Stress, stress, and more stress...

As you may be aware, my last few blogs have dealt with one central topic...STRESS. Unfortunately, this week is no exception.

As I am nearing the end of my internship experience (only 4 months and 24 days left), the reality of my future is finally starting to set in. Although I am very excited to finally be finished with my days as a student, it is rather intimidating to think I will soon be referred to as Dr. Bradshaw, and will no longer have the comfort of my fellow interns and supervisors to fall back on. As such, I am trying to take every possible second to learn as much from these individuals as I possibly can.

In addition to this quest for knowledge, my workload is steadily increasing. Early in my internship I was to be the sole provider of therapy to behaviorally disordered adolescents in a local group home. When I arrived for internship, I quickly learned the group home was experiencing some difficulties and were no longer to accept new referrals. While my supervisor told me everything would work on in the end, I spent that three months playing the wait and see game (and falling behind on client contact hours). Eventually, the group home closed and I was left scrambling to compensate for many hours of missed contact. (***it may be important to mention I am required to have 1000 hours of direct (face to face) client contact in order to successfully complete internship at my site)

In the months since the close of the group home, I have been working many long hours, trying to recover the lost hours of client contact. I am currently over 100 hours behind, and as the end is quickly approaching, I am growing increasingly aware of this defecit. In the past, my site has required interns stay after the end date to make up any missed hours. Unfortunately, I don't have much wiggle room, as I cannot stay after August 28 (my end date) to make up hours...since I begin my residency on September 2.

Although I often get discouraged about this situation, I am constantly being reminded by my wonderful family, friends, and coworkers that this situation will eventually work out for the best. Until that day, however, I will continue to do whatever it takes to get through in one piece! Hopefully the day comes quickly though :)