Volunteering

Last Thursday was my first day volunteering at a hospital. I've been hesitant throughout the application process and just to finally make the move and start putting my premed clinical hours together. I applied to a couple of hospitals and did a lot of research I ended up in a teaching hospital about an hour and fifteen minutes away from my house by train. It was the best choice due to the good structure of the volunteer office and of the hospital itself. 

I, however, was not happy. It was bitter sweet to begin donating my time because what I really wanted was to find a job on a medical setting for my clinical hours. Don't take me wrong I like volunteering, I've done it before and I enjoy it. But when it comes to medicine I really wanted hands on experience. I want to help the patient in a way that will impact them, make a real tangible physical difference. I've been applying for jobs I even took phlebotomy and EKG classes to increase my chances but lack of experience disqualifies me most o the time. I went into my shift at the hospital that day both excited and doubtful. I doubted there was something important enough for me to do, I doubted anyone would need me. 

My unit is ortho-vascular post surgery so lots of casts and people in pain. What I did the most was bring things to patients: ice cram, ice, tissues, TV listings, etc. as the hours passed I became more comfortable talking to patients, I was assigned to a particular 92 year old in extreme pain who thought it was Sunday. I spent a lot of time around her. I did lots of rounds jut asking if someone needed anything and usually got at least one patient to give me an errand. 

The nurses, I have to say, were extremely nice and they also gave me tasks and things to do which I appreciated given that I absolutely hate standing around while people are busy around me. I also got to walk with patients to help recover mobility and some pushing patients around on the stretchers. 

Towards the end of my shift some interns asked me if I was queasy and did I want to watch them drain a vac. Hell yeah!!!! I did not know what it meant but still yeah. The patient was an amputee who had just had surgery on the amputated leg and the wound was open. I could see the inside of the leg and the way the intern held pressure and stopped the bleeding was awesome. My shift was over but I stayed longer to help out with this and the intern had me help him. He would tell me what he needed and I would hand it to him. I felt like a surgery assistant. It was good. 

I am satisfied beyond my expectation by this experience. I figure it is not normal to be this excited about seeing blood and open wounds. I must be predestined for this kind of thing, pre-designed. I guess what I walked away with the most was the knowing that I belong in medicine. That this is what I was born to do and all the hardships I am currently facing to get there is worth it.