The Power of PSO

Before heading to our service sites for the first time last month, all the NHC Philly members gathered for PSO at the beginning of the term. For those who may not know, PSO stands for Pre-Service Orientation. This was the first time all members serving for the 2016-17 term came together. I didn’t know what to expect from either my colleagues or the educational topics. However, I kept an open mind and tried my best to absorb as much as I could. It sure was a lot to take in all at once. We discussed the many qualities and tools conducive to being successful in our service positions. As we soon learned, keeping an open mind is a great characteristic to have in this field of volunteering. PSO was also a time for us to learn about some of the major and minor issues that continuously plague the Philadelphia areas that we serve. I learned a great deal from speakers  like  Laura Hinds MSW, LCSW who elaborated on what it means to provide trauma-informed care. I felt engaged and ready to tackle many of the weighty issues that deter community health and growth.

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Topics ranged from “cultural competency” to "self-awareness in the office” to various public health concerns in these communities. Cultural competence is being aware that other people are different from you and providing them with services in a way they understand. My position as a Patient Advocate with the Philadelphia Department of Public Health allows me to serve alongside doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals. I must be able to keep an atmosphere of partnership that helps me to apply excellent care to those that come in and out of the health center. I’m able understand that these topics, and many more, aren’t independent of each other. Everything learned comes together to provide a lens for providing the best care to our communities.  AmeriCorps is privileged to have members that care so deeply about addressing community disparities. Go ahead, ask those professionals that work with AmeriCorps members how much of an impact they make. Here are a few things my colleagues at Health Center 9 in Germantown have to say about NHC members:

               “NHC members help a lot. They try to help patients as best as they can in a friendly and conscientious matter. They assist in bridging the gap between health providers and patients. “
- Ms. Albright, RN

               “Here at Health Center 9, the AmeriCorps member is a huge help with getting medication for uninsured patients. He does a great job of coming out of his office and interacting with patients. “
- Natasha Lewis, RN

Through PSO I was able to cultivate the type of leader I want to be within my position and for the community -- one that brings people closer and establishes a space of reverence between those giving care and those receiving care. Prior to PSO I had a lot of questions mixed with a feeling of unfamiliarity and uncertainty. Post-PSO, I didn’t feel the slightest bit discouraged in the task bestowed upon me because I always kept what I learned in mind. The patients I encounter daily seem to enjoy my presence and service. This feeling felt by patients is exactly what I hope for throughout this term of service. I want people to feel human and alive no matter their external or internal circumstances.
 

This blog post was written by NHC Philadelphia member Kenechi Iwudyke.
Kenechi serves as a Patient Advocate at Philadelphia Department of Public Health-Ambulatory Health Services: Health Center 9.