Hello! My name is Matt, and this summer, I’ve had the opportunity to intern at Waveny. When I first joined the Waveny team, I was both excited and slightly unsure of what to expect in the role. I knew that being a Waveny intern would provide me with the opportunity to shadow members of the Waveny team from a variety of departments, and I was eager to learn as much as possible. Having volunteered with New Canaan EMS for a little over two years, I have gained quite a bit of hands-on patient experience. In my new role at Waveny, I sought not only to expand my hands-on experience and my knowledge of the geriatric community’s needs but also to acquire new insights into healthcare administration and the many connections between the hands-on side and the behind-the-scenes aspects.
Waveny has provided the perfect opportunity to form these connections, largely because it offers a full continuum of care, ranging from independent living at The Inn to assisted living at Waveny Village to skilled nursing for long-term and short-term residents at the Waveny Care Center. I was also fortunate enough to learn about other services offered by Waveny, including a telemedicine program and the Navigator Program, which provides support services to New Canaan families of people with dementia and Alzheimer’s. Moreover, my experiences at Waveny have reminded me in many ways of my time as an EMT, as many of the patients served by NCEMS are geriatric and have similar lifestyles, medical issues, feelings, struggles, and experiences with care to those of residents at Waveny. This has enhanced the way I interact with both residents and EMS patients.
As the cherry on top of an experience that has allowed me to bridge patient care knowledge with administrative knowledge, the office spaces at Waveny are interspersed throughout resident living spaces and common areas, allowing me to engage with the residents who make this community so special on a daily basis.
This experience has not only broadened my understanding of healthcare but has also strengthened my commitment to pursuing a career where I can continue to make a positive impact, and I look forward to applying the knowledge and skills I’ve gained here in my future endeavors. Thank you, Waveny, for an unforgettable summer.
