A Rotation at Culmore Clinic
We are pleased to introduce Nicole Maikish who is a Marymount University student completing a rotation at Culmore Clinic as one of her final requirements for her Registered Nursing degree. We sat down with her to discuss what her experience has been like working at Culmore Clinic.
As you think about the concepts you learned in your nursing curriculum, what stands out as an "ah ha" moment where your academic learning came to life through practice at Culmore Clinic?
As a student at Culmore Clinic, I really made note of how the clinic highlights the critical importance of mental health for the community it serves. In providing PHQ-9 assessments to patients during each clinical appointment, I have gained a deeper understanding of how social determinants of health can affect a community and the critical importance of providing counseling services for those we serve.
In what ways has being involved with a free clinic, and serving members of the community who do not have access to health insurance, changed how you view healthcare?
Serving members of the community who do not have access to health insurance is both humbling and highly rewarding for me. This experience has deepened my view of the impact that our services have on the well-being of our patients, as some might have never received the care needed without Culmore Clinic's assistance.
When you are not studying and preparing for your career as a nurse, what brings you joy?
When I am not studying and preparing for my nursing career, I love to read, swim, take walks in nature and meditate. I also enjoy spending time with my nieces and family, as well as my newly acquired 3 cats. Going to the beach is also a favorite as well!
Nicole lives in Germantown, MD and says she is excited to return as a graduated RN to volunteer at Culmore Clinic in the future!