The Social Work Program at MRU is committed to promoting student health and well-being. Self-care is a key aspect of professional practice and you will have the opportunity to discuss self-care strategies for managing practicum in your integration seminars.
It is also important that you discuss these with the supervisor at your agency and notice how the professionals in the Agency integrate self-care practices into their work. There are resources on campus to support you through the Wellness Services located on the MRU Campus in room U216 and 403-440-8877. As well, a full description of the range of services available can be located at “+Wellness Services:
h2. Personal safety at the Practicum Agency
Given the diverse areas of Social Work practice, it is possible that safety concerns will arise for you while in your field placement. Prior to starting your first practicum, you will be required to attend a three-hour safety training provided by the Field Director. Additionally, we encourage conversations regarding personal safety in the seminar groups and maintain an active commitment to ensuring that the agencies we work with understand our expectations regarding the provision of a safe and healthy work environment for all of you.
Our curriculum addresses several aspects of personal safety and you will develop strategies to minimize the potential for risk. You will learn about environmental considerations as well as how to assess for an escalation in anger or anxiety, which are two conditions that can contribute towards unsafe situations.
This is also an important topic for supervision. Agencies will have procedures for dealing with potentially unsafe situations and it is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the policies and procedures. Also, talk to your colleagues about the steps they have taken to minimize their risk in the Agency.
Emotional/psychological health
Working with vulnerable populations can be emotionally challenging. You will have the opportunity to learn about vicarious trauma and to explore how to identify and manage emotions when they are triggered. It is important for you to recognize that feeling emotional is a normal part of the process during practicum and that there is support available through the Agency, and the Department.
Physical health
We recognize the diversity of the people who are served by our practicum agencies. As emerging social workers it is important that you consider the various health concerns that your clients may be experiencing and to which you may on a rare occasion come into contact. Many agencies will have policies and procedures in place, and you are encouraged to speak to your supervisor about any health concerns you may have.
Given the variations in trends related to health concerns, it is impossible to project with accuracy the specific health concerns for each practicum term. However, the following information provides a basic overview of some of the most common infections/diseases that you may come across in your placement. There are resources available via Health Link Alberta 403-943-5465 or online at: www.albertahealthservices.ca.
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