Jessica Pineda
Master of Social Work, Hospice
Healing Care Hospice
Downey, CA USA
“Be yourself. Look into jobs that align with your values. Don’t settle just because you’ve been offered a position.”
Milestones
My road in life took a while to figure out.
Started off in community college as a marine biology major. Figured out I didn’t like science that much.
Switched to child development because I wanted to work with children and families. I liked it but it wasn’t quite what I wanted. I went to an academic counselor who introduced me to human services.
Human services! Transferred to CSUF. Loved it. I explored mental health, domestic violence, group facilitation, studied abroad, research.
Graduated CSUF. Got accepted into CSULB MSW program. I thought I wanted to be a school social worker and get the PPSC. Again, didn’t really connect with children.
Went into medical social work because I enjoyed helping older adults overcome barriers in the medical setting.
Interning at a hospital, I explored the pediatrics, NICU, and labor delivery units. Again, didn’t connect with children population. Then I went into the adult units. I loved the ICU.
In the ICU I began to consider and grow a strong interest in the end of life population. That is when I found what I loved and being able to walk in those moments with people.
1 month before I finished grad school, I got hired where I am currently employed and it is working with the end of life population.
Keep following my journey
Education
High School
Career
Master of Social Work, Hospice
I am a social worker providing care for terminally ill patients.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Education
Philosophy & Religion
Helping People
Day to Day
My days require a lot of independent work and organizational skills. I plan out my month based on the number of patients I have. I provided emotional support, crisis intervention, initial assessments, post death assessments, assist with resources, assist with POA / advance directives. Most importantly, I work in an interdisciplinary team with doctors, nurses, and chaplains.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for everyone
Be yourself. Look into jobs that align with your values. Don’t settle just because you’ve been offered a position. You want to make sure you’re applying to places that connect with what you truly want to do. Also, the usual professionalism, such as make sure that your resume is concise and practice interview skills. Do research on the places you’re applying to.
Recommended Education
My career is related to what I studied. I'd recommend the path I took:
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Society in General:
"I constantly heard that my profession wouldn’t allow me to make a descent income and that it was too emotionally draining or hard."
Challenges I Overcame
First-Generation College Student
