How To Volunteer At A Healthcare Establishment

Volunteering is a fulfilling experience that requires you to commit to a good cause for free. What you get in return are many benefits and a content heart for having made a stranger smile. It is a much better and more fruitful way of spending your extra time than wasting it scrolling through social media for hours.

Studies have shown that volunteering is especially a beneficial practice for people prone to poor emotional and mental health.

But the benefits are not limited to this. You are likely to connect with like-minded people, explore career opportunities, and gain tangible benefits.

Keep in mind that volunteering is unpaid and can prove dangerous depending. Take 9/11 for example. The volunteers who came to the rescue of of individuals lost in the rubble, or those who took part in clean up efforts were exposed to harmful toxins at Ground Zero. These heroic individuals were never paid for their helpful actions, however may have paid the ultimate price in helping.

Side note:  There is currently compensation for 9/11 volunteers who stood up to rescue and cleanup when crisis struck, and it’s advised to reach out to an attorney if you believe your medical condition is a direct result of your volunteering during 9/11 efforts.

So, if you choose to use your goodwill in situations of emergency, be assured that you will be compensated if the need arises.

When it comes to volunteering, we mostly think of shelters, campaigns, and cleanup drives.

Do you know where else you can volunteer? A hospital or other healthcare establishment. If you wish to pursue a career in the medical field, you should open a window to volunteering at the nearest hospital. Here is how you can do it.

 

Make a list of healthcare establishments.

Volunteering at hospitals will require you to give ample time to patients. Therefore, choose a location that is accessible and convenient to reach. You can also look for clinics and nursing homes. They may be small, but they will allow you to connect with your patients better. Though, remember not to get attached to the patients.

Once you have looked through the potential options and called them to ask for volunteering opportunities, you should have a list of shortlisted healthcare centers.

 

Check requirements and eligibility.

You want to check the healthcare establishment’s volunteer requirements, opportunities, and eligibility criteria. Most hospitals will require you to be 16 years or older. Also, ask them about the time commitment. You might have to see if the time commitment matches your availability if you are a student.

Let them also ask questions to clarify if you are a good fit to volunteer with them.

If all goes well, they might want to take you through a short training with their staff. It is a good idea to clarify all doubts before proceeding with the training.

 

Check positions available.

There are many things that a volunteer can do. Depending on what the establishment allows you to do, you can work with the hospital staff, spend time with patients, help with administrative tasks, help doctors during surgeries, etc.

There will be jobs for you even if you are not from a medical background. These include reading to patients, bringing them treats, running the front desk, and helping older patients get around. Highlighting your volunteer work on resume can also boost your career prospects.

Feel free to ask the staff for more positions if none fit you. Start thinking about the age group of patients you want to work with or entertain visitors and staff.

 

Get a health clearance certificate.

Before you start working, you will be required to get a health clearance certificate from the hospital to certify that you are fit to do your job. This will consist of your medical record, immunization history, and maybe even the doctors you have been to for your treatments.

 

Attend orientation.

You must attend an orientation training to know the workings of the staff, how things are done and what the SOP is for most duties.

Orientation will brief you about the expectations that have been kept on you, the history and mission of the hospital, and the rules and procedures you must take care of. This should be your priority because you want to do things right. Ask any doubts without hesitation.

 

Be professional.

Even if you are not a full-time employee, you must carry yourself professionally throughout your duties because you represent the organization as a volunteer. Listen to your patients, be respectful, maintain boundaries, but ensure they are taken care of.

However, such helping jobs can get exhausting and drain you of your energy. Do not lose your calm if it happens. Work on building a healthy mindset so you can be fresh and happy while attending to patients.

 

Conclusion

If you have never given volunteering a chance, it is time you do. There are only a few things as fulfilling as this, and yet it is one of a kind experience. There are plenty of places that are open to volunteers. Look around, and choose your organization.

These Are 10 Ways You Can Help Your Community

Communities are essential for economic and social growth. Having strong neighborhood bonds makes you happier and gives you people to lean on during a crisis. Here are 10 ways you can help your community. 

