Is volunteering in the ER overrated?

[Livestrong51085]

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So I just got a gig volunteering in the ER at the local university hospital for four hours 3 times a month. I've been researching a little bit, and it seems that some people seem to think volunteering in the ER is way overdone by pre-meds and doesn't really allow that much interesting/useful patient interactions, etc.

At first I felt good about getting this volunteering gig, but now I'm starting to wonder if I should have gone after something a little more unique/interesting than the "run of the mill" ER volunteering that every other pre-med does.

I know that admissions committees will base it off of what I got out of the experience, but I would hate to put myself at a disadvantage from the get-go. Are there other clinical experiences that would be more beneficial/unique for me to go after other than the ER? Any ideas?

Sorry if this has been discussed before, I did use the search funtion. Thanks in advance.

 

[illegallysmooth]

So I just got a gig volunteering in the ER at the local university hospital for four hours 3 times a month. I've been researching a little bit, and it seems that some people seem to think volunteering in the ER is way overdone by pre-meds and doesn't really allow that much interesting/useful patient interactions, etc.

At first I felt good about getting this volunteering gig, but now I'm starting to wonder if I should have gone after something a little more unique/interesting than the "run of the mill" ER volunteering that every other pre-med does.

I know that admissions committees will base it off of what I got out of the experience, but I would hate to put myself at a disadvantage from the get-go. Are there other clinical experiences that would be more beneficial/unique for me to go after other than the ER? Any ideas?

Sorry if this has been discussed before, I did use the search funtion. Thanks in advance.

As far as clinical experience goes, I don't think ER volunteering is a very good option. It's more like...being around other people who are getting great clinical experience (nursing assistants, patient care assistants, immediate treatment assistants, unit clerks, etc). I guess it depends on what kind of ER you're in. At the small, community hospital (18 bed ER) where I work, volunteers sit at a desk. Sometimes they deliver mail or charts. Sometimes they fetch water for patients. If you actually want GOOD clinical experiences, you need to do something that will get your hands wet. You need to touch patients. Ideally, you'll do some sort of assessment or treatment. Become a volunteer EMT. Get a part-time or per diem job as a nursing assistant (or one of those other assistants I named).

Now, if what you're lacking is VOLUNTEERING, I suppose ER volunteering would be fine. But maybe you would enjoy something else more? The main idea here is to get clinical experience AND volunteering. However, the best clinical experiences may not be volunteering, and the best volunteer experiences may not be clinical.

 

[Handinhand]

Don't make the mistake I did. Do NOT volunteer at your university hospital/ trauma 1 center. They have enough med students/nursing students/ _____ students running around that they don't need volunteer help. Basically, you stock gloves and linens and nothing else.

If you have the chance, go work at a little country hospital. They'd love to have your help, and I've also noticed that the ER docs are very excited to teach someone if they're willing to learn. Not saying that ER docs at Trauma 1s don't, they're great guys too and I work with them a lot EMTing, but when they're on shift, they're way too damn busy to talk to a lowly pre-med volunteer.

 

[Marcus Brody]

ER is good for clinical experience if you work there, not if you volunteer, especially only 12 hrs a month.

 

[illegallysmooth]

Devil's advocate would say:

Why would I need to be an EMT to gain clinical experience first to prove that I want to be a doctor?

Um, what? Did I say ANY of that?

Do you feel that the job descriptions of EMT and MD are so close that doing one of them shows a propensity towards success/interest concerning the other?

No.

Perhaps an applicant wants to be an EMT just because they really liked the Nicholas Cage movie Bringing Out the Dead?

Ok.

However, if administering life saving actions is the merit of clinical experience -- would being a life guard at a pool during the summer qualify [you know, he did save little Billy with his CPR skills]?

Sure, I'd say so.

What's your point? I suggested EMT as a good route to good clinical experience. I never said it was the only way to go, nor that it was necessary. I also suggested other options. Did you come on this thread to argue with people about things they never said without actually reading the dialogue?

.

