What has everyone else's volunteering experience been like?!
Question: What has everyone else's volunteering experience been like!?
I just started volunteering in the emergency room of a hospital to gain experience in the medical field!. So far I hate volunteering!. On my first day the lady told me to stand behind the desk and observe how the ER works!. So I did that!. The second day I walked around with a nurse and helped her out with small tasks (like holding things for her, or helping her make some beds)!. Today I was all by myself and I had no idea what to do!. No one ever told me that I'm supposed to do this this and this when I come in, or just what tasks I should be doing as a volunteer!. Yes I asked questions (they told me that there wasn't anything I should be doing when I come in), but that doesn't seem right!. Today I came in I walked around to check the beds to see if any of them needed cleaning!. I had already added supplies to the supply cart so it was already full!. I asked the nurses if they needed anything (and they said no) so I literally stood for about 2 hours with nothing to do!. Am I missing something!?Www@Answer-Health@Com
Answers:
It sounds like they didn't need any extra help at the time!. In places like ERs, things come in waves!. One minute they may be swamped, the next minute there's absolutely nothing to do!.
Make the downtime pass by talking to people!. You could always ask the staff how they handle certain situations, or what their equipment is used for, or where the cafeteria is =)!. Although they may not always have enough things for you to do, I'm sure they still appreciate the fact that you'll be there when they need you!.
Thanks for volunteering!. I wish everyone would do it more, including myself!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
Make the downtime pass by talking to people!. You could always ask the staff how they handle certain situations, or what their equipment is used for, or where the cafeteria is =)!. Although they may not always have enough things for you to do, I'm sure they still appreciate the fact that you'll be there when they need you!.
Thanks for volunteering!. I wish everyone would do it more, including myself!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
If you're just looking for putting in volunteering hours for good citizenship, I guess there isn't much to do in the E!.R!. I tried to get in with volunteering at mine, but all they said I would be doing was small, minimal stuff!. You're probably in a larger area than I am, so maybe there is more for you to do!. Find the doctor; kick him low in the pants, and when he turns around, say "I want something to do"Www@Answer-Health@Com
For someone else this may be the ideal volunteer job, it is not however for you!. Consider volunteering at an ambulance corp!. or fire house with a rescue squad!. This is how I began, at an ambulance corp and it turned out to be my true calling!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
You may want to consider volunteering at a nursing or convalescent home as they are ALWAYS under staffed and in need of help!. There is always plenty to do from helping with chores to helping with physical therapy!. It has been my experience that they are always grateful for the help and like I said there is always plenty to do!. Even if there isn't anything work-like to do, you can always spend time with the patients taking them for a walk or just talking with them!. A lot of these people don't have any family or anyone that comes to see them so just visiting with them a little will really make a difference in their lives!. It's kind of a difficult job because you get attached to some of the patients and then they pass on!. But it is a very rewarding job and I know that the staff will appreciate your efforts and the patients will be thrilled!.Www@Answer-Health@Com