to incorporate in the intern notebook that I created for the hospital. I
am confident in my ability to demonstrate the exercises to patients as well as my understanding
of which exercises target which problems. Through observation and practice I have fully
accomplished this goal. The objectives listed below also helped me reach this goal.
• I reviewed exercise worksheets that were given to me by my preceptor prior to using
them and gained confidence in how to demonstrate the ones that are most commonly
used.
• I practice exercises with my preceptor as well as during observation and feel confident in
doing them myself
• Through research, observation, and discussion with SLP’s I understand the importance of
each exercise and which area and muscle it targets.
• I took notes on which exercises are used in therapy sessions and how the SLP
demonstrates each exercise to prepare myself for demonstration in the future.
4. Swallowing Therapy Evaluation Goal
By the end of my internship, I will be able to determine how a speech language pathologist
evaluates their patient’s swallow function to chose the safest diet for their current status as
well as how they evaluate day to day progress in the acute setting.
Swallowing evaluations were the most common order conducted by SLP’s in this setting. I saw a
wide variety of patients with a wide variety of conditions affecting their ability to swallow safely
and effectively. Exposure to a variety of situations and conditions allowed me to gain a solid
understanding of factors that affect diet recommendations for patients. I also spent time
understanding the different dysphagia diet levels and the types of foods that are allowed and
prohibited from each diet level. I feel confident in my understanding of which foods and liquids
test the patient’s ability at each diet level when conducting an evaluation or therapy at bedside
and feel as if these skills will prepare to successfully administer bedside swallow evaluations in

my future career. I was able to accomplish this goal through these efforts along with the
following objectives:
• I discussed evaluation strategies with the SLPs and observed their presentation of foods
and liquids as well as note-taking methods before, during, and after evaluations and
therapies.
• I reviewed patient charts and notes made by each SLP before, during, and after sessions
to gain a better understanding of diet recommendations were made.
• I observed sessions with a variety of patients and proposed conclusions of my own
regarding their progress and status to compare with conclusions made by my preceptor.
• I paid close attention to goals set for each patient and followed to see whether or not
goals were met before the patient left the acute care setting.
• I researched and reviewed different swallow testing methods and gained a strong
understanding of which diet is associated with each food or liquid.
5. SLP Affective Goal
By the end of this internship, I will have a better understanding of whether or not a career
in this field is what I will choose to pursue in the future as well as a decision as to whether
or not this setting would be the best fit for me if I end up in this career.
Throughout the duration of my internship I have spent a great amount of time thinking about a
future in this career and weighing out the pros and cons. Prior to this internship I did not know
much about speech pathology as a career especially in the acute care setting. This internship has
far exceeded my expectations and has taught me more than I could have ever imagined. I have
been exposed to an incredible amount of information, people, situations, and experiences that
have opened my eyes further to pursuing this career. My passion for health as a whole but also
specifically my passion for therapy and helping patients reach goals, small or large, has
multiplied. From conversing with other professionals throughout the hospital I have first
handedly seen the value of an SLP in this setting and how meaningful their time and service is to
these patients. Spending time with each SLP and discussing their education and experiences as
well as listening to their personal insight has provided me with valuable guidance for the future.
By completing this internship I am confident in my decision to pursue this career in the future
and feel positive that I have completed this goal. The objectives below further explain how I
accomplished this goal and reached this decision.
• I spent time learning about each SLP in the department and gained insight on their
individual experiences thus far in their career.
• I learned about each SLP and their personal pros and cons of this field as well as pros and
cons of different settings in which this career is practiced.
• I researched graduate school programs to obtain a Master’s in SLP and researched the
different settings to practice SLP to help narrow my options in the future.
• I discussed graduate programs with each SLP as well as listened to personal opinions and
experiences each had related to their time achieving their Master’s, which allowed me to
narrow down the program that will be best for me.
• I discussed with my preceptor the skills needed to be successful in this field as well as
day-to-day challenges and rewards.