 

[Marcus Brody]

If you have the chance, go work at a little country hospital. They'd love to have your help, and I've also noticed that the ER docs are very excited to teach someone if they're willing to learn. Not saying that ER docs at Trauma 1s don't, they're great guys too and I work with them a lot EMTing, but when they're on shift, they're way too damn busy to talk to a lowly pre-med volunteer.

👍👍 and to take that a step further, volunteer at times when they are understaffed, after 11pm when the techs, receptionists, and transport staff has gone home. lots of hospitals are cutting costs by eliminating 24 hr support positions.

 

[Livestrong51085]

Thanks for the replies so far. I go to Penn State, and I don't drive, so pretty much the only hospital close enough for me is Mount Nittany Medical Center, which is right next to the university. I don't really have the time to go through an extensive training process to become an EMT. Maybe CNA, but I'm not sure of that either.

Has anyone heard of/done positions that would be good clinical experience that don't require a lengthy training program?

 

[illegallysmooth]

Thanks for the replies so far. I go to Penn State, and I don't drive, so pretty much the only hospital close enough for me is Mount Nittany Medical Center, which is right next to the university. I don't really have the time to go through an extensive training process to become an EMT. Maybe CNA, but I'm not sure of that either.

Has anyone heard of/done positions that would be good clinical experience that don't require a lengthy training program?

First, the training process to become an EMT isn't what I would call extensive. Along the way, you're learning clinical skills, practicing on each other, and likely doing hospital observations where you can actually do hands-on assisting. It's valuable in and of itself as far as clinical experience/skill goes.

Secondly, you don't have to be a CNA to be an NA. I absolutely loathe those programs that advertise on TV and make people think they have to spend 9 months in a program to learn how to take vital signs and wipe somone's @ss. On-the-job training is offered at many locations for nursing assistants/patient care assistants/immediate treatment assistants, ESPECIALLY for pre-meds or those in a science curriculum. CNA programs, IMO, are more suited for people who are not going to be getting a bachelor's degree and don't have any post-secondary education.

To answer your question, I was hired as an ER unit clerk and a med/surg immediate treatment assistant (for which I did EKGs, drew blood, etc) with no prior training. All on the job training. After having held those positions, I was hired as a pediatric medical assistant, again with on-the-job training.

 

[illegallysmooth]

Look up the meaning of the phrase "playing devil's advocate" and you will find your answer. Try not to be so smooth so illegally.

Please realize when you argue with people about things they never said, it's not playing devil's advocate, it's acting like an idiot.

 

[Livestrong51085]

First, the training process to become an EMT isn't what I would call extensive. Along the way, you're learning clinical skills, practicing on each other, and likely doing hospital observations where you can actually do hands-on assisting. It's valuable in and of itself as far as clinical experience/skill goes.

Secondly, you don't have to be a CNA to be an NA. I absolutely loathe those programs that advertise on TV and make people think they have to spend 9 months in a program to learn how to take vital signs and wipe somone's @ss. On-the-job training is offered at many locations for nursing assistants/patient care assistants/immediate treatment assistants, ESPECIALLY for pre-meds or those in a science curriculum. CNA programs, IMO, are more suited for people who are not going to be getting a bachelor's degree and don't have any post-secondary education.

To answer your question, I was hired as an ER unit clerk and a med/surg immediate treatment assistant (for which I did EKGs, drew blood, etc) with no prior training. All on the job training. After having held those positions, I was hired as a pediatric medical assistant, again with on-the-job training.

That is very helpful. I will definitely ask my hospital if they offer anything like that. Thanks!

 

[illegallysmooth]

That is very helpful. I will definitely ask my hospital if they offer anything like that. Thanks!

Anytime. If you have any questions about these positions, feel free to PM me. Good luck 🙂

 

[illegallysmooth]

lol but no, seriously, catch up on your idioms.
Feel free to show me what you didn't say. (And please don't be silly enough to post the ancillary rhetorical questions, because for some reason you answered them anyway. Check up on the meaning of "rhetorical" while you are wiki'ing devil's advocate.)

Def too illegally smooth...

