Hospital sees potential
in home-grown social worker
TAMC makes an effort to support the education and career goals of its staff members. Abbey Atcheson, who is a licensed social worker and one of TAMC’s care managers, is just one example.
Contributed photo
ABBEY ATCHESON, LSW, of TAMC, attended Social Work Day at the State House April 10 with her social work policy professor and the rest of her classmates from her graduate school program. The group met with Susan Lamb, executive director of the National Association of Social Workers, and several state representatives and senators to learn more about proposed bills that are relevant to social work practice.
Atcheson graduated from Presque Isle High School in 2007 and went on to the University of Maine at Presque Isle, where she graduated magna cum laude in May of 2011 with a bachelor’s degree in social work. While at UMPI, she became an intern at TAMC. Two years later, when the opportunity arose, TAMC hired her.
“TAMC is always looking to help grow our most important resource here in The County — our people,” said Laura Turner, LSW and TAMC community liaison. “Abbey is a shining example of a young person who is committed to the area as evidenced by her civic involvement, and who has great potential to lead this community in the future.”
Atcheson knew from a young age that she wanted a career working with people. At TAMC, she helps with patient discharge planning, identifying high-risk patients, assessing their needs and ensuring that their discharge is safe and appropriate — all with a purpose of helping patients meet their goals and eventually return home. She also carries out general case management and crisis intervention.
“Social workers are masters at solving miscellaneous and unexpected issues due to our unique skill set and knowledge of available resources. My heart is truly in the field of social work, and I feel passionately about my role at TAMC,” said Atcheson.
Amy Carlisle, RN, and manager of inpatient care coordination at TAMC, has been Atcheson’s supervisor during her internship and since she became a full-time employee. Carlisle says Atcheson has many qualities that make her an asset to TAMC and her community.
“She is high-energy and passionate about advocating for what her patients need,” said Carlisle. “She goes above and beyond on a regular basis to ensure that her patients leave TAMC with the most comprehensive and complete discharge plan possible.”
As the daughter of two local, well-respected teachers in the community, Atcheson has developed a deep appreciation for the value of a strong education. Combine that with her love of the field she is in, and it’s not surprising that she would decide to pursue her education to obtain a clinical license in social work. With support from her co-workers and supervisors at TAMC, Atcheson enrolled as a part-time student in the University of Maine’s advanced standing master of social work program, where she is taking distance classes using the polycom system at the UMPI campus. She will graduate in May of 2015.
Both Carlisle and Turner agree that Atcheson’s goals of being a clinical social worker will benefit TAMC and her community upon completion.
“In regards to Abbey’s career and educational goals,” added Carlisle, “we try to be as flexible as we can to allow her the time she needs to attend classes toward her master’s program. The other staff in our department are very flexible as well, to help meet each other’s needs. We are always in need of increased avenues to meet the needs of those with mental health concerns. We are hopeful that as Abbey achieves her goal that we will be able to incorporate her new skills into our daily practice.”
Atcheson’s career got started under the mentorship of Mary Easler, LMSW, who served as her field instructor, and that role is now coming full circle. Atcheson is already taking on a mentoring role by encouraging other young professionals to research their educational opportunities and to reach for their dreams, despite how difficult the path may seem.
“Education holds the key to many doors and is one of the most valuable accomplishments one can achieve,” said Atcheson. “Ultimately, I am confident that my graduate degree will be worth all the papers, exams, late nights and extra cups of coffee.”
