“About a year ago, I decided that it would be a good idea to get involved in an extracurricular activity. I felt it would look good on my college application, and I wanted to contribute to my community. My friend Cheryl and I decided to volunteer at the Los Angeles County + USC Medical Center, also known as County General. It’s only two blocks from our school, Bravo Medical Magnet.
After we signed up, we attended three orientation sessions. At first, the hospital was intimidating. I felt I could get lost in no time in such a big building. Then I realized it’s actually pretty easy to find your way around, once you get the hang of it. (It helps to have a friend when you need help!)
We were trained in what to do
At the orientations we learned what to do—and what not to do. For example, we can keep patients company and talk to them, but we can’t give them our phone number or address or ask for theirs.
We learned how to make beds, wash our hands properly, answer phones and read feeding charts. You might think you know how to do all of those things, but you have to do them in a certain way in order to work at the hospital.
After orientation, Cheryl and I began to volunteer about twice a week from 3:30 to 7 p.m. I was scared the first day because I didn’t know what to expect. But I found the staff was really nice and, although some of the patients were in bad moods, I didn’t let that bother me. I realized that a lot of them had been in there for weeks, and under those conditions I would probably be a bit unpleasant too. Overall, my experience was positive. Most people appreciated it when I tried to help.
On a typical day, Cheryl and I arrive at 3:30 p.m., clock in and check in with Marti, our supervisor, who tells us where to go. Then we go to our ward or work area and check in with the nurse. We wash our hands and pass out water to about 18 patients. Then we might make a couple of beds and hang around looking for things to do, like answering phones or taking patients to other areas of the hospital. At 5:30 we go down to the cafeteria for a 30-minute dinner break, then we return to work until 7 p.m. At times it can be tiring, but overall it’s fun.
I enjoy working with children and newborns
These days, I’ve been volunteering in the hospital’s Women and Children’s building. Sometimes it’s hard to make time to volunteer, but I really enjoy working around children and newborns. When I arrive, I usually accompany new mothers and their infants to their cars. I help feed newborns in the nursery. Sometimes I get to work with older children between the ages of 4 to 10. I usually just play with them until they get bored. It’s really satisfying to see a child smile back at me, especially when they’ve been in a hospital for weeks. It makes me sad to think that the children at the hospital don’t have the chance to go outside and play like other children. I try to make their stay at the hospital as enjoyable as possible.
I really enjoy working at the hospital and I feel good knowing that I’m helping someone and that they appreciate my work. (The only thing I don’t like is the uniform I have to wear.) For more information on how you can volunteer at the Los Angeles County + USC Medical Center, contact Marti at (213) 226-6951.”