I decided to go to a different placement. My supervisor said she could not give me a 'pass' on this placement, even if I moved heaven and earth from now to the end of March, when the 200 days are up. Talk about bummer! She went on to talk about how difficult this senior mental health service was, etc etc etc. that the care was very complex and perhaps it was not a suitable placement for a beginner.
I was totally expecting Friday to be my last there, wasn't even going to go there at all yesterday, but my professionalism kicked in and I decided I had to face the music. I have 2 presentations to give next week--one being a talk on dementia with another social worker at a nursing home, the other being an in-house presentation to the Team (where I was doing placement) on the subject of 'seniors with dementia who wander'. I will get credit for these from the school of social work in my next placement.
The meeting was between Teresa and myself, but the team leader, Michelle, had been very supportive. When I told Michelle at lunch what happened, she got quite upset and even teary. Said that Teresa only thinks she had so much power, she did not have the final word, that yeah, this was a tough placement, definitely non-traditional , but she thought I was doing okay. She said Teresa was hard to deal with, had unrealistic expectations for a novice, and generally thought she was god. Michelle said she would call the university placement overseer and explain my side of the deal. ((Michelle gave me a BIG HUG on my way out. I sure needed it!)) This took away the sting of being 'let go'.
So---I still feel like a major butt. But it's weird that I am almost relieved not to have to deal with Teresa any more. I always felt like I never measured up, couldn't do anything right. I do feel like a major loser, getting 'fired' from my 'work internship.' BUT as so many of you wonderful folks told me--"God closes some doors and opens a window". I'm waiting with baited breath to see what opens up!
I have to write a note to the university social work committee explaining my side of the story, then I have to meet again the placement overseer at the university, and see what's available for a new placement. I'm gonna have to work twice as hard at a new placement (like cram) to get the required hours in--will be 4 days a week and holidays) but I have not made it through 4 years of university to lose everything now.
So this is my story and I'm sticking to it. WAHHHHH! Please continue you good thoughts and prayers!
. I will pray that all works out to bless you richly!!!!
-147!!WLS:12-12-06:Preop 268,Ht.5'4",BMI 44.9
Imperfect does not = unsuccessful