• I followed patients through not only speech therapy, but also physical and occupational
therapy to assure myself that speech therapy interests me the most, while gaining an
understanding of the value of all types of therapy.
• I developed a lasting relationship with the SLPs and therapy department at Grand Strand
Regional Medical Center for future reference.
3. Choose one project/assignment and describe it as follows:
a. How well do you think you accomplished the project or dealt with the experience(s)?
One of my projects that I completed throughout my internship was a case study of a patient
at Grand Strand Regional Medical Center. I put forth a lot of effort to make this case study
as thorough and detailed as possible and feel as if I was successful in completing an in depth
case study. I spent a lot of time reading doctor’s notes, collaborating with other therapists, as
well as time with the actual patient. As I completed this project in my first few weeks of my
internship I had to strive to understand the patient’s condition, prognosis, therapy strategies,
etc. Many terms, exercises, processes, and strategies were very unfamiliar to me at this point
in my internship, which posed significant challenges when writing my case study. However,
through communication with other therapists, thorough research on all details and aspects of
this study, as well as active and critical thinking I successfully completed a detailed case
study.
b. What skills did you use? (e.g. writing, speaking, organizing, interpersonal,
counseling, management, research, etc.)
To gather information on the patient’s condition and status I had to speak with several
SLP’s who were working with this patient throughout her time in the hospital. I monitored
the patient’s status by checking on the patient with my preceptor each day and during
therapy sessions I used interpersonal skills to communicate with the patient to better
understand her status and prognosis. I organized and compiled the information reported by
nurses, physicians, surgeons, PT, OT, and the SLP’s that were all in contact with this patient
throughout her two weeks at Grand Strand. Throughout the duration of writing my case
study I researched various topics and applied the information to the patient’s condition and
recovery. Critical thinking came into play when incorporating notes from physicians, nurses,
etc. as well as applying the research to complete the case study. Writing skills were used to
compile the information and write the report as well as when editing and making changes.
c. Point out your strengths and weaknesses. What would you do differently?
My completed case study was very in depth and detailed which was a definite strength of
this project. The case study fully analyzed the patient’s changes and steps to recovery while
in the acute care setting. My interest in this patient’s diagnosis and treatment plan enabled
me to complete this project to my full potential. Incorporating notes from other physicians,
surgeons, nurses, as well as OT and PT also made the case study more thorough and well
rounded. I was not at the hospital on the weekends the patient was here therefore I missed a
few therapy sessions and had to rely on notes from the SLPs. For the future I think it is
important to be an active member of each therapy session to avoid relying on notes from
others and to be able to first handedly witness change.

4. Assess your contribution to the internship site.
I feel as if I was able to contribute to my internship site daily. From gathering items for swallow
evaluations to completing projects they will be able to use in the future I feel as if I was of
assistance to them each day. Although I spent majority of my time observing, I was able to help
SLPs set up and clean for evaluations and therapy sessions to give them more time to work with
the patient. I was also able to record data for sessions to make it easier for my preceptor when
writing reports. The relationships I built with each SLP enabled them to ask for my help when
needed as well as include me in everything they do. As the first student this department has had,
I feel as if I was able to pave the way for future interns. The SLPs in this department are now
confident in their ability to teach and train students in the future and I was able to help them
create a program to do that. I think my assistance was beneficial to the department each day that
I was at my site. Each SLP contributed to the unbelievable amount I learned about speech
pathology however I feel as if I also positively contributed to the speech department and
hopefully sparked a future of educating students at this hospital.
5. Has your experience changed or reinforced your career goals. Changed or reinforced
your educational goals? Could you see yourself as a professional in this field?
Prior to this internship I was uncertain about the career path I wanted to take. I have had an
interest in therapy specifically speech therapy since I was young however I have been hesitant to
conclude this is the career for me. From a young age I knew I wanted to be in the health field,
but have left my options open as to exactly what I want to do. I have explored many careers and
aspects of the health field but have always circled back to my interest in speech. When choosing
where to do my internship I knew I needed to spend some time in speech therapy to solidify my
interest. Words cannot begin to describe my experience each day at Grand Strand Regional
Medical Center. I was exposed to more than I ever imagined and my passion for a future in this
career grew rapidly. Through my relationships with each SLP in this department I have learned
so much more about this field and the endless opportunities it presents. By interacting with
patients one on one and seeing the difference you are able to make each and everyday I am
confident this is the career I want to pursue. This internship fueled my passion for this field and
solidified my career goals. I am thankful for this experience and eager to start graduate studies to
become a professional in this field.
6. Relate your internship experience to your academic work on campus. List at least 5
specific courses (by title, not number) either in your major or outside your major that were
useful at this site.
1. Anatomy and Physiology: This class was the most useful during my internship
experience as it provided me with a base of knowledge related to the anatomy and
functions of the human body. The knowledge I gained from this course made it easier to
understand how the neurological diseases and disorders I was observing were affecting
each patient’s speech and cognitive function. Understanding basic swallow function was
important in being able to diagnose a patient with a particular type of swallow disorder.
Having an understanding of the parts of the brain, their functions, as well as important
cranial nerves was important in understanding the parts of the body and function affected
by each disease or disorder. Overall having a basic understanding of the body especially
organ and system function was essential in being able to learn more and increase my
knowledge each day at my site.

