GWYNEDD VALLEY, PA — Gwynedd Mercy University Nursing senior Nicole Romano spent her summer interning at The Clinic in Phoenixville, PA, a medical center dedicated to serving those who do not have medical insurance.
Nicole first discovered The Clinic when GMercyU sent out information on internships with Independence Blue Cross (IBX) this past spring. When she found The Clinic, which is located in her hometown of Phoenixville, Pa., she knew she had to apply.
She was called for an interview and was the only student out of 10 applicants who were offered a position. Since starting, Nicole has done everything from issuing immunizations and running tests to performing EKGs and helping with wound care. She has worked with doctors across all specialties, including cardiology, pediatrics, gynecology, and holistic health.
The skills and knowledge she has learned in the Frances M. Maguire School of Nursing and Health Professions have enabled her to feel confident no matter what task is thrown her way.
“I have been able to go to The Clinic and thrive in the environment based on the skills and practice that GMercyU has offered me. Clinicals can be rough but they have provided great insight to the true meaning of nursing and how I can take those values and put them into practice for my current patients at The Clinic, and for all of my future patients,” Nicole said.
In addition her work at The Clinic, Nicole participated in Leadership Labs and volunteer experiences with Independence Blue Cross Foundation, who sponsored the internship. At the Leadership Labs, interns were given the opportunity to network and build their professional skills.
Each IBX intern was also tasked with creating a research project on the topic of their choice based off of their individual health care site. Nicole’s project was titled “Analyzing HPV Exposure and Nursing Prevention Tactics Among the Uninsured Population.”
“Uninsured women have a higher chance of developing advanced-stage cervical cancer in comparison to insured women,” Nicole said. “I was able to find that there is an increased need for education about HPV and the ways both men and women can protect themselves.”
Nicole presented her findings at Independence Blue Cross’ annual Recognition Event on Friday, August 2.
“At The Clinic, I am taking care of my town and community as I’ve lived in Phoenixville my whole life,” Nicole said. “I have created amazing relationships with my patients, the doctors, nurses, and all the amazing volunteers that make this place so special. When my internship is over, I am going to come back on my breaks to volunteer.”
In just a few short weeks, Nicole will begin her senior year. Post-graduation, Nicole hopes to work on a medical/surgical floor with the ultimate goal of working in Trauma Nursing.
UPDATED: Corrected intern sponsor from Independence Blue Cross to Independence Blue Cross Foundation
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