Summer Volunteers

liquidblue · Apr 9, 2007

I used to work in a hospital that had a teen program available. There were a lot of good teens that did come through the program, and were helpful. There were also a lot of teens who believed that their time at the hospital was supposed to be "social hour" with the other teen volunteers. I personally believe that part of the problem was lack of supervision, but what does it matter now.

To answer your question... I noticed that the teen volunteers mainly did clerical and administrative type duties. The offices (front, reception, admin) really liked having the volunteers for errands, making copies, sending faxes, etc. The teens could also take items back and forth from department to department and deliver lab specimens.

The volunteers also staffed the gift shop, and made sure that the patients had reading materials and snacks. I can't think of anything else, off the top of my head.

antidote · Apr 9, 2007

I used to work in a hospital that had a teen program available. There were a lot of good teens that did come through the program, and were helpful. There were also a lot of teens who believed that their time at the hospital was supposed to be "social hour" with the other teen volunteers. I personally believe that part of the problem was lack of supervision, but what does it matter now.
To answer your question... I noticed that the teen volunteers mainly did clerical and administrative type duties. The offices (front, reception, admin) really liked having the volunteers for errands, making copies, sending faxes, etc. The teens could also take items back and forth from department to department and deliver lab specimens.
The volunteers also staffed the gift shop, and made sure that the patients had reading materials and snacks. I can't think of anything else, off the top of my head.

Thats pretty neat. They didn't have them where scrubs did they?

edgwow · Apr 9, 2007

I would think, since I worked (as a volunteer) in a hospital when I was 15, make beds, fill water pitchers, set up meal trays, go and get the nurse when the patient needs something, when the call bell goes off.

miko014 · Apr 9, 2007

I can think of a few instances...but it's usually the older (retired) volunteers that have the most patient contact. But off the top of my head, I have seen volunteers:

-take phone messages to pts

-push pts in WCs for discharge

-bring direct admit pts to their rooms

-fill water pitchers

-make name tags (for above the beds)

-stock rooms with gloves, etc

-sit and talk with pts

-sell newspapers door to door

I'm sure there are a few others too, but like I said, it's usually the older volunteers that do that. I mostly see the teens with the newspapers, filling water pitchers, occasionally d/cs...but they more or less run the errands, make copies, etc. where I work.

carrie13 · Apr 9, 2007

At my hospital the volunteers

-stock supplies - in pt room and in supply room

-make beds

-deliveries - to the lab, get equipment, etc

-clerical work - send faxes, photocopy, answer the phone

- run errands - ie get tray from dietary instead of waiting for it to be delivered

-go around with newspapers/magazines from the lounge

-escort visitors

As for the dress code - somewhat business casual - no jeans, sweatshirts, etc. With a name tag that clearly states volunteer. The volunteers that interact with patients and who "wander" the hospital have to wear a vest/apron. Hideous thing but clearly identifies them as volunteers. Those who work in the gift shop or cafeteria etc do not have to wear the apron.