Mastering the Q-chord

I usually get sick at least once a semester. I was surprised that I've gone about four months without catching anything. Well, sadly I missed two days this week because of a sore throat. I actually tried to go to work today and my supervisor sent me home to rest.

With the extra time on my hands I went through the manual and learned all about the Q-chord. I already knew the basics and used the Q-chord once during procedural support with an older patient. The patient had very high anxiety and the Q-chord helped promote relaxation. Sometimes the guitar can be a barrier and having alternate interventions in your bag can make you stronger as a therapist. In a future blog (and once I feel better) I will reflect on how the Q-chord and skills I learned this week benefited me in future sessions. I might just post a video tutorial on the basics of the Q-chord, so stay tuned!

New Way of Thinking

My supervisor has helped me look at music therapy in a whole new way. When I go into a room I have to explain how what I did is different than a volunteer. Everything I do in a session must have a purpose. So the answer to patients or staff in the hall who ask us, "Oh, do you just play music for patients?" Is of course no. Or it can be bothersome when some people ask us if we are volunteers. We have to explain to inquirers that no, we don't just play music. When we have the time we go in depth of what we do and how it is different than a volunteer. It is tough when I get asked "Do you play music to patients?" I say, "Yes" because technically I do but it's much more than that.

At the hospital we have a lot of nursing students learning from the staff and doing case studies with the patients. It can be overwhelming with the amount of people at the nursing station. The other day I was in a room during a session and they asked that same question. I took the time to educate them about music therapy and the importance of it. It was refreshing that I could explain this concept to them because I remember one day when it wasn't so easy.

One exercise my supervisor had me do is write out two definitions for music therapy. One is written for staff using their language. Another is for patients/family with understandable terms. It's good to plan what to say beforehand so you sound confident and articulate in what you do.

Being Attentive

One skill I'm learning is to be attentive. Last week, I overheard an IV start was about to commence and I approached the nurse and said "I would love to help." Nurses don't always refer music therapy for a procedure so when I am on a unit I make sure to keep my ears peeled. IV starts happen almost every time the hospital receives a new patient. So I can see why nurses don't refer music therapy unless their patient seems to have high anxiety.

I have also learned how to advocate for music therapy on my first rotation. I gave my pager number to the secretary, built rapport with staff, and posted a flyer introducing myself on the unit. Now I can implement my knowledge sooner on the next unit. I am currently working only on the general pediatric unit and will soon transition to the pediatric surgical unit. After my rotation on each unit I will be in charge of the entire hospital for two weeks.