Volunteering Etiquette?

[ComputerGuy365]

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I am currently in the process getting a volunteering opportunity at a local hospital near me. If I am successful, what is the necessary etiquette? What can I expect? Is wearing scrubs acceptable?

Your truly (The swaggah monster),

Comp

 

[hippo_crates]

I've been volunteering at this hospital for a couple years now and honestly it depends on the rules that they have for their volunteers. Where I'm at we wear a special blue short coat thing with khakis and a white shirt and that's our entire uniform. The etiquette really depends on what you're actually doing. I'm in patient transport and basically we are expected to defer to the wishes of the nurse and the patient and stand by quiet and ready but at times we interact with the patients and just talk to them as we take them to wherever they need to get. I also shadow doctors there and the etiquette is completely different when I'm with them and the patients. I am completely silent the entire time and I introduce myself when I first enter and then that's it unless I'm addressed. It really just depends on what you're doing and what the supervising person tells you. Just act composed and respectful and you'll be fine.

 

[deleted688154]

They'll probably give you an orientation or tell you all this stuff on the first day. Don't worry about it. Also please don't wear scrubs from the get go, you'll look like a go hard*. If you already have scrubs from a school biomed class or something along those lines put them in your backpack and ask on the first day if you should wear them.

*I mean we're both go hards by just being on this site in general but keep it on the down low.

 

[ComputerGuy365]

I've been volunteering at this hospital for a couple years now and honestly it depends on the rules that they have for their volunteers. Where I'm at we wear a special blue short coat thing with khakis and a white shirt and that's our entire uniform. The etiquette really depends on what you're actually doing. I'm in patient transport and basically we are expected to defer to the wishes of the nurse and the patient and stand by quiet and ready but at times we interact with the patients and just talk to them as we take them to wherever they need to get. I also shadow doctors there and the etiquette is completely different when I'm with them and the patients. I am completely silent the entire time and I introduce myself when I first enter and then that's it unless I'm addressed. It really just depends on what you're doing and what the supervising person tells you. Just act composed and respectful and you'll be fine.

They'll probably give you an orientation or tell you all this stuff on the first day. Don't worry about it. Also please don't wear scrubs from the get go, you'll look like a go hard*. If you already have scrubs from a school biomed class or something along those lines put them in your backpack and ask on the first day if you should wear them.

*I mean we're both go hards by just being on this site in general but keep it on the down low.

Thanks.

 

[Simpson]

Yea, you will totally receive an orientation session. I would not advise wearing srubs,however, have encountered many suspected nosocomial infections recently. If you wanted to,I am sure they would allow you to;however, you might confuse the patients. They would start asking you questions that would be beyond your scope of limitations(hopefully, unless they are allowing volunteers to perform surgery).

First of all the biggest and largest concern would be that of your patient interaction. You will talk to people who are somewhat content and understand the process;while, on the other hand you will experience a round crowd of people. You must be respectful and understand patient privacy is a top concern. You are expected and required to speak professionally.

For the most part you will not endure long conversations with patients; most are inaccessible due to conditions. The relatives are the people you will sustain the most communication with(outside of hospital staff).

What kind of department are you asking to volunteer in?

 

[Apollo1]

Do not wear scrubs. You're a layperson giving free time to help out, not a part of the clinical staff.

 

[ComputerGuy365]

Yea, you will totally receive an orientation session. I would not advise wearing srubs,however, have encountered many suspected nosocomial infections recently. If you wanted to,I am sure they would allow you to;however, you might confuse the patients. They would start asking you questions that would be beyond your scope of limitations(hopefully, unless they are allowing volunteers to perform surgery).

First of all the biggest and largest concern would be that of your patient interaction. You will talk to people who are somewhat content and understand the process;while, on the other hand you will experience a round crowd of people. You must be respectful and understand patient privacy is a top concern. You are expected and required to speak professionally.

For the most part you will not endure long conversations with patients; most are inaccessible due to conditions. The relatives are the people you will sustain the most communication with(outside of hospital staff).

What kind of department are you asking to volunteer in?

Nursing Post-OP

 

[Simpson]

Nursing Post-OP

I don't understand what your post is implying.
Nursing post?

 

[ComputerGuy365]

I don't understand what your post is implying.
Nursing post?

If I get the position, I will be assisting patients after surgery, (Taking walks, serving food, pouring water etc.)

 

[Simpson]

Well, whatever you are doing, do it to the best of your ability. I would recommend asking if they have any positions open in the emergency department. Most shifts end at 9:00PM, you can come after hours and stay indefinitely. By this point, usually they have accumulated a large number of waiting patients.

 

[DrayDaze]

If I get the position, I will be assisting patients after surgery, (Taking walks, serving food, pouring water etc.)

In this case, do not expect to wear scrubs. I'd probably expect to wear some sort of nice jacket, presumably one that the hospital provides you, as well as khakis. I did something like this last summer, and this was my attire.

As far as etiquette, be polite, of course, and interact with the patients to the best of your ability!

 

[Dreamstoo]

Where I volunteered in a local hospital back home, the appearance required was coat/tie/dress clothes. I remember they had spare ties in the office for those who forgot it and coats too. I used to wear dress shoes back in high school for my volunteering shifts but most students just wore clean sneakers. You had to be polite to everyone and follow instructions by the floor you went to. In terms of etiquette you had to always knock on a patient's door before walking in. If you felt uncomfortable with a task, you should tell the person who told you to do that task. Make sure to be honest with your volunteer hours as well.

I know some of my friends who volunteered at a hospital about a mile or two further away and they only required khakis and a polo shirt. It varies.

 

[Buff-in-Scrubs]

I have been volunteering at a hospital for 4 years (w/over 450 hrs so far not to brag). They will give you the practical run down on what to do & not to do during volunteering at orientation most likely. I highly suggest that when you come to the hospital, when your given your uniform please where every time you come to the hospital. Think professionalism, always say, "Yes sir." "Yes ma'am." Be kind and courteous to everyone you meet, as most people are suppose to be in healthcare *cough* *cough*. Always ask the person in charge (doctor, nurse, tech, etc.) if they need help with anything, they love it. Finally, don't forget to smile and always be happy.

(I firmly believe it depends which hospital your volunteering at that determines your shifts by the way)