Volunteer at Your Local Soup Kitchen

Soup kitchens are vital resources for homeless people and might even be the only meal they have that day. In fact globally, 820 million people are hungry. You can help to serve food or cook meals. 

If you want to work directly with people, you can greet regulars and welcome newcomers. Plus, you can meet various types of people, from veterans to children. It can allow you to connect with community members and be more accepting. 

Support Your Church

Churches often need volunteers, especially for community events. These activities usually require people to help organize and run them. You can also help during the service or sing in the choir. Many churches also offer mission trips. 

These are a great way to connect with others and help out struggling communities. For example, you could build homes or teach English in schools. These trips go to multiple places, such as Mexico or Costa Rica. 

Be a Summer Camp Counselor

Volunteering at a summer camp is a fun way to spend the summer. You can help assist children and even engage in fun activities, like swimming. You also have a chance to teach kids valuable skills, like maturity. 

Plus, it’s a fun way to bond with your campers and let out your inner child. If you went to that specific summer camp, it could even bring back fond memories. 

Tutor or Mentor a Child

If you have math or reading skills, then you can help students while earning some extra cash. Teaching can be a rewarding experience. You give the kid one-on-one attention and help them learn the material in their own way. 

As a tutor, determine the kids learning style, such as auditory or visual. If they are more visual, use graphs and images to explain complex materials. You can also mentor a student through programs like Big Pal to help them socially. Often these kids didn’t have a good role model growing up. 

Donate Items

Donations can give your items a new life while helping the planet. Give your things to thrift stores, shelters and charities. Goodwill and Salvation Army are popular options. Think about items you don’t use anymore, including clothes, blankets and shoes. 

Consider donating unwanted books as well. It can help parents who can’t afford children’s books or schools with lower budgets. Besides helping the community, it gives you an excuse to declutter. 

Clean Up Your Local Park

Organize a group of people to help pick up trash from the park. This debris can be carried into oceans and harm marine life. Plus, when the litter breaks down, it pollutes the air. Along with the park, collect trash along roadsides. 

Cleaning the place helps the environment and makes it more visually appealing. To enhance the park’s attractiveness, consider petitioning for a community playground. These help encourage physical activity and social interaction. 

Serve at a Homeless Shelter 

About 15,000 Pennsylvanians are homeless. These shelters give people a place to crash until  they figure out their situation. Giving your time can be a rewarding experience. You could cook food, clean common rooms or teach them a new language. 

If you want to work with children, you can do an arts and crafts project. Suppose you have a busy schedule during the week. Consider stopping by for a few hours on the weekend. 

Go to Your Local Senior Center

Many seniors don’t often receive visitors, especially with COVID-19 restrictions. Visiting can give the residents some company and brighten their day. It’s a great way to connect with your community and even hear interesting stories. 

You can also help with events, such as running bingo and exercise classes. If you enjoy this, consider volunteering at the facility for an extended time. You could bake goods or make cards as well.

Help Your Local Economy

To help your community grow financially, shop at local vendors. For example, get your produce from farmers’ markets instead of grocery stores. It helps the economy and gives you healthier choices. 

Also, shop local businesses for items like clothes and shoes. Look for family-owned businesses instead of retail chains. You might even want to start your own company or business if you have the time and resources. Then you can offer a product your community needs and create more jobs.

Conserve Energy

In 2015, we used about 575 quadrillion Btu of energy, straining communal resources and hurting the environment. Burning fossil fuel releases greenhouse gas emissions that pollute the air. To conserve energy, switch to renewable sources and use energy star-rated appliances. 

Here are some more simple ways to conserve energy:

● Turn off lights
● Use a fan instead of blasting air-conditioning
● Lower your water heater temperature
● Unplug electronics from your outlets

How to Help Your Community 

Communities need to support each other, especially during hard times. You also want to create a welcoming space for you and your family to live in. Consider trying some of these tips to make a difference in your community today. 

About The Author

Ava Roman (she/her) is the Managing Editor of Revivalist, a women’s lifestyle magazine that empowers women to live their most authentic life. When Ava is not writing you’ll find herin a yoga class, advocating for body positivity, whipping up something delicious in the kitchen, or smashing the patriarchy. 

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