Moki1984
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- Joined
- Sep 17, 2018
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Good afternoon.
I know this type of post is probably common, and I have read some on here. I am currently at a crossroads in my career and need to take the next step forward, but I am unsure. I am looking at graduate programs , at the Masters and Doctorate level. I have to go to school online, I could do some evening/weekend hybrid tidbits when necessary and proctored exams, but mostly online due to working and having a family. I am located in North Carolina and relocation is not an option right now.
Let me explain my current situation:
Graduated 2012 with a BSc, Psych Major Bio Minor, 3.89 cgpa. Certified in Crisis Prevention & Intervention annually and I use it. I began working as a Mental Health Technician pretty quickly after graduation at an inpatient, acute care behavioral health facility. We also have outpatient, but our focus is inpatient during moments of crisis. We get them to their baseline then refer them to whatever their next step is, usually home with outpatient setup .
After about 8 months as a tech I was promoted to Patient Advocate and I have maintained that position for years, currently doing it fulltime. So I witness direct care and admin on a daily basis. I fall under Quality Assurance and Risk Management, I have learned the fine art of reports and turning everything into numbers and spreadsheets for inspections etc lol I have also learned a great deal about listening, understanding cues from patients, helping other staff to improve their interpersonal skills, anticipating patient needs etc.
I also learned that I don't want to be a Psychiatrist by seeing how they operate with our patients lol, I mean no offense but I feel that most of you will understand.
So, a 4 year degree and 6 years of experience. I'm no spring chicken, but I am not so old I can't go back to school lol (34)
I am unsure where to go next. I don't want to get more involved with admin, such as CFO, Risk Manager etc. Nope.
I want to help people, I want to counsel people ( probably more outpatient than inpatient). I do have a leaning towards trauma as we have an entire building dedicated to this and I have personal experience with trauma/PTSD myself, I also have a leaning towards spiritual/transpersonal psych so I would see myself working with not only secular clients but those that want faith to be a part of their journey. I am a Veteran and of course I can see the correlation of trauma-soldiers so the idea of possibly working with DOD in the future is in my mind.
Would appreciate any insights or thoughts you have into this. Thanks so much!
I know this type of post is probably common, and I have read some on here. I am currently at a crossroads in my career and need to take the next step forward, but I am unsure. I am looking at graduate programs , at the Masters and Doctorate level. I have to go to school online, I could do some evening/weekend hybrid tidbits when necessary and proctored exams, but mostly online due to working and having a family. I am located in North Carolina and relocation is not an option right now.
Let me explain my current situation:
Graduated 2012 with a BSc, Psych Major Bio Minor, 3.89 cgpa. Certified in Crisis Prevention & Intervention annually and I use it. I began working as a Mental Health Technician pretty quickly after graduation at an inpatient, acute care behavioral health facility. We also have outpatient, but our focus is inpatient during moments of crisis. We get them to their baseline then refer them to whatever their next step is, usually home with outpatient setup .
After about 8 months as a tech I was promoted to Patient Advocate and I have maintained that position for years, currently doing it fulltime. So I witness direct care and admin on a daily basis. I fall under Quality Assurance and Risk Management, I have learned the fine art of reports and turning everything into numbers and spreadsheets for inspections etc lol I have also learned a great deal about listening, understanding cues from patients, helping other staff to improve their interpersonal skills, anticipating patient needs etc.
I also learned that I don't want to be a Psychiatrist by seeing how they operate with our patients lol, I mean no offense but I feel that most of you will understand.
So, a 4 year degree and 6 years of experience. I'm no spring chicken, but I am not so old I can't go back to school lol (34)
I am unsure where to go next. I don't want to get more involved with admin, such as CFO, Risk Manager etc. Nope.
I want to help people, I want to counsel people ( probably more outpatient than inpatient). I do have a leaning towards trauma as we have an entire building dedicated to this and I have personal experience with trauma/PTSD myself, I also have a leaning towards spiritual/transpersonal psych so I would see myself working with not only secular clients but those that want faith to be a part of their journey. I am a Veteran and of course I can see the correlation of trauma-soldiers so the idea of possibly working with DOD in the future is in my mind.
Would appreciate any insights or thoughts you have into this. Thanks so much!