<p>Hello, I'm a high school sophmore and I am soon to begin volunteering at a local hospital. I think for the most part I will be in the surgical ward of the hospital (which is the field of medicine I want to go in), but what can I expect? Is there ANY possible way I might have the really great luck/opportunity of witnessing some true behind-the-scenes surgeries? I mean, has anyone participated in more than they expected, or am I expecting too much from my volunteer work? I definately want to help people, but from this I mainly want experience!</p>
<p>THe hospital I volunteer at (and I'm pretty sure most other LIJ hospitals) try to minimize volunteer-patient contact as much as possible. People who work transports, or patient-feeding have to go to extra lectures and so on. I myself, working in the pharmacy, have never had direct contact with patients. The closest I get to them is maybe walking past some while delivering meds.</p>
<p>I worked at an emergency vet clinic when I was in college -- and we did tons of surgeries! It may not be humans -- but I set catheters, administered meds, took x-rays, prepared instruments, assisted in surgery and even did some stitches. I started out just doing paperwork and cleaning cages -- but proved myself dependable and steady and was always willing to lend a needed hand. Emergency clinics are best -- the hours are nights, holidays and weekends and the cases are always sick or injured (no one uses an emergency vet clinic for minor problems like worms -- too expensive!).</p>
<p>just an idea -- my hubby worked there for 5 years and the recommendations from the vets and the work experience was great when it came time to apply for med school.</p>
<p>I don't think there is a good chance. A clinic/vet and a hospital are very different. There are already way too many staff working on any surgery (nurses, surgeons, anesthesiologists, technicians) for some volunteer to butt in. Many programs around my area (DC) promise that you will not get to do anything hands-on or shadow. Maybe a smaller, more rural area, an outpatient setting, or vet will be kinder. Do you know what you will be doing? Being in the surgical ward does not mean surgery. You could just be answering phones or filing paperwork. Does the program information say anything about this? If not, you should call and ask. Better to seem too inquisitive then to go and be disappointed.</p>
<p>Turns out they changed it to "Nursing", which is fine because I have plenty of patient-interaction and such....thanks so much for your help everyone!!</p>
<p>surgery is hard to get...</p>
<p>I did pharmacy work as well as histology lab stuff.... however I don't really take to the smell of formaldehyde and xylene.</p>
<p>haha. i don't think anyone does... ;)</p>
<p>Have been volunteering at a hospital this year.. I've been a floor aide (refilling water pitchers and delivering food to patients) and working in pharmacy (so easy..).</p>
<p>I am working at surgery now in this pretty small hospital. I was expecting wrapping instruments or doing paper work, but I got assigned to these two scrub techs and basically shadow them. I help them bring patients for surgery from outpatient surgery to the pre -op area, and clean the Operating rooms after surgery is done(including mopping up human blood or flesh sometimes). Also during breaks, I get to watch orthopedic surgeries(these are the ones mainly done on the day I work). Just last week I saw a total knee replacement(I could see the bone and doctor attaching the artificial metal joint using a drill and everything)and the week before a total hip replacement. At the same time, I also volunteer at this large hospital, and I mainly do paperwork, or run errands at service desk.</p>
<p>well, I worked in the Pharmacy and did something kinda different.........I actually helped getting started w/ an Antidote and Poisoning Key. I spend TONS of time behind this project which was fruitful ultimately! Besides, I worked bits and pieces abt the rounds, IVs, filing, all these stuffs. </p>
<p>Currently, I'm working in the Radiology Dept....basically inspecting X-rays and stuffs. Pretty exciting still!</p>