Hospital Volunteering
Since the end of the last semester, I started volunteering at the Emergency Room in the Vanderbilt Adult Hospital.
With Vanderbilt University being affiliated with a hospital so close by, it gives students looking into the medical field an opportunity to look at exactly what they are getting themselves into. Whether this be through shadowing, research or volunteering, the proximity of Vanderbilt Hospital and Medical Center is definitely a great advantage to Vanderbilt students.
Last semester, I started volunteering at the hospital as it was something that I had been wanting to do for some time. The process was easy as all I had to do was fill out an application and attend orientation. I had a few choices and I chose to work in the emergency department because I wanted to get a feel for what it was like in that environment.
In general, my required work is fairly simple. There’s no shadowing or health care work involved since it is just a volunteer job. My job is to go around to each of the rooms asking patients if they need anything such as blankets, pillows, water or food.
Although simple, it is a rewarding job as the patients are very appreciative of anything you do for them. It also helps to practice patient interaction for when I decide to become a physician in the future.
I highly suggest signing up to volunteer at the hospital. Its a great experience that everyone should experience. Its also not very time consuming as I am only required to volunteer one 2 hour shift once a week. I recommend it!
Who Ya With? VU.