The transplant unit is an interesting one. The staff I work with are awesome, they not only help to keep me busy, they teach me medicine along the way. The patients are such a diverse group of people that I am learning so much about different cultures and views of life. Our floor has about 20 occupied bed, give or take a few depending on the day, and so far I have met almost all the patients.
Generally, I go into the patient rooms, check if they need anything/how they are doing, and do what I can to help them out. A lot of the people on our floor just want to talk, some don't have support systems, while others do, but there is a number of patients who just want me to stay with them for a bit, and talk. One of the people on the floor has a good list of jokes so I look forward to those visits, but I also look forward to visiting the other patients as well.
I am learning that aside from medicine, a lot of what people need to heal is something science can't provide. A lot of these people tell me that they feel significantly better when they have a visitor. Of course you have others who don't want to be bothered, and to each his own, but they all appreciate that the option is available.
In addition to visiting patients, grabbing them basic essentials, I sometimes help them eat if they are unable to do so themselves, help the nurses with tasks, and help the secretary as well. Everyone really works as a team to make sure that the patients get what they need. My first day I was able to help the secretary organize and laminate patient help sheets that are designed so the nurses can understand the patient's needs if they are unable to speak or if there is a language barrier (I've attached pictures). We sent copies to different departments so I was able to roll around the hospital and see the other areas (Neuro/Stroke, CCU, etc.) which was interesting. So far I am loving my assignment and cannot wait to go in this week!
Hours for August: 16
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