Volunteering in Trauma ICU

[DREAMdoACHIEVE]

I will be graduating this December with a BS in family dynamics & human development. I plan on starting an accelerated BSN program after I finish up some pre-reqs this spring.

Nevertheless, I thought volunteering in a hospital would be a good experience until I'm able to get into it through the BSN program. I was offered a volunteer position in the trauma ICU, and am very excited about the opportunity to observe and take everything in while doing little errands and this and that.

I am nervous however about how I will fit amongst other things - I'd like to learn as much as possible, and really have incredibly limited medical knowledge at this point. What can I do (i know i can't legally do anything with a patient) that would be most helpful? Any sorts of things specifically I should read up about prior to starting to prepare me?

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

Even as a volunteer, you will be provided with a 'job description' and orientation/training for your duties. These may vary depending on the type of ED you are in.

Be prepared to WORK. It has very little resemblence to the TV shows. Lots of 'biologicals' to clean up, lots of heavy lifting, undercurrents of violence (the fight isn't always over when the EMTs get combatants through the door). Emotions from zero to sixty in a heartbeat. It's pretty unsettling to see what humans do to one another.

Congratulations on your opportunity. Keep us posted on how you are doing.