My name is Char Pierre, and I am studying Health Services Administration. I am also a Certified Nursing Assistant, which gave me experience in working with patients and viewing how the healthcare system functions. I am looking to combine clinical care with healthcare administration to help people and communities.
I would like to be a more effective leader who is interested in kindness, equity, and professionalism across all aspects of care. This internship provides me with the chance to acquire new competencies and gain experience in actual healthcare practice and outreach activities.
Internship Site Overview:
- I am interning with Healthy Chesapeake, Inc., a Chesapeake, Virginia-based non-profit health organization that partners with local healthcare networks and community organizations to eliminate health disparities and advance community wellness. As part of my internship, I am also working with Chesapeake Regional Healthcare’s Mobile Medical Clinic, which takes medical and mental health services directly to those most in need.
- The Healthy Chesapeake, Inc. was brought into being to promote health and well-being among the people of Chesapeake. It aims to build a culture of health through linking the people to services, health education, and social determinants of health. The organization’s vision is a strong, healthy community in which all individuals are able to obtain the resources they require. The main goals are to decrease chronic disease incidence, expand access to preventive services, and enhance community collaboration. Healthy Chesapeake runs several programs like chronic disease management (The HUB), nutrition programs, mental health, and mobile outreach to promote community health.
My preceptor is Phyllis Stoneburner, MBA, BSN, RN, Executive Director of Healthy Chesapeake, Inc. She has more than 47 years of licensure as a registered nurse and has held all major leadership roles in nursing, from staff and charge nurse to Vice President and Chief Nurse Executive. She is an experienced healthcare executive and oversees the organization’s strategy, program development, and community outreach activities. In addition, I have the opportunity to work alongside other professionals in the field, such as Daniella, an office administrator, and Tanyell, a nurse practitioner, among many other dedicated individuals. Interaction with these experienced professionals allows me to understand the different roles and teamwork required to promote effective healthcare delivery. Overall, this mentorship is teaching me about the way healthcare works, but also how to be a purpose-driven, principled, and visionary leader.