Nancy Hock, Grand Rapids coordinator for the Department of Occupational Therapy, needed to find a way for her students to gain that level I fieldwork, which is similar to job shadowing (an OT student who is nearing the end of their program but is still completing coursework observes an OT professional in the field). With the help of part time instructor Tracy Young, Hock decided to seek out already established organizations with physical space, where fieldwork could add value and services, instead of jumping through hoops to establish a clinic within the program.
Hock started attending meetings in Grand Rapids where service providers would gather to discuss resources for those in need. As a result, Hock was able to form two partnerships that do a whole lot more than provide level I fieldwork experience for students, they would help people in need receive important services otherwise unavailable to them.
"The students, though quite nervous at first, were gradually more confident and proficient as the weeks went on," said Barbara Nicholson, the family advocate at Mel Trotter Ministries. "We also know that some positive relationships were established for the future."
"It's a great way for faculty to stay connected to clinical experience," said Hock. "The community benefits from services they would otherwise not have access to."
At Mel Trotter Ministries, faculty and students complete cognitive screenings to determine whether clients are able to live independently. This is helpful to the the organization, because they can determine who is most likely to be successful living independently, without spending time and resources only to find it was not an option. The group also conducts early intervention in children by conducting developmental screenings. Whenever faculty and students can provide treatment, they do.
"They came every Thursday," said Nicholson."They worked with our children in the mornings and adults in the afternoons. This was one of the most beautiful partnerships I have ever seen during my years at Mel Trotter. Our residents got one-on-one attention, professional diagnoses, and amazing evaluations."
At the Heartside Clinic all patients are homeless and many are injured or ill and therefore unable to work. In order to secure disability, though, they must undergo a costly screening or find a doctor who is willing to 'guess' at their level of ability. Because WMU OT faculty and students are present in this clinic, they can complete ability screenings for patients who cannot afford to be screened. As a result, a doctor can make an accurate recommendation based on reliable information. Additionally, people who have been out of the workforce for an extended period of time can better understand what kind of work they are physically able to complete. Again, where treatment can be provided, it is.
"They have made an impact on this mission that goes far beyond just doing assessments. They took time to build relationships," said Alice McKay, RN at Mel Trotter Ministries. "Building relationships is a big part of why we need groups like this to come in to the mission. It helps our guests work on their interpersonal communication skills. Having such amazing networking in the Grand Rapids area is how we continue to move forward with offering our guests such a wide array of resources."