Volunteers in the mother and baby unit?

baby&mommynurse · Oct 30, 2005

In our Newborn (well baby) Nursery, we call our volunteers, "Cuddlers". We usually have babies in the nursery for reasons such as: mom went for a tubal ligation or other procedure, she is not feeling well, hospital hold/drug babies, baby is under phototherapy or baby is not stable and needs to be monitored closely.

Our Cuddlers usually are there to hold and feed the babies that can not be with mom for whatever reason. They also change diapers, help keep our nurseries stocked with formula and linen, they make up cribs and isolettes, and sometimes they may answer the phone if it's super hectic... which is a big help. We are a busy 600+ a month delivery hospital and we appreciate our volunteers. Cuddlers do not do any paperwork. If they feed or change a diaper, they are to tell the nurse and the nurse must chart. Sometimes we utilize our volunteers out on post partum briefly when we need a discharged mom and baby to be taken down in a wheel chair and a regular volunteer is not available, but usually we have plenty for them to do in the nursery.

Good luck...

RaeT,RN · Oct 30, 2005

In our Newborn (well baby) Nursery, we call our volunteers, "Cuddlers". We usually have babies in the nursery for reasons such as: mom went for a tubal ligation or other procedure, she is not feeling well, hospital hold/drug babies, baby is under phototherapy or baby is not stable and needs to be monitored closely.
Our Cuddlers usually are there to hold and feed the babies that can not be with mom for whatever reason. They also change diapers, help keep our nurseries stocked with formula and linen, they make up cribs and isolettes, and sometimes they may answer the phone if it's super hectic... which is a big help. We are a busy 600+ a month delivery hospital and we appreciate our volunteers. Cuddlers do not do any paperwork. If they feed or change a diaper, they are to tell the nurse and the nurse must chart. Sometimes we utilize our volunteers out on post partum briefly when we need a discharged mom and baby to be taken down in a wheel chair and a regular volunteer is not available, but usually we have plenty for them to do in the nursery.
Good luck...

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the quote from RENT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ariel70113 · Oct 30, 2005

In our Newborn (well baby) Nursery, we call our volunteers, "Cuddlers". We usually have babies in the nursery for reasons such as: mom went for a tubal ligation or other procedure, she is not feeling well, hospital hold/drug babies, baby is under phototherapy or baby is not stable and needs to be monitored closely.
Our Cuddlers usually are there to hold and feed the babies that can not be with mom for whatever reason. They also change diapers, help keep our nurseries stocked with formula and linen, they make up cribs and isolettes, and sometimes they may answer the phone if it's super hectic... which is a big help. We are a busy 600+ a month delivery hospital and we appreciate our volunteers. Cuddlers do not do any paperwork. If they feed or change a diaper, they are to tell the nurse and the nurse must chart. Sometimes we utilize our volunteers out on post partum briefly when we need a discharged mom and baby to be taken down in a wheel chair and a regular volunteer is not available, but usually we have plenty for them to do in the nursery.
Good luck...

cool thanks! I believe the lady at the volunteer office said that the volunteers at the mother and baby unit wont have any patient contact Which sucks!!!

Thanks for your time! You really sumbed it up!

SmilingBluEyes · Oct 31, 2005

It depends on the size of unit and if newborns are in the nursery extended times. DO NOT Look to do much in a small unit with a level 2 or wellbaby nursery. Most cuddlers are only used in larger hospitals that have long-term NICU babies. You need to choose carefully where you volunteer IF your desire is patient contact. Where I work, the only role volunteers have is as "runners" really----they deliver flowers, cards, and run things to lab for us. And I thank GOD we have them (even if they are only around for day shift). They are angels, all of them.

Ariel70113 · Oct 31, 2005

It depends on the size of unit and if newborns are in the nursery extended times. DO NOT Look to do much in a small unit with a level 2 or wellbaby nursery. Most cuddlers are only used in larger hospitals that have long-term NICU babies. You need to choose carefully where you volunteer IF your desire is patient contact. Where I work, the only role volunteers have is as "runners" really----they deliver flowers, cards, and run things to lab for us. And I thank GOD we have them (even if they are only around for day shift). They are angels, all of them.

yea I don't think this hospital is a big one. The lady was saying something about doing paper work? So i was wondering what kind of paper work?

SmilingBluEyes · Oct 31, 2005

Who can say? It wont' involve patient care, unless you are HIPPA trained, first. Good luck to you, whatever happens. I happen to think volunteers rock.

Ariel70113 · Oct 31, 2005

Who can say? It wont' involve patient care, unless you are HIPPA trained, first. Good luck to you, whatever happens. I happen to think volunteers rock.

thanks and thanks for your time!

SmilingBluEyes · Oct 31, 2005

no, thank YOU for your time. I mean it.