Volunteering in ICU or ED

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I am a pre-nursing student and just interviewed for a volunteer position in a hospital. They are placing me in ICU or ED and I will find out which one when I go for orientation on Monday. The last time I volunteered at a hospital, I was 13 (I am now 38), so I cannot remember what tasks I performed. Can any of you that work ICU or ED tell me what I might do? I am so excited that I cannot wait until Monday to find out!

Miz Que

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Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

I am surprised they will let you be there at all due to HIPAA risks and personal risks to you. You are probably not going to do anything close to direct patient care (I hope!) but being aware of surroundings and helping with clerical duties are all good learning experiences.

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I volunteer in the ICU family lounge. I basically greet family members and have them register, get them coffee/tea/pillows/blankets, tidy room, transfer calls, and talk to family members if they want a listening ear. Sometimes they will have you do administrative stuff. I have heard of individuals who tidy patient rooms, deliver mail/flowers, deliver medical supplies, move people around in wheel chairs. I think that is the extent that you are allowed to do. It is a good experience, either way, even if it is just gopher stuff.

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For anyone who may be thinking of volunteering in a hospital, I just wanted to update with a few duties they said I would be doing. I was assigned to ED and will be doing things like straightening up rooms, taking blood to the lab, answering phones, filling water pitchers, etc. I am very excited!

Miz Que

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