The mission of Hayward Area Memorial Hospital & Water's Edge is to improve the health status of the people of the Hayward area. HAMH is a critical access hospital that includes acute care, outpatient services and an emergency department. The Social Services Department provides services related to the psychosocial needs of patients and their families. Water’s Edge is a 50 bed skilled nursing facility. The department is involved in admission/discharge planning and the psychosocial needs of residents and families.

The student will have the opportunity to be involved in the admission of a resident for rehab beginning with the referral from a hospital setting through discharge back to the community. This is an interdisciplinary process that utilizes assessment, intervention, and evaluation, and will provide the student with a rich experience that includes boundary issues, collaboration, cooperation, time management, and cultural diversity in a supportive environment.