Summer Adventures: Tia Joseph

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Tia Joseph is a rising junior psychology major on a neuroscience track! She sat down to talk about her summer adventures!

What are you doing this summer?

I've been working as a medical assistant and nursing assistant at a Boston hospital. In that role, I work with the nursing team and other health care providers in developing a care plan for patients on the medical/surgical floor. I help assist with certain procedures, as well as monitor patient vital signs, check their glucose levels every four hours, amongst many things. I get to do other cool procedures doing EKGs and bladder scans. 

It's really interesting being able to directly talk with patients, learn more about their conditions, but also how they're doing and how they're managing health issues.

How did you get this position?

I was able to get this job by first getting a license as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) over winter break. Through the CNA class, I was connected to a career advisor and they helped me apply for jobs and search for positions. They were a big help in getting me that summer opportunity. I encourage other students to find mentors like that. 

For students looking for similar opportunities, I'd really recommend them to take time to do something that actually interests them – not something that they think might look good as a resume builder. Do something that encourages you to explore.

What is a normal shift like? What skills have you developed in this position?

The skills that I learned as a CNA easily transferred to my current job as a medical assistant. My shift might start off by taking vital signs for patients – which consists of temperature, respirations and their blood pressure. Afterwards, I'll make my patient rounds, assisting patients in bed, helping them with their morning routine or night routine. Then afterwards, I'll meet with the patient nurse that I'm working with. I'll check for any specific things that they're looking for. For example, I document their intake and output or if they're looking to perform any tests. Then the rest of my time, when I'm not working with patients or working with the nursing team, I'm also getting a chance to shadow the healthcare providers on my floor. 

I’m able to observe how they interact with patients or how they interact with other professionals. It’s really interesting being able to see them perform different procedures, but also how they interact with patients.

How does this opportunity fit into your future career goals?

I'm a pre-health student and my major is psychology on the neuroscience track. I'm looking into different potential healthcare careers after college, which might entail medical school or PA school. So I decided to take the summer as an opportunity to really get clinical hands-on experience to better determine what type of clinical profession I want to go into. On top of being a medical assistant, I have also been spending some time shadowing healthcare providers in my hometown, as well as volunteering at my local hospital, where I also work on another medical/surgical floor. I get to interact with the healthcare team, help them make rounds with patients and gain more experience.

What have you done for fun this summer?

I've spent a lot of time this summer traveling! I just came back from a trip to the UK and Ireland. I did some sightseeing and I also have some relatives in that area. It was great because I've never been to Europe before. It's nice seeing new places and being in a place outside of the US. I also took a trip to Portland and Augusta Maine. They're very beautiful places. I’ve also spent time with old friends this summer!