How was it? What did you like best about your first week? What did you like least?

Thinking back on my first week at SHM I am amazed of all the responsibilities I have already been given and what I have already learned.  From simple things, like using a letter opener, to more complex things, like the ins and outs of different computer programs, this week has been one giant crash course in SHM.  If I had to think of one word to describe this week it would defiantly be overwhelming.  With so many different things going on I got very nervous that I am going to do something wrong.  I guess that would have to be what I have liked the least about this week, the feeling that I will mess up.

Even though I have not been at SHM long, I had already gotten a feel for how people treat each other.  At a lot of companies these interactions might be over looked, but at SHM taking care of your co-workers is instilled into their core values.  This is what I have liked best about my first week.  Everyone has gone out of their way to introduce themselves, help me, and make me feel like a valuable part of the company.  As I progress into my six months here, the mutual respect throughout the office is something that I will never stop appreciating.

How was it? What did you like best about your first week? What did you like least?

This week for me was definitely a lot of anticipation. I didn’t know what to expect at all going into this job, being that it is my first coop experience. I was super excited to get started though, because I loved the atmosphere here at SHM and I really enjoyed how nice and open the employees are with everyone. I really would have to say the best part of my week was doing the one on ones and learning more about everyone here at SHM. For me, this gave me a great chance to not only learn about them as a person but allowed me to learn more about the company and working here. It really helped me to getting situated into this job and feeling like I was important and not just another coop walking in the door. It definitely made the transition a whole lot easier for me and made things much more relaxing. One thing I would say I least like about this week was just at times where I had down time after meetings and was left with not much to do. I would have those times where I was just sitting at my desk. This however I expected because it is my first week and I did not expect to be thrown too much information that it would feel overwhelming. Overall though, this first week has been amazing! I have learned so much in such a short period of time here and I can’t wait to move forward and be involved in the many great projects SHM is working on!

How was it? What did you like best about your first week? What did you like least?
 

 The end of week one! Just within the first week alone, I've realized that this co-op will fly by before I even realize. The end of week one means that we're already 1/20th of the way done with co-op!

Co-op can definitely be very intimidating and frightening - but not at SHM. I feel so blessed to have been able to work with such welcoming people. Honestly, I feel as if the best part about my first week is being able to work with the entire Center for Hospital Innovation and Improvement. Everyone in the department especially is just so great and encouraging, that even when I make mistakes, they only give me more opportunities to learn from what I did wrong.

In addition to that, I just enjoy being able to do what I want in my little cubicle. One of my favorites being able to continuously eat M&M's while working! Not only that, but I can go shopping for free in the miniature Office Depot in the back of the office to supply my desk with everything I need and more to make it mine (for the time being, at least).

The one thing that I did not like at all, and will probably dread for the next 6 months will forever be:

How was it? What did you like best about your first week? What did you like least?

I think my first week went better than expected. I was really nervous coming in on Monday but everybody here is super friendly and welcoming. Being around people who were so inviting made my first week much less nerve racking. I think what I liked most about my first week at SHM is meeting everyone in the office and learning so much about the company and how all of the departments are related and work together. What I liked least was learning all of the new software and phones. I like learning new things but it can get overwhelming and I am really afraid of messing something up. Overall I had a really great first week, SHM has been so welcoming!

First week of Employment or first week back after a six month hiatus?

Seriously, it doesn't feel like a new job for me, and considering this is my second co-op here, I guess that makes sense. No one even gave me a chance to get settled in before BAM WORK EVERYWHERE. But I'm not complaining, work keeps me busy and keeps paying the bills. 

It feels good to be back though, I don't have any homework when I get home after work, and that is a big plus over school, though I do miss the breaks in the middle of the day, but that's what lunch is for, right? 
 
Personally, I liked (read: loved) how genuinely enthusiastic about my return was. That's another huge thing I missed about this place was (and is!) how awesome everyone is towards one another. It's like one big happy family. 
 
And to the new guys! We're all friendly, don't be afraid to be yourself and/or ask as many questions as possible. Don't forget to be on the lookout for opportunities here, they're around every corner.

One week down!! 

How was it? What did you like best about your first week? What did you like least? 

I hope you all had an amazing first week and that you're energized and excited about the next six months at SHM!

This is it

Well, I tried and thought long and hard about something other than thank yous to put in here, but it's all i can feel. I'm so thankful for all the help everyone has given me here. Every single person in every department has made me feel at home and I will miss SHM so much. Good luck to all the other coops in class and to everyone at SHM this year and with HM13. Thank you all so much!

Last Moment!

I didn't think it would be this hard to say goodbye!
It is the best intern ever. I had great experiences, and more than that, everyone was insanely nice. That made me miss this place the most. Being here the last day was unbearable, I can't stop thinking of whether it is the last day for real.

And a big THANKS to SHM for helping all the co-ops get closer to success in future career! Many thanks

P/S: SHM should be recognized for being one of the best place to work at!

This has been a very interesting 6 months.  Indeed, it doesn't really seem like that much time has passed at all.  I want to thank every single person here at SHM for making this one of the most welcoming, interesting, and challenging workplaces I've ever known.  To the incoming co-ops in particular, while I'm not sure how many of you will read this before posting your first entries here (not everyone is like me, after all) I want to reiterate what I said during the meeting this recent Monday.  Ask, and learn.  The co-op program is designed to teach you applicable skills, ones that you will never learn in class.  You guys are incredibly lucky to have landed a job here, because everyone at SHM understands what it's like to be an co-op/intern.  They will be more than happy to help you.  The caveat, however, is that none of them can read minds (regardless of what Shawn might tell you), and so you will need to let them know that you require assistance. 

Adios!

Obviously my last post has to do with Beyoncé. Here is a little story I put together using Beyoncé songs.

After working at SHM I feel like I can “Run the World”
“At Last” I found a co-op that was “All That I’m Lookin For”
But now I’m going back to school, so I must “Start Over”
You had me at “Hello” but now it’s time to go
“It’s All Over” now, but everyone knows SHM is “Irreplaceable”
“I Was Here” and it’s “Hard to Say Goodbye” but I know we will be friends “Until the End of Time”
So I am ready to go and because of SHM I will be “Schoolin’ Life”

I also just wanted to thank everyone at SHM for making this an awesome experience. I was able to learn so much and this is the best job I have had. I am so grateful for having this opportunity and I hope to stay in touch with everyone!

It's the Final Countdown!

Hello everyone and welcome to your final week of co-op at SHM! So Sad!!!!! 

As your final farewell blogpost, write about whatever you want! Check out what the last round wrote for their goodbye's here: http://collectivereality.blogspot.com/2012_03_01_archive.html

I hope you all had an amazing and meaningful experience here, and that you're all leaving better than when you came. Best wishes to each and every one of you in the future, and DON'T be a stranger.