2. Psychological Psychology: This class played a huge role in my understanding of the
neurological aspects of my internship. Majority of the patients I saw had experienced a
neurological dysfunction or brain injury. I found it very important to understand the brain
and how it works as well as the many things that can go wrong. I learned basic
neurological concepts in this course as well as different disorders and diseases that I came
in contact with during my internship. It was very helpful to have a background in
neuroscience and cognitive functioning as these both play an important part in speech.
3. Human Health and Disease: As an intern in the hospital I experienced several types of
diseases including chronic diseases, infections, different disorders, etc. This class
familiarized me with several types of common diseases and I was able to apply this
information to what I was seeing each day in the hospital. I was then able to make a
connection between these diseases and how they affect an individual’s health and overall
function. I was also able to gain a better understanding on how certain diseases and
infections develop or are noticed as a result of hospitalization. Having a background of
understanding of disease made it easier to follow the patient’s health and prognosis.
4. Overview of Health Care Systems: I found the information I learned in this course very
applicable to my internship. This course provided me with an understanding of the
delivery of health care as well as the financial aspects of the system. This allowed me to
understand the billing system at the hospital and how insurance played a role in the
services each patient was provided. Many of the patients we saw were in great need of
rehab following discharge from the hospital. I saw how insurance and availability of
services impacted the rehab in which each patient was accepted. I was able to apply what
I learned about the health care system to each patient and scenario I observed.
5. Health Appraisal Skills: Grand Strand Regional Medical Center requires employees to
be CPR certified and this was part of my requirements before beginning my internship.
Becoming CPR certified in this class allowed me to qualify for interning at this hospital. I
kept my up to date CPR certification card with me each day at the hospital and felt
confident in my ability to perform CPR if necessary.
6. Intro to Psychology: During my internship, I came across many different psychological
and neurological disorders. These disorders often have a great impact on individual’s
cognitive abilities as well as swallow function and speech. Learning about many of these
disorders in this class allowed me to make the connection between the disorder type and
it’s affect and speech, swallowing, and cognitive function. This class also provided me
with important brain education that I applied daily in my internship.
7. Were there instances at your site where the health literacy training were utilized?
Explain.
Health literacy training was useful each and every day at my internship site. It was important to
explain to a patient their current condition and why they are feeling and functioning they way
they are. In doing so, it was necessary to take into account their level of health literacy. Many
patients did not understand their current health status and needed an explanation at their level of
understanding. The SLP’s and physicians used a number of booklets, brochures, and diagrams
when explaining medical conditions to patients and loved ones. Each patient varied greatly in
health literacy level some understanding much more than others. Dealing with different age
groups also was a factor in health literacy and how to communicate with patients. Explaining
conditions to children was much different than adults and required a basic explanation that they

were able to connect with and understand. My preceptor did a great job of making sure each
patient was aware of their status and condition as well as their prognosis. She also ensured each
patient knew their options of recovery and rehabilitation to help them make the best decision.
Health literacy was important in steering patients in the right direction for future recovery. Often
times something that we both found easy to understand was difficult to describe and explain to
patients especially those with little medical background. This taught me the importance of using
health literacy skills to ensure effective communication between the patient and the provider.

Final Evaluation

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