I'm not going to respond further than this because it's rude to the OP. As a general guideline for life, you should actually read something before responding to it or entering into a discussion/argument. When you ask rhetorial questions, you imply that the person you're talking to actually said something that would inspire your response. It's how a conversation works. You could have responded with a recipe for banana bread and been more intelligent and relevent. You're acting like an arrogant fool, know when to stop.

 

[Livestrong51085]

Well, I just called the Volunteer Coordinator at my hospital and left a message expressing my desire to be more of a nursing assistant or patient-care assistant with on the job training, instead of a regular volunteer, and if she knows anything about it or can point me in the right direction. Hopefully she'll call back with good news. Thanks again to those of you who offered your insights.

 

[Narmerguy]

Very overrated.

 

[insane]

From my personal experience volunteering at a nearby teaching hospital with a level 1 trauma er, volunteering at an ER sucks. Most of the time you sit there and file papers, make beds, or push patients around. If you get really lucky some of the doctors will let you observe them. To me it seems like there are better places to volunteer where you can actually use your time too actually do something that helps people, instead of doing busy work.

 

[Livestrong51085]

Thanks again for your replies. That definitely solidifies in my mind that I really do want to find something else, like nursing assistant or patient care assistant. Does anyone else have any other ideas? Thanks 🙂

 

[Morsetlis]

The whole process is overrated. What's more useful, a premed volunteering or a doctor actually working?

🙂

For a pertinent answer, I've volunteered in ER, wards, gift shop, nursing stations. I'd say gift shop volunteering is the best.

 

[Livestrong51085]

The whole process is overrated. What's more useful, a premed volunteering or a doctor actually working?

🙂

For a pertinent answer, I've volunteered in ER, wards, gift shop, nursing stations. I'd say gift shop volunteering is the best.

Though the gift shop is enticing, I've got to get some clinical experience 😉

 

[illegallysmooth]

I'm sorry for disrupting the discussion here, but I had to post this PM I got from Frazier. It was too funny.


You put so much effort into your responses, but they are just pointless fluff.

Until you decided to have a little cry baby attack, I never indicated that you said anything about the necessity of EMT beyond using your post as a quote to play devil's advocate as I have said this afternoon at least 20 times.

My question to the forum, not you, was:

Why would I need to be an EMT to gain clinical experience first to prove that I want to be a doctor?
__________
It was NOT: hey, illegallysmooth, you ol' fool tell me, why would I need to be an EMT to gain clinical experience first to prove that I want to be a doctor?

But because I used your post as my stimulus - you started crying and looking silly. So then I decided to go with it. Hope you enjoyed looking like an oblivious idiot.

For some reason you just don't comprehend this (and I assume much more).

Now I REALLY wish you good luck with your studies.

 

[Ghost22]

My ER volunteering was great...to get me a job in the ER.

Volunteering is generally pretty lame, but you can use it to spring board to other things, which is kind of the point, I think.

 

[Morsetlis]

My ER volunteering was great...to get me a job in the ER.

Volunteering is generally pretty lame, but you can use it to spring board to other things, which is kind of the point, I think.

That's the idea.

 

[illegallysmooth]

Insightful.
I would post what your pm said BEFORE and after that quoted message, but I don't want to put everyone at risk of lowering their intelligence as a result. 😛

Why don't you go post more irrelevant "rhetorical questions" whilst "playing devil's advocate" by countering a point that was never made by anyone anywhere in the thread?

 

[lmarina1]

.

 

[metallica81788]

It totally depends on the hospital. I volunteered in an urban, medium-sized ER and got a ton of useful experience. I mainly followed around the residents, who either explained what/why they did things or showed me how they did something. Sometimes they even let me do stuff. While they were charting, I got the patients blankets, water, etc.

It was a great experience and I saw a lot of interesting and cool cases from up close. I do know a lot of people that volunteer at other ERs that just sit at a desk and carry papers around, though.

 

[vickpick]

in short, yes... i didn't do anything different tht what i did in other departments.

 

[lmarina1]

..

 

[TieuBachHo]

So I just got a gig volunteering in the ER at the local university hospital for four hours 3 times a month. I've been researching a little bit, and it seems that some people seem to think volunteering in the ER is way overdone by pre-meds and doesn't really allow that much interesting/useful patient interactions, etc.

At first I felt good about getting this volunteering gig, but now I'm starting to wonder if I should have gone after something a little more unique/interesting than the "run of the mill" ER volunteering that every other pre-med does.

I know that admissions committees will base it off of what I got out of the experience, but I would hate to put myself at a disadvantage from the get-go. Are there other clinical experiences that would be more beneficial/unique for me to go after other than the ER? Any ideas?

Sorry if this has been discussed before, I did use the search funtion. Thanks in advance.

That's the whole point of volunteering. You are not supposed to give patients medical advices (or anything medically related) but you are not prohibited to converse with patients. Despite of where you are volunteering, gaining insights to patient-doctor relationship is important. Be proactive and strike conversations about patients' lives, conditions, improvements, drawbacks (DON'T BE AN ARROGANT and always follow the SAFETY guidelines). Most patients are willing to share with you about their treatments as well as their medical histories. This is a great opportunity to learn from them. ER is a busy workplace and no one has time to bother with volunteers, you have to know what you want out of it for yourself. For instance, hypothetically, ask yourself what would you've done differently to improve the hospital's conditions if you see things that are fits/unfits if you fortunately become a doc one day. There are millions of thing to benefit from in the ER as well as others. However, you are also there to help with the hospital works and not being self-conscious of your own need. There are time for everything, and make it worth.

 

[Bengarama]

I have to say, I volunteer at a level 1 trauma center, and I've gotten plenty of "hands on" experience. I'd recommend volunteering later, because at that point nurses/docs need the most help and they're more willing to let you do things that you aren't "supposed" to do. That being said, more than the hands on experience, I think the most valuable things I've gotten from volunteering are more intangible. I think the *most* important thing I've learned is doc/nurse interaction, rather than doc/patient. It amazes me how many residents act like dicks without realizing that they're not respected and get nothing extra from their team. The amazing docs however, have nurses bending over backwards to help them, all because they speak to them respectfully and remember some personal facts about each nurse.

 

[metallica81788]

I'm just wondering, would you consider what you did, Metallica, to earn the coveted title "clinical experience?" I personally would, because to me, if youre in there with the patient, you see it, and you "help" by delivering things to the patient, getting stuff for the resident, etc., it's just as good as if you went (or were allowed to go) one step further, if you will, and take their BP or vitals or something. Like you said, it depends on the particular place, or even the particualr shift/staff, to determine how useful an experience is. So, while many people might have ER volunteer experience, it is not automatically overrated. It is possible to get a great experience (or good enough) without necessary performing any phlebotomy, etc. If it was a requirement to know how to take a BP to get into medical school, they would tell you (and there wouldn't be questions about it on the allo forum.)

I do consider it to be clinical experience, because I was with the doctors and seeing what they did on a daily basis - the good and the bad, the exciting and the boring. I was able to see what went into taking a history, dealing with drug addicts, facing acute injuries, etc. Whether someone else or adcoms see it as clinical experience is up to them.

I was not able to get a clinical job and don't know any doctors, so this was the best thing I could do and the only clinical experience I could get - so I made the best of it and tried to learn as much as I could and go often.

 

[FrozenTexan]

I'm currently volunteering at the local VA er. I love it the residents from the medical college let me follow them and they walk me thru all of their medical decisions. I do have to clean beds and such it I really enjoy working with the vetrans. Plus almost all if the VA's need volunteers.

 

[illegallysmooth]

I'm currently volunteering at the local VA er. I love it the residents from the medical college let me follow them and they walk me thru all of their medical decisions. I do have to clean beds and such it I really enjoy working with the vetrans. Plus almost all if the VA's need volunteers.

I just wanted to recognize this statement 👍

Often times, young people are quick to make negative statements about the elderly. This concerns me when the same people want to be doctors. At work, I have had many interesting and humbling conversations with elderly people, including veterans. This is something a volunteer could do and gain a good amount of insight.

 

[Livestrong51085]

Hmmm, so reading these newer posts make me think that I should wait it out and see how it goes in the ER. As long as it definitely counts as clinical experience in the adcoms' eyes. I mean, we don't all have time to get special certifications. I guess all they want to see is that we've been around patients for an extended period of time and see how things work, right? It's not like they're expecting us to have done EKG's, blood-draws, etc, etc, right? As long as we see the doctors and nurses do what they do and talk to them and learn and have patient interactions, etc, right?

God, I hate how I've become so paranoid about this.

 

[MichaelRW]

In major cities, there are such an overabundance of health care workers that there are very few places that offer on the job training to draw blood, ekg, etc., because they actually hire someone to do this. Currently being in Boston, there are enough RNs, techs, PCAs, aides, 1st year nursing students, etc. etc. to fill every possible nook and cranny of clinical care. In this tough economy, there are also tons of people applying under their education level, so me with my lowly bachelors is often competing with many people with masters and/or tons of experience for a simple Research Assistant/Tech I job. So, if anyone knows of another magic spring source of clinical experience (w/out shelling out $1000 + 2months of training), let me know! j/k actually, there were tons of good suggestions on this thread and others. To the OP, I would take what you can get--obviously, shoot high, but something is better than nothing. Like others said, hopefully it can act as a springboard for you, but , just personally, I do not know anyone who volunteered in an urban hospital where someone was like--"i like the way you stock, kid...and you don't seem squeamish about blood, so I'm going to train you." Most of the time, you sign up and go through hour long seminars about all the things you are never to do...mostly touch or interact with any of the patients in any medical way whatsoever. Again, this is totally anecdotal, and you should listen to the advice of posters above. I'm just saying that I think that schools are aware of limitations, so while you should actively seek out the best experience, don't be totally bummed if your situation is less than optimal. being in a hospital and volunteering is better than not being in the hospital. And, once your there, you have the chance to start a rapport with docs and staff. I'm not being negative at all--just saying be realistic with your options. Perhaps looking at clinics in poorer areas instead of major hospitals.

Short of getting a cert., most people on here who have very hands on experience are either in an understaffed area (e.g. a rural or suburban setting), or kind of fell into it by connections. So schools might be a bit forgiving of what you actually did if you are able to clearly state what you got out of it. Correct me if I;m way wrong on this.

extremely well put 👍

 

[Morsetlis]

Not well-put per se, but realistic. It reflects what I observe, as well.

Perhaps somebody could guide us city kids on how to find a country hospital gig? 😀

 

[riverjib]

Yes, it's cliche. Take what you can from it, but be careful working it into your PS.

 

[Livestrong51085]

So, all in all, is volunteering in the ER considered acceptable as "clinical experience" as opposed to just community service?

I hear on here on all the time that clinical experience is so important, and I don't want to screw myself over and realize too late that I should have been doing something else besides volunteering in the ER (I spoke with my coordinator and she said that I'd be interacting with a lot of patients and other workers and seeing a lot of things, so I don't think I'll be doing any filing, etc).

Just want to make sure I'm on the right track. Thanks for all the replies so far.

 

[Livestrong51085]

So, all in all, is volunteering in the ER considered acceptable as "clinical experience" as opposed to just community service?

I hear on here on all the time that clinical experience is so important, and I don't want to screw myself over and realize too late that I should have been doing something else besides volunteering in the ER (I spoke with my coordinator and she said that I'd be interacting with a lot of patients and other workers and seeing a lot of things, so I don't think I'll be doing any filing, etc).

Just want to make sure I'm on the right track. Thanks for all the replies so far.

Anyone?

 

[metallica81788]

Anyone?

Yes, but only if you have something to show and tell from it. If you just sat at a desk, no.

Remember LizzyM's quote - If you smell patients, it's clinical experience.

 

[JoshUNCW]

Idk, I love my ER volunteering job. I get a good amount of patient contact and see a lot of cool things. But the hospital I'm at only has a 20 bed ER. So I don't know how it is at bigger hospitals.

 

[NickNaylor]

Perhaps I'm the exception, but I've really enjoyed my ER volunteering. No, I'm not getting to do anything super awesome, but it's still enjoyable and I certainly get patient contact.

It might be overrated, but who cares? If you like it and you're getting something out of it, do it.