Volunteering at a hospital questions

[Brittdn]

Hi everyone:) I just have a few questions. I start volunteering in the burn unit at a hospital tomorrow and I am extremely nervous about what I might be seeing and doing. Does anyone know what I should expect? And also what would be good questions to ask the nurses and doctors? I am a future nursing student. Thanks

[Fiona59]

Didn't you get a job description?

[KelRN215, BSN, RN]

What did they tell you you'd be doing? I've never really known hospital volunteers to have much- or any- contact with doctors. I was a hospital volunteer for 4 years when I was in high school... mostly what I did was pick up lab specimens and deliver them to the lab and find wheelchairs and bring patients to tests or out to their car after discharge. Never once spoke with a doctor in all those years.

[aachavez]

What did they tell you you'd be doing? I've never really known hospital volunteers to have much- or any- contact with doctors. I was a hospital volunteer for 4 years when I was in high school... mostly what I did was pick up lab specimens and deliver them to the lab and find wheelchairs and bring patients to tests or out to their car after discharge. Never once spoke with a doctor in all those years.

My experience was similar, I would stock supplies, get warm blankets or snacks, answer phones, buzz people into the secure department, no real patient interaction. Don't you get some sort of orientation? They should have someone show you around, tell you what you can/can't do.

When nurses are swamped, try not to pester with lots of questions. However, in downtime, (they all knew I was in school) they were happy to explain some things, or answer questions. They'll be happy to see you eager to learn, but just be careful about not interrupting patient care. I had a lot of fun volunteering in an ER and CVICU, I met someone who got me an interview there and I start my job on Monday! Good luck, and have fun!

[Havin' A Party!, ASN, RN]

Listen well.

Trust your instincts on questions, but do think them through before asking.

Make it a learning experience.

[Morainey, BSN, RN]

Prob pretty benign stuff - bringing charts, paperwork, etc., answering phones possibly, and so on. I seriously doubt you would have much hands-on patient experience outside of possibly transporting a patient.

[justavolunteer]

I have been 'justavolunteer' long enough that I have helped turn pts. that need to be cleaned up, repositioned, etc. I have also helped wheel deceased pts. (on a covered cart) down to the morgue Most volunteers don't want to get anywhere near such things, but it doesn't bother me. I used to offer to help for awhile before someone finally said OK. It probably took the staff awhile to be convinced I wouldn't passout, get sick, or just be in the way

I also do the usual volunteer stuff: get water for pts., restock items like gloves, run errands, etc.

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

I have the understanding that we are not to use volunteers in any capacity in which we would normally pay someone to do the job. In other words, they cannot take the place of paid help. I thought that was a Dept of Labor guideline. At any rate, in my facility, volunteers are not allowed to do any direct patient care for liability purposes. If something goes wrong it would be disastrous to show that someone without documented competencies was involved.

[Havin' A Party!, ASN, RN]

When I volunteered in the ER, I was able to bring pillows, water as directed, towels, newspapers to patients. And escort family members, deliver supplies, labs specimens, etc.

[LifesAJourney]

I use to volunteer in the ER. I would do a lot of stocking of assessment sheets for all three ERs (2 Adults, 1 Peds). I kept tabs on what we were low on and report to the charge nurse. Stock printer, copier, and label papers. I would also put together the urine kits. I would wipe down wheel chairs and stock the hand foams. Stock, stock, stock, lol.

I would help prep rooms for when a patient transferred out. In the triage area I would help them put together the arm bands. I would assist families to the floor they were needing to go. I wheeled up many pregnant ladies to our L&D floor. I would help the patients in the waiting room fill out forms. I direct minor care patients to our fast track. I provided comfort to patients/families in our waiting room. Etc, etc.

Also, anything else the nurses and techs needed help with, I would assist! I was one busy girl!

[LifesAJourney]

In terms of questions, for the nurses, just ask about their experience with school and any helpful tips. For the doctors, it varies. Use your judgement so you are not intruding yourself onto them. I remember discussing x-rays with a doc once. Just kinda have to use your enviroment to your advantage.

[Havin' A Party!, ASN, RN]

Life, your post reads just like you described yourself... "one busy girl." :)