Volunteer in the ER

About a 4 months ago, I went on my local hospital's website, and filled out an application for volunteering. I've always wanted to volunteer, and this seemed an easy way as apposed to joining the peace corps, or americorps. Also this would provide excellent experience, among many other benefits. 2 months after I filled out the application, I received a call to come in for an interview. Needless to say, I was "hired", and went to a rather boring 4 hour orientation. But, everyone has to go through one, even employees, so it's a must. My job as a volunteer is a PRN. For those of you who don't know, PRN stands for "pro re nata," which I believe is latin for "as needed." So I'm an "as needed." lol My job consists of sitting in a room, and waiting for the dispatcher to get a call, and go throughout the hospital and do various tasks, such as deliver blood, deliver specimens, discharge patients, deliver mail, newspapers, or flowers, or deliver food trays. I enjoy what I do, but more importantly, I heard in the orientation that sometimes people are allowed to volunteer in the E.R. This strongly appealed to me, so after a few weeks of doing my PRN job, I asked the coordinator about it. The conversation was similar to as follows:

"So I heard that some people are allowed to volunteer in the E.R."

"Yep, typically the spots are reserved for medical students."

"Oh really, well I'm planning to be a nurse, How would I go about signing up for this job?"

"Well, you can do it anytime, when are you available?"

"Umm, tomorrow?"

"Alrighty, we'll get you signed up, and I'll send an email to the charge nurse."

So the next night, I was in the ER. I've been in the ER for roughly a month and half. Currently, I'm at the back end of my spring break, and I increased my volunteer time, from 1 to 5 days this particular week, due to my large amount of extra time. I'm here to encourage anyone, especially people going into nursing, to try to get a volunteer position in the hospital, and if you are lucky enough, in the ER. At first, I felt that I was going to be in the way, but as I gained courage, I've actually been thanked numerous times for my help down there.

My responsibilities are few, but handy such as:

Clean rooms

Make beds

Stock supply cabinets, and linens

Discharge patients

Inquire about "call lights"

Talk to family, if needed

Adjust patients bed, if uncomfortable

Sometimes help with ECGs

Empty trash and full linen bags

Help organize the ER secretary's papers, mainly alphabetize

And pretty much any other task that the staff if comfortable with me doing

I can't tell you how incredible my experiences have been. But the most important thing that I could've done to make my experience more worthwhile, is ask a very simple question. "Can I help you in anyway?" You are probably like Duh! Well, at first this didn't occur to me. But after a few weeks down there, I decided to read other people's experiences in the ER. The most common reoccuring theme was, "Don't be timid, put yourself out there, and ask if anyone needed your help." At first this thought occured to me, why would these trained medical professionals need my help? Sounded slightly absurd. But, I decided one night to try this idea, and by asking my simple question, I was involved in sooo much more. I was in the rooms more. I had more patient contact. I was able to be in the room when people were delivered by the paramedics, when the doctors and nurses were placing the various vital lines on the person. Due to my simple question, I have grown a friendship with nearly 30 people, and above all, they are willing to show me how to do some things. They appreciate my willingness to do the "crappy" jobs, and in return, they talk to me about various patient ailments, ofcourse when they have time to talk.

So why is this volunteering important? Besides getting that intrinsic feeling of helping others, to nursing students, this is priceless knowledge. For instance, when a nursing student needs to go through clinicals, they have to not only learn, and implament their skills taught in school, but also, be comfortable around patients. The comfortability is vital to one self, and you would be able to be of sound mind, when going through clinicals. I have seen some pretty interesting situations in my brief time in the ER, but what I can tell you is that I am very comfortable around people that are in the ER, which is something that you can't really teach, or buy. I wasn't comfortable at first, but my willingness to help has allowed me to be. Also the nurses and doctors notice your willingness to help. I have ended my shift with several thank yous, even from doctors. Even nurses have told me, if a job opens up down there, they would gladly help me get it.

MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL! The work that I do is time consuming, and I'm usually busy the entire time I am there. So even if I don't get to talk to patients, I understand. Because the more I do, the more the nurses are able to spend with their patients. So you see, I am indirectly affecting every single person that comes into the ER, both the medical staff, and the patients. For this, I am honored to due so.

So I strongly urge you to try to find a volunteer position in the hospital. And if you hear you can be in the ER, DO IT!! There are so many benefits for you and your career, and you are helping patients, and the medical staff. Currently, I have 2 volunteer jobs. I work as the PRN on friday mornings, and in the ER on saturday nights. Totalling 8 hours a week. I have the ability and schedule to do so, but some of you may not be able to. If you have a few hours a week or even a month, why not sacrifice your time for the "greater good."

-Andrew