Interim, Inc. continues to lead the way in educating future nurses through meaningful partnerships with local colleges and universities. Building upon the success of Interim’s social work intern program, the organization recognized a critical need for skilled nurses within its various programs, prompting the establishment of a structured nursing internship program. Under the expert guidance of Sonja Sheppard, MEd, PhD, RN, Interim’s Nursing Administrative Supervisor, nursing students from institutions such as Hartnell Community College, Cabrillo Community College, California State University Monterey Bay (CSUMB), and Walden University gain invaluable hands-on clinical experience within Interim’s diverse support services and housing programs.
Dr. Sheppard, a seasoned healthcare leader whose past experience includes roles as Associate Director of Nursing and Allied Health (Hartnell College), Dean of Nursing (Brightwood College), and Director of Nursing (Unitek College), brings both clinical expertise and a deep commitment to community care. Her leadership has been pivotal in developing the nursing interim program at Interim. Under her mentorship, students gain a holistic understanding of healthcare as compassionate, community-centered service.
Nursing students completing their rotations at Interim engage directly with clients experiencing serious mental illness (SMI), providing essential support in education, medication management, nutrition counseling, and assistance with medical and psychiatric appointments. These immersive experiences expose students firsthand to the profound realities and complexities faced by individuals navigating their journey from homelessness to stable housing and improved health.
Dr. Sheppard emphasizes that effective mental healthcare extends far beyond securing housing: “Mental healthcare is an ongoing process requiring sustained support, empathy, and resources. We equip students to understand that mental health challenges can affect anyone—our friends, neighbors, and family members—and compassionate care must reflect this understanding.”
Interim offers students exposure to an extensive array of services, ranging from short-term crisis intervention at Manzanita to comprehensive dual diagnosis treatment at Bridge House, alongside transitional and permanent supportive housing across more than twenty locations throughout Monterey County.
Acknowledging that mental healthcare is often not initially considered by nursing students as a career path, Dr. Sheppard has spent the past decade tirelessly combating stigma surrounding mental illness. Her dedication to fostering empathy and expanding awareness helps future healthcare professionals become well-rounded, compassionate practitioners, prepared to advocate for their clients in diverse healthcare settings.
The impact of this mentorship is evident in the number of former interns who have chosen careers at Interim. To date, Interim has proudly welcomed six graduates from these nursing partnerships, including five Registered Nurses (RNs) and one Nurse Practitioner (NP), affirming the organization’s positive influence on their professional journeys.
The dynamic interaction between student nurses and Interim’s clients has facilitated unique health education opportunities, such as cooking classes promoting nutritious meals, blood pressure management workshops, and fostering connections to essential community resources for healthier living. These experiences reinforce Interim’s core values and mission to eradicate mental health stigma through compassionate, individualized care.
Interim, Inc. proudly continues this vital collaboration with local educational partners, underscoring a shared commitment to instilling hope, fostering empathy, and reducing stigma around mental health, thereby strengthening and expanding the vital network of services available to the community.