Monday, April 27, 2009
Today I worked from 8:30am to 3:30pm for a total of 7 hours.
Total hours: 74 hrs.
Today was my last day for my WLE. I did the normal amount of work at the Volunteer Services Office and the Child Care Center. I will return in a few weeks to continue volunteering but not as a Workplace Learning Experience. I've had a lot of fun working at UCSF and learned a lot about the hospital environment. I will miss not going for a while, but this was definitely one my favorite internships/volunteer experiences.
Although I didn't see