News
Learning the Ropes at Brookhaven Hospital
Kristi Whitaker, MSW
Written by Kristi Whitaker, MSW, Brain Injury Case Manager
I wanted to introduce myself to our NeuroNotes readers since I’ve been working as a Brain Injury Case Manager and Clinical Assessor for the Neurologic Rehabilitation Institute (NRI) at Brookhaven Hospital for a few months now. In my brief time here, I have been to three new states and several new cities and towns. I never dreamed my love of travel could be combined with my career as a Social Worker!
It’s not all airports and hotels, though. The world of brain injury is new to me, despite a solid work history in mental health case management. As the saying goes, “If you’ve seen one person with a brain injury, you’ve seen one person with a brain injury”. There is so much to learn, information I didn’t get in graduate school, and each case is different and unique in its own way. If you think your education stops when you get hooded in your graduation ceremony, think again!
Luckily, my employer is investing in my brain injury education, so I can gain my footing among the other seasoned clinicians and professionals here at Brookhaven Hospital. I am currently studying to take the Certified Brain Injury Specialist exam, and while it is nerve-wracking to prepare, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to increase my knowledge and credibility in this new field while they take good care of their patients. If you’ve taken this exam, feel free to email me tips!
I’m still learning the ropes, both here at NRI and out on the road. It’s challenging and new, and I love it! If you happen to see me at a conference, a gas station, or an airport, come introduce yourself! I look forward to meeting you, and to writing more about my experiences on our NeuroNotes blog.
