Building a Toolkit for Success

For the past two months, I have spent the majority of my time brainstorming, problem solving, and implementing. The main reason for this is that my position is brand new this year, and I have the opportunity to be the first National Health Corps Pittsburgh member to serve as the Maternal Child Health Coordinator at UPMC Shadyside Family Health Center.

During the interview stage of the NHC application process, I was made aware of this position because of my interest in maternal and child health. As soon as I read the description, I was excited about what opportunities it may hold, and the impact that I would be able to make during the year. This excitement was fueled even more when I talked to my now mentor for the first time. She was so passionate about maternal and child health; it was hard not to be excited right along with her. Once I was offered the position, I must admit that I was a little bit nervous about taking it. I was provided with a framework by my mentors, but because the position was new, I would be the main person responsible for what I was doing day to day. I knew that there would be a lot of freedom to create and implement the applications of the position, and I was nervous that I would not be able to live up to the expectations that were being set both by my mentor, and by me.

After consulting the people that know me best, I realized, that the things that I was nervous about, were also the reasons that I would not be able to turn this position down. The flexibility and opportunity to set expectations are what made the position so great. I would be given the chance to apply what I learned in school and experiences I have had so far, to ensure that moms at the Shadyside Family Health Center were getting the highest quality care possible. I wanted the challenge, I wanted to be innovative, and I wanted to make a difference.

Although I have only been at my site for two months, I am glad that I made the decision to take this position. I have been working to ensure that when new moms come in for their babies’ well child visits, their health is also a primary focus of the providers. I am doing this by building capacity, breaking down any barriers, and providing direct case management to these moms. In order to do these things successfully, I have begun to develop a sort of toolkit for “starting from scratch.” This toolkit consists of things that have helped me make the most of this position so far and it includes:

Confidence in your own abilities: This is something that I am constantly developing as a young professional. Positive reinforcement helps this a little bit, however, sometimes I just need to step back and reassure myself that I am doing well.
Problem solving skills: I use these every day, multiple times a day as I mold this new position. I will come up with what I think is a great idea, run into roadblocks and problem solve my way towards a solution.
Patience: This is especially important when helping to create new programs and protocols in a well-established health center. Positive changes are not going to happen overnight and it is important to appreciate every little achievement. 
Support: Whether this support is from roommates, parents, mentors or colleagues, it is nice to have someone in your corner.

As time goes on, I hope to continue to grow, and end up with a toolkit which I can bring with me on my future endeavors after the National Health Corps year.