Linda Sisk – Walterboro, South Carolina
WHAT IS YOUR OCCUPATION?
Psychiatric Social Worker
WHERE DO YOU WORK?
Colleton Medical Center, Behavioral Unit-Low Country Transitions, as PRN meaning every week-end and during the week as needed. Retired from SC Department of Mental Health as Area Coordinator.
WHAT DOES YOUR JOB ENTAIL? TELL US ABOUT A TYPICAL DAY FOR YOU.
My job includes completing Psychosocial Assessments on all new patients who come from the entire state of South Carolina, transients passing through from all parts of the US. I listen to their needs, help formulate recovery plans, support their efforts in recovery and assist in the transition to return to their community or help with homeless issues. We serve populations ranging from personality disorders, bipolar, schizoaffective disorders, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, depression to those who have severe substance abuse disorders. Helping families understand the disorder is another important part of the job. During the course of treatment, there can be outbursts, and resistance to taking medications. I also am responsible to conduct group therapy on such subjects as dealing with stress/anxiety/ depression/anger management. I am also requested to evaluate patients in the ER to determine their need for inpatient treatment. It is through a dedicated team of nurses, social workers, techs, psychiatrists that we are able to treat people with mental illness. Our mission statement is: Above all else, we are committed to the care and improvement of human life.
HOW HAS THE CORONAVIRUS AFFECTED YOUR JOB?
We are in a time of the new normal where there are no visitors allowed, staff must get their temperature taken upon entry into the hospital, with everyone in a mask, lots of hand washing, sterilizing tables, chairs, telephones, all areas of contact, while keeping patients in groups of less than 10 with social distancing. We still have to maintain the care of patients being admitted and discharged. Patients are dealing with the new normal plus their own illness. Families have to remain at a distance with only telephone contact trusting their family member to our care.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN THE HORSE BUSINESS AND/OR HOW ARE YOU RELATED TO THE TENNESSEE WALKING HORSE INDUSTRY?
I was introduced to the industry 20 years ago through my husband, Darrin Sisk. It didn’t take long for me to fall in love with the Tennessee Walking Horse atmosphere. Six years ago, I started my path to learning how to ride, many falls with a bruised body and frustrations with this task of becoming one with a horse. Through the process, many wonderful friendships have been cultivated as well as many exciting rides.
DO YOU CURRENTLY HAVE HORSES IN TRAINING AND IF SO WHO ARE THEY AND WHO IS YOUR TRAINER?
We currently have two horses- Duke Energy and Rich & Rare AKA Fireball, who are trained by Jessica Hlebak at Stonewall Farm. Jessie has been very patient with an older rider without a clue.
TELL US ABOUT A SPECIAL HORSE RELATED MEMORY WHETHER IN THE RING, ON THE TRAIL OR AT THE BARN?
It is impossible to choose one memory in my journey. It starts with choosing the perfect horse, training at the barn, socializing with the best of friends, entering the show ring, waiting in the line-up for the results of all the efforts put into the process.
DO YOU HAVE ANY PERSONAL WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO PASS ALONG TO YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY IN THE HORSE INDUSTRY?
With everything that is happening in our world today, I am comforted and encouraged by: "You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance." PSALM 37:7
"Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life, you stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes, with your right hand you save me." PSALM 138:7
"For in the day of trouble He will hide me in the shelter of His tabernacle and set me high upon a rock." PSALM 27:5