UC Center for Emergency Care
After much anticipation, I began volunteering at the University Hospital Emergency Department in the beginning of Spring Semester 2014. The volunteer position--and the emergency department environment--are even more exciting than I had expected. As a volunteer, I am tasked with helping the visitor's services associate with taking care of visitors as they enter the emergency department. Many of these individuals are looking for information about their loved one and would like to visit. In this case, I escort the visitor to the patient's room. Additionally, I assist general visitors in the hospital and help patients find their appointments. Occasionally I help patients make phone calls or talk to medical staff about concerns that patients have. Essentially, if a patient or visitor needs help with something and I am able to provide the help, I will. If I cannot help, I find someone that will. Overall, the goal is to care for everyone that walks through the doors--no matter the circumstance.
This opportunity to care for others is highly fulfilling. In fact, it aligns almost perfectly with my guiding principles. People--patients and visitors alike-- do not typically plan on being in the emergency department, so I like being the one who is there to welcome them, to comfort them, to guide them, to serve them. Furthermore, becoming acquainted with the ER staff makes me feel like we are all a team working to provide the top quality care for patients and guests. Briefly speaking, volunteering in the ER has solidified my passion for emergency medical care.
This opportunity to care for others is highly fulfilling. In fact, it aligns almost perfectly with my guiding principles. People--patients and visitors alike-- do not typically plan on being in the emergency department, so I like being the one who is there to welcome them, to comfort them, to guide them, to serve them. Furthermore, becoming acquainted with the ER staff makes me feel like we are all a team working to provide the top quality care for patients and guests. Briefly speaking, volunteering in the ER has solidified my passion for emergency medical care.