Volunteerism

Since I have more time now, I decided to go back to be a volunteer for the same hospital I used to volunteer for. This time I decided to help in the nursing department as well instead of the other program. As a nurse , I always enjoy the part where I can listen to the patient and talk to them, give them extra blanket, fill up their water pitcher or any little things like that to make them feel comfortable and relieve some of their frustrations of having to stay in the hospital. However, these are nice things that most nurses wanted to do so much but cannot get to do because of limited time and to prioritize, we are actually not encouraged to spend time on that since we have tons of other important things to be done for the patients and for the record of the hospital as well (you'll know what I mean if you are a nurse). Besides, those are the jobs that really should be done by the nurses aides or nurse techs instead of the registered nurse, ideally.

Today, it's my first day going back to this hospital and my job as a volunteer is to fill up their water pitcher in the morning, help the nurses to prepare the ice packs, get the medicine cart organized, set up the admission kits for the empty beds and push a coffee cart to every room during afternoon to offer patients and families some refreshments(sort of like the flight attendants!). Fun!

It's a new kind of experience...not stressful like the nursing job but get a lot of smiles and appreciation...and one thing I found most rewarding today, I walked into a room and saw one of my favorite very famous Hollywood actor!!! I was surprise at the beginning and wasn't sure I am seeing what I'm seeing, so I take another glance, in order not to make him feel uncomfortable, I talked to him just like I do to other patients.Smiling while introducing myself to him, and get his water pitcher. No, I was really cool and calm…because this is a hospital, guys. Oh and if you are still waiting for me to tell you who’s that, sorry I can’t. I mean if you’re in healthcare, you’ll hear about the HIPPA law (pertaining to US only) which you have to keep the patient’s privacy. So, zip!

I mean I’ve seen some of the Hollywood stars at the restaurant where I used to work when I was a student, but that’s different, because this one I like and he's really FAMOUS! and most importantly, people doesn't want other to know if they're in the hospital, correct?
Those I seen before in the restaurant I can mention…well, I saw Hillary Swank, Hillary Duff, Tobey Maguire (yes! Spiderman! I’ve seen him twice) I even got his signature down… on the credit card receipt, LOL. I even saw some I don’t remember…oh and also Ang Lee who would usually booked a whole section of the restaurant.

Anyway, back to the volunteering at the hospital, overall, it is rewarding…even though I don’t get paid, other than the lunch, I love being there for the people and I also get to observe how things are different from other hospital. I am also looking forward to meet more people and hopefully with my present, I can make their day a little easier. This is a great hospital, oh and for the privacy reason still, let’s not mentions the hospital name also, tips: as you can see from the 1st picture, it overlooks the East river of NYC. *wink

Quotes for volunteers: "We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give."- Winston Churchill.

"The gift of time is priceless."- Unknown