First Day Volunteering

[StritchMD2011]

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I just started as a Freshman at Creighton University and I decided to volunteer at Creighton Med Center because a) I want to see what a hospital environment is like b) I like helping people and c) It's something med schools like to see. Last night was my first night doing Patient Transport (ugh) but it was still really interesting being able to talk to people and be enthusiastic since all the paid PT people seemed so jaded. I had a blessing by fire when I got there though. Right off the bat we had to transport a corpse down to the morgue! I've seen dead people before, but what a way to start. I've also volunteered at Loyola's Ronald McDonald Children's hospital before, but I basically just played with the kids and nothing more. This was quite an experience and I got to see quite a few amazing things. I'm actually excited to go back next week.

I just had one question, however. What are some more exciting, patient-oriented volunteer areas in the hospital, aside from Patient Transport? I'd love to help out in areas where I can actually see procedures and stuff (although I did see the tail end of an angio-cath last night).

Thanks!

 

[ForensicPath]

Originally posted by BKadow
I had a blessing by fire when I got there though. Right off the bat we had to transport a corpse down to the morgue! I've seen dead people before, but what a way to start.

If they do autopsies at this hospital I would try and see if you can observe one. Although a medical autopsy is different from a forensic autopsy it still is worth it to watch one. I spent an entire summer working at a medical examiner's office and it was the most worthwhile experience I have ever had.

 

[TTSD]

Ah, the morgue.. what a lovely place. The first time I had to transport a body down there, it was in the middle of the night (I volunteered for the night shift after classes). So we're waiting at the locked doors for security to open up for us, and the door start BANGING outwards and the girl FREAKS out and starts screaming. The security guy is running down the hall and asks what's wrong and the girl points to the door. Apparently it was just the ventilation and the door wasn't secured tightly.

Another observation about bodies is that they're VERY VERY heavy. Since it's just now a limp bag full of viscera and fluid, it's very difficult to handle and takes a little work to get onto the tray. As we were leaving, I noticed it smelled like Mexican food.

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But other places in the hospital of interest you might want to see if you can get into are the ICU's, ER's and maybe Orthopedic floors. The ICU's are interesting. ER's are somewhat more demanding and usually are given to more senior volunteers. You're always on your toes to get people what they want and to stay out of the way. Orthopedic floors are fun too, there's always something going on there.. like every other night a code blue.

 

[Anka]

You might see if you can get a research position in the hospital. I work with a physican as a research assistant, and have had tons of chances to go follow in clinic, go to the OR, watch pathological exercises, go to conferences, rounds, etc. Also, once you start going to conferences, you get to know the regulars, and it's often a way to get to see other things.

 

[StritchMD2011]

Originally posted by Anka
You might see if you can get a research position in the hospital. I work with a physican as a research assistant, and have had tons of chances to go follow in clinic, go to the OR, watch pathological exercises, go to conferences, rounds, etc. Also, once you start going to conferences, you get to know the regulars, and it's often a way to get to see other things.

How would I go about finding a position such as this?