Volunteering in the ER

[Doctormo24]

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So I start volunteering tmrw. First I have to go through 20 hours of errand services at the hospital, and then 2 days of training before I get to start my shift in the ER. I was just wondering what will I be doing/experiencing the in ER?
Is it possible to get to know the doctors really well in my position, and maybe in the future be able ask to shadow them?

 

[riceman04]

So I start volunteering tmrw. First I have to go through 20 hours of errand services at the hospital, and then 2 days of training before I get to start my shift in the ER. I was just wondering what will I be doing/experiencing the in ER?
Is it possible to get to know the doctors really well in my position, and maybe in the future be able ask to shadow them?

I think that depends on the program. Some volunteer programs allow you to get your feet wet early in the ER, while others will make you do back office work and they say that you must work your way up to that experience. I know that the volunteers at UPenn's main hospital (level one trauma center) are obligated to show up to their shift every week (you cannot miss a shift). While there they are responsible for patient transport, stocking the refrigerator, helping pass out food to patients when delivered, and a host of other things. Since they are always out on the floor they have many opportunites for direct interaction with nurses, residents, and attendings.

I was told that after they complete so many hours as a volunteer in the ER their "privileges" will be expanded to other more hands on opportunities.

The docs at this hospital are really nice and definitely open to allowing any students follow them on specific cases when appropriate.

have fun

 

[TacoStand]

Your experience will depend on the ER and what you make of it. I volunteer at 2 ERs each week....

In one of them, I run lab reports around and help patients and families as necessary. This typically means that I fetch coffee, juice, and water. It is a challenge to stay busy; however, I place myself in the corner of the room whenever an interesting case comes in. I've seen some really cool stuff.

In the second ER, I am allowed to do a lot more things. I transport patients, clean rooms, and on one occasion, I helped a patient take a leak.

I have learned that your experience is what you make out of it. Over the past 1-1/2 years of volunteering in these ERs, I have discussed medicine with many doctors, have observed doctors, nurses, and techs treat patients, and have gotten a sense of life in the ER. I love it!

I casually watch whatever interests me and make it a point to not get in the way. I've been able to see everything I've wanted, and because I try to work hard during my 3-4 hour shifts, it has been a very rewarding experience.

 

[docjolly]

So I start volunteering tmrw. First I have to go through 20 hours of errand services at the hospital, and then 2 days of training before I get to start my shift in the ER. I was just wondering what will I be doing/experiencing the in ER?
Is it possible to get to know the doctors really well in my position, and maybe in the future be able ask to shadow them?

doctormo,

i know that it seems a little discouraging to be sent on errand missions and tons of training right now. However, it truly doesn't have to be this way for the duration of your experience. Before I entered medical school, I volunteered (as an undergrad) at a local emergency room for 4 years. At first, all I did was run errands (i.e. hand the charts to the nurses, pick up medicines from the pharmacy, etc). However, as time passed, I became more active. I began to seek out and spend time with the physicians, asking them about procedures, medications, etc. Eventually, I developed some very strong relationships with at least 3 of the physicians (2 senior attendings, 1 resident). By the time I decided to apply to medical school, all three OFFERED (I did not have to ask them) to write me letters of recommendation for medical school 😍 😍

Although I was in NYC at the time, and now am in Nashville for medical school, one of these same attendings told me to keep their program in mind when I'm applying for a residency position in Emergency Medicine b/c they would look out for me 🙂

Your experience in the ER is what you make of it. If you remain passive about your time there, then you forego the opportunity to learn lots about emergency medicine and develop relationships with the staff. Use your time wisely. Find approachable, kind physicians who are willing to teach you new things. Who knows what might happen? 🙂

 

[akinf]

I remember volunteering in the ER. Honestly, it was probably one of the worst experiences ever. I just didn't fit in; things were really hectic (obviously) and the nurses were high strung and very stressed. I can't blame them too much because the environment they work it may be partially conducive to that attitude. However, I doubt it. The doctors I met were great, but it was those nurses. I don't know, let's just say, I didn't go back and I am pretty certain that if I do get into medicine, Emergency Med will likely not be something I will be interested. However, I am still keeping an open mind because I might see if from a different light as a doctor. But for now, ER = thumbs down.

 

[thefafo]

At the ER I volunteer at, it really depends on the doctor for how much I get to see. I have a doctor willing to let me pull the trigger pulling on the staple gun on a head wound, and I have some doctors who won't even acknowledge I've arrived at the ER. I help the nurses out a lot more. In the past few weeks, I've gotten to hold back the legs of a few patients as catheters were placed - lovely really. It also depends on how busy the ER is, my ER is usually sloooooow, so really its up to you to find ways to help out and make yourself involved.

 

[Edivocke]

I volunteer in the ER at my local hospital.

I don't get to do any patient care even though i'm an EMT-B 😡 , however, I do follow the Doctors and PA's around as they treat patients.

Best advice--->

1) Introduce yourself.

2) Stay 10 steps behind them.

3) Be courteous.

4) Don't talk incessantly to them.

5) Only ask them pertinent questions...like "was that digital blocking you just used when suturing the patient"...don't say "how did you like the MCATS?" (LOL)

6) Don't look bored. Act like your really enjoying yourself. No one likes a volunteer following them around that is day dreaming or drifting off during the boring times in the hospital.

My 2 cents.