Im a Volunteer, How can I make a good impression on the Nurses/Doctors?

[desireepeach]

Hellooo. ok so im going to start volunteering at USC Keck medical center in about 2 weeks. I still dont have my department yet, so im waiting on the volunteer coordinator. Anyway, about 2 years ago, I volunteered at a different hospital. Most of the nurses were nice and the unit secretary was the best! But there was maybe two or three nurses that would always look at me ugly and ignore me completely. I always did what I was told to do, I never got in anyone's way. There was this young male nurse, I think he wanted to strangle me or something. He would always look at me real dirty and be rude. I had alot of fun volunteering, but some nurses would make me feel like I wasnt wanted there, specially that male nurse. Im a nice person, I tried to get to know them all. Even when I would ask about something because I wasnt sure, they would make me feel like I was a big burden. I also had doctor's completely ignore me. What can I do? Im excited but at the same time I am nervous because I dont want them to feel like im bothering them.

[Good Morning, Gil]

Just do what you're supposed to do as a volunteer, what's in your job description, and don't get in their way too much, asking a million questions, etc. They're too busy for that, but if you finish your assigned volunteer duties, always ask how you can help. (Like run to send labs to the tube for them or run downstairs to get blood for them, so long as you're allowed to do these things). You may not be able to help in direct care, like giving patients a boost, etc, but things like that can really help the nurse.

Or, sometimes, patients want food in between meals. Helping make those little trips saves the nurse some time to do the work she really needs to do, and helps make the patient comfortable, too (so long as you know their diet and ask the nurse if it's okay).

Don't be too sensitive. Some people are just not nice. We don't have volunteers on our unit, but I always smile when I see them downstairs. You're volunteering, doing a good deed! :)

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

Being at the hospital does not have the same meaning for you as for the staff. They have lots on their mind and are usually very busy. Don't expect everyone to be your friend. We have volunteers and I socialize with a few after work, eat lunch with some others and there are a few I could not even name. This is volunteer week, so THANKS for what you do.

[GitanoRN, BSN, MSN, RN]

first of all, thank you for volunteering on behalf of all of those patients and medical staff. regarding your concern and past experience i shall say that one can't win them all in the process there will be some individuals that for whatever reason will dislike us. having said that, when you start volunteering once again just focus on assisting those in need and don't sweat the little things for instance, when someone is rude towards you just kill them with kindness and professionalism. on the other hand, don't go out of your way to be super friendly to this the type of individuals like the ones you mentioned, just treat them with the respect that a human deserves do as much as you can within the scope of your duties. with that said, that's how you win the admiration of those who matter. personally, i have a great admiration for those individuals like yourself, that are willing to give some of their time to assist those in need and make our jobs a little easier. furthermore, honestly i wouldn't know what we would do without our volunteers in the facility were i work, they form a great part of our commitment on striving to offer our patients a higher caliber of patient care. wishing you the very best always may you have a bless year...aloha~

[desireepeach]

Thanks everyone :)