reposted from SPC Blue and White

Nikki Cook, a former U.S. Air Force servicewoman, has completed her capstone course in SPC’s Health Service Administration Program. The capstone provides graduating students with the opportunity to integrate what they have learned under the mentorship of an employer in the community.

At the beginning of the semester, Cook’s original placement fell through and left her searching for a last minute replacement mentor and position. On the advice of an HSA professor, she contacted the SPC Internship Office for assistance for help. Internship Coordinator Susan Biszewski-Eber sent Cook’s resume out to several community partners. When Suncoast Hospice saw that Cook was a veteran, they quickly sent her resume to Daphni Austin, Professional & Veteran Liaison at Suncoast Hospice.  Impressed with Cook’s background and skills, Austin offered to be her mentor.

Under Austin’s mentorship, Cook said she has had an amazing experience working with the Suncoast Hospice Veteran’s Program. She observed the coordination of care with Bay Pines and James Haley V.A. hospitals and learned about health benefits for veteran patients.  In April, Hospice flew 76 veterans to DC to visit their memorials. Cook was instrumental in planning the Honor Flight’s Mission 9 Orientation and helped make the flight successful.

“My Capstone experience turned out better than I could have imagined,” Cook said.

For more information on the SPC Internship Program, contact Internship Coordinator Susan Biszewski-Eber