INTERNSHIP INSIGHT: Olivia Duncan '22 Embraces Challenges At Mass General Hospital

BEVERLY, Mass. – Endicott College is a pioneer in requiring comprehensive internship experiences in every program of study for undergraduate students. Endicott women's basketball senior guard Olivia Duncan (Essex Junction, Vt.), who is a biology and biotechnology major at Endicott, is currently interning at Mass General Hospital (MGH). Here's a look into her internship experience.

1) Why Mass General? 

I wanted to complete my internship in a hospital-based setting, and never would have expected that I would be able to do that at one of the best hospitals in the world. Once I was given the opportunity, there was no way that I would want to work anywhere else and be able to learn as much as I already have at MGH. It was really important to me to be somewhere I would continuously be learning, and everyone at MGH has loved to teach me new things and encouraged me to try things on my own. I don't know if I would have had the same experience elsewhere!

2) What was the process like to obtain your internship? 

I had applied without expecting anything, but luckily Coach Hutchinson was more than willing to help me in any way possible to get me where I wanted to be. Her sister is a PA on the cardiac surgical stepdown unit, and had helped me get a patient care associate (PCA) position on the same floor! The nursing director on the floor asked to set up an interview and following that I had to obtain references from coworkers and my past supervisors. A couple of weeks later I went through three weeks of orientation before working as a PCA on my own. 

3) Describe your overall internship experience. 

My internship experience thus far has been more than I could have imagined. With the number of things I have already learned, the people I have met, and the insight I have gained regarding my future, I couldn't have pictured this experience anywhere else. Working as a PCA, especially without being a nursing major, has challenged me in a lot of ways. It can be very stressful at times, but it continues to be rewarding too. I love being able to help people in any way possible, which is what I have always known I wanted to do and has drawn me to the medical field. It makes me excited to know that this is only the beginning of that experience. 

4) What have you learned from your internship? 

As a PCA on a cardiac floor, I have learned how to assist in monitoring the condition of each patient by taking vitals, drawing blood for labs, performing EKGs, and measuring blood glucose levels. Other daily activities like washing up, brushing teeth, and going for walks are additional tasks I have been trained to help patients with. I have learned so much from the nurses, PAs, doctors, and other PCAs in regards to assisting patients, but I have also learned a lot from the patients. I've learned a lot about communicating with different people and how to approach all types of personalities, which has been a really valuable lesson so far. 

5) How will this internship help you in your career moving forward? 

This internship is critical for potential career opportunities moving forward. It has made me so much more excited for the future in the medical field and made me hopeful for other opportunities that may arise at MGH. I am so lucky to have the opportunity to work there and begin networking with other medical staff in the building while getting exposed to a new environment with so many possibilities. 

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(Photo Credit - Olivia Duncan)