1)
Manage Time Wisely – Set realistic
goals that you can achieve. For example,
the allotment of ten hours per week for the practicum site will result in
completion of the required practicum hours.
2)
Keep Emotions Under
Control
– Stay calm when faced with frustrations so emotion won’t hamper your ability
to do your job effectively. Your practicum involves working for and with
others. It is not intended to provide
therapy for you.
3)
Practice Punctuality
and Reliability
– Be on time and prepared to complete your assigned duties. During your practicum, professional
relationships are formed. The impression
you leave with others at the practicum site could impact your future in the
CVSS field.
4)
Enhance Communication
Skills
– Employers value good communicators.
The ability to listen and to use the information gathered in oral
communication is essential. In addition,
the ability to transmit concepts through writing is part of the process of
communication. It is your responsibility
to develop these skills.
5)
Develop
Decision-Making Skills – Employers value people who posses
the ability to set a course of action or make a sound decision based on logical
assumptions (not emotional factual information and credible resources. Decision-makers are people who can think for
themselves and respond to the needs of the organization.
6)
Obey the Law – Know the law that
applies to your practicum. For example,
if you choose a site that involves child abuse victims, you should understand
the obligation of mandatory reporting as required by the Oklahoma State
Statutes. If you have questions, see
your practicum advisor.
7)
Separate Personal and
Professional Relationships – Most agencies that offer direct services to clients
have rules regarding social contact with clients. A good rule to follow is
maintaining a pleasant demeanor with all clients and keep these
relationships on a professional basis.
Establishing appropriate boundaries with clients is your
responsibility. Anything less could
destroy objectivity and ultimately harm the client.
8)
Protect the Client – Clients are often
very vulnerable. Their personal
tragedies and difficulties should never be the subject of gossip or
titillation. Never discuss clients
except in the professional context. All
documents pertaining to clients are confidential and should remain at the
agency.
9)
Encourage Feedback – Your practicum is a time for learning and
fine-tuning your skills. Be open to
ideas other than your own and accept constructive criticism with maturity.
10)
Learn the Site’s
Rules
– Each agency is unique. It is your
responsibility to ask your site supervisor for clarification regarding what the
agency expects in a given situation.
Remember that the only dumb question is the one that was never asked.
I
understand my responsibilities as an OSU-OKC practicum student and will abide
by these guidelines to the best of my abilities.
__________________________________________ _________________
Student
Signature Date