Volunteering at Kaiser- experience

__patiently_waiting · Sep 18, 2013

Hi!

I recently started volunteering a couple of weeks ago at my local hospital. As far as getting started i had to submit an application along with 2 letters of recommendation and a statement of purpose. It took a couple weeks before I heard anything back, but once I got the e-mail that I was chosen I had to get a TB test along with all of my immunization records. I then had to attend a mandatory orientation session where we talked about how everything would work. At the end of orientation we got a chance to pick which unit we wanted to work on and we got it if it was open. We also got to pick what day we wanted to volunteer. That was pretty much it. I started the following week after orientation.

Herrington · Sep 18, 2013

This was my 2nd day volunteering. I applied online (no letters or anything), waited a few weeks or a month or so before getting an email about an interview. After doing that, I had to get all of my immunizations done or updated, do an orientation. We are allowed to come in whenever we want, for however we want (min. 4 hours per week I believe). For the most part, we can pick where we go, but currently my primary choice is transplant telemetry, and they're trying to contact the guy in charge of the transplant department to see if I can go up there, which I *really* hope I can, given my medical history. For now though, they've got me as a floater, just going around to wherever I'm needed (was in Oncology and the employee health clinic yesterday, then today I was mostly in the Cardiology Cathederization lab), and then next week they'll put me in the transplant marketing area, whatever that includes.

hatwal · Sep 18, 2013

Thank you so much! guess i will have to wait for that email then :)

hatwal · Sep 18, 2013

Thank you :) hopefully you do get into the transplant telemetry department :)) being a floater seems alright since you get to work in all department...seems interesting!! thanks once again!

hatwal · Jan 17, 2014

So i just wanted to give an update, a really late one on the process i went through. So i turned in the application and waited until they called me, once they did there was a orientation set up where we learned the basics. After the orientation we had to go through some lab tests, tb and hepatitis. Once that was done with, there was one more orientation/meeting that we had to go through that described in more detail of the jobs and expectations. i say the process took about a month or two. I got information desk where we keep track of some paperwork and wheelchair patients to their cars and such and i love it! there are many other things that you can volunteer as such as working as floaters or greeters. Visit the hospital and ask about what there is available. I think its really interesting being in a hospital environment! There is much to learn and being a prenursing student you get to understand and see a lot of things before actually participating in the program.

vanceee · Jan 18, 2014

Hello! I'm in the same boat as you.

-pre nursing student, on last pre-req course,

-current volunteer @ kaiser LA ( Hollywood)

-station @ emergency department

My experience: learn something new every time I come in, some days may be slow, but when it get hectic, you will know if this career is for you, I enjoy volunteering in ED, it keeps me active and it's never the same throughout the day.

My duties: basically do the same duties as an emt. Stock supplies, iv trays, transport patients, etc.

Pros of a volunteer: overshadow nurses and emt / they are always willing to answer any questions relating to the field, gain first hand experience in this career field, which gives you a upper hand when you are doing clinical in the future.

bbmtnbb · Jan 20, 2014

How do I start the process?? I have volunteered at another Hospital but would LOVE to do so at Kaiser, I am an EMT now and work in Kaiser hospitals as transport a lot. I'd love this experience!! Thanks for any links or help. I am going to start searching but let me know if you can and everyone let me know where you volunteer at and depts. and I can say hi if I am in your area. I'm any LA or nearby county Kaisers.

CommuterChick22 · Jan 20, 2014

Hello! I'm in the same boat as you. -pre nursing student on last pre-req course, -current volunteer @ kaiser LA ( Hollywood) -station @ emergency department My experience: learn something new every time I come in, some days may be slow, but when it get hectic, you will know if this career is for you, I enjoy volunteering in ED, it keeps me active and it's never the same throughout the day. My duties: basically do the same duties as an emt. Stock supplies, iv trays, transport patients, etc. Pros of a volunteer: overshadow nurses and emt / they are always willing to answer any questions relating to the field, gain first hand experience in this career field, which gives you a upper hand when you are doing clinical in the future.[/quote']
I volunteer in the ED as well! :) Although I only get points for 100 hours towards my program, I have 600 because I enjoy volunteering so much. During my shift, I call for sandwiches and juices, restock blanket warmers, gloves, BP cuffs and pulse oxygen monitors, run errands for the staff, etc (volunteers aren't allowed direct patient contact). I also clean patient rooms and transport patients via wheelchair or gurney. I haven't shadowed an EMT because they are considered "prehospital" but I have shadowed nurses and recently, an ED MD. The staff I've encountered is so knowledgeable and take the time to answer my questions in-depth. The ED is never the same and I think that's what keeps drawing me back.

righteousjenn · Jan 20, 2014

I've been volunteering at UCLA medical center in Santa Monica transporting patients.... I LOVE it I get to go everywhere in the hospital and that is most definitely where I want to work

KSHMR · Sep 14, 2015

What kind of questions did they ask you in the interview?

KSHMR · Sep 14, 2015

What questions were asked in the interview?