Virginia Mason Medical Center
Seattle, Washington
two reviews
Why did you choose this fieldwork?
I wanted inpatient hospital experience; The location is great; Virginia Mason is a well known and respected facility in Seattle.
Please indicate type of setting:
Inpatient
Please describe your living and commuting situation. (Was accomodation offered? Public transportation or parking offered? Please include price paid, location and conditions.)
No living accommodations are offered. I live two blocks from the hospital and walked. There is street and garage parking available for a price. I believe that VM offers students a bus pass if they bus on a daily basis. The hospital is a 10 minute walk from downtown Seattle so it is very accessible by the many buses that run through downtown. Additionally, the hospital is within two blocks from the following bus lines: 2, 12, 64, 60, 205, 211, 303, and 941.
Describe types of conditions or diagnoses, as well as age ranges exposed to during this fieldwork.
My fieldwork was on the CCU and telemetry floors. The specific floor/s that a student's supervisor works on highly influences the conditions that the student is exposed to. On the CCU and telemetry floors common diagnoses include: heart attack, a-fib, CABG, CVA, craniotomy, abdominal surgery, cancer, renal failure. Patient ages ranged from 30s-90s.
What types of assessments and interventions were used?
I rarely saw patients more than once. Typically I saw a patient when they first entered the hospital, completed their initial eval, and then the patient moved to a different floor to receive treatment, or was discharged. Consequently, "intervention" consists of the evaluation process. A typical eval includes the following components: an interview regarding home setup and previous level of function, ROM and MMT assessment, screening for any relevant impairments on a case by case basis (neglect, disdiadokinesisa, impaired balance, etc), a short walk if the patient is able (5-200 feet), and an ADL if the patient is able (typically grooming at the sink or toileting). An evaluation can last from 20-60 minutes, depending on the patient. Typically I saw and evaluated 6-8 patients a day. Evaluations often occur as a co-treatment with PT.
What are your thoughts on the site's environment for the employees and students? (Please consider: organization, collaboration, mentoring, learning opportunities)
The rehab dept at VM is very large, and during my 12 weeks I had the opportunity to work with many OTs and PTs. Everyone was very friendly, open and interested in my learning. Once a week there is an hour long in-service presented by one of the therapists, and once a month there is a staff meeting. In addition to working with patients, I had the opportunity to do many interesting on-site field trips. I observed an open heart surgery (aortic valve replacement), shadowed a respiratory therapist for half a day, spent a morning at the Center for Hyperbaric Medicine learning about VMs hyperbaric program, attended a joint replacement class for patients soon to undergo joint replacement surgery, attended a staff education class about cardiac rhythms, and shadowed an OT in the outpatient neuro clinic for a day. Basically, if you want to see/do anything at the hospital, all you have to do is ask.
Please comment on personality traits and/or preparation that would facilitate success at this site.
On the CCU and telemetry floors patients are hooked up to numerous lines and heart leads, often have abdominal drains, catheters, and a colostomy bag, and often receive assistance breathing. Working with such medically comprised individuals requires close attention to safety and details. Additionally, flexibility, good interpersonal skills, timeliness, and a high threshold for being out of your comfort zone are a must.
While in the area, don't miss ...
Seattle is awesome and has tons to do.
How many stars would you give your experience, from one to five?
4
Any lasting thoughts or advice?
An experience at VM is very location-dependent. Working on the ortho floor with post-op hip and knee replacements is very different from the CCU, or from outpatient, or from the rehab unit. I did not know where I would be working until a few days before my start date. If this kind of uncertainty doesn't sit well with you, try to coordinate the details of your FW with your school and VM ahead of time.
Review submitted January 31, 2010
Why did you choose this fieldwork?
This fieldwork is very ideal for those who want a moderate-paced work environment with a wide variety of experiences!
Please indicate type of setting:
Inpatient
Please describe your living and commuting situation. (Was accomodation offered? Public transportation or parking offered? Please include price paid, location and conditions.)
Parking at the hospital is $15/day and around the hospital can range from $10-15. It's best to bus if possible. Virginia Mason Medical Center offers busing passes to its employees for 75% off.
Describe types of conditions or diagnoses, as well as age ranges exposed to during this fieldwork.
Age range: 25-80 years old
Conditions: total shoulder/hip/knee replacements
What types of assessments and interventions were used?
Manual muscle testing and range of motion
What are your thoughts on the site's environment for the employees and students? (Please consider: organization, collaboration, mentoring, learning opportunities)
This site is GREAT for students. There are a lot of opportunities to work with other doctors, nurses, and physical therapists, which are fabulous learning experiences! In addition, there are weekly inservices and chances to observe surgeries. The environment is very well structured and supportive.
Please comment on personality traits and/or preparation that would facilitate success at this site.
Always have an open mind! Don't be afraid to try different things outside of your comfort zone.
While in the area, don't miss ...
Tully's
How many stars would you give your experience, from one to five?
5
Review submitted January 25, 2010 by Jeanie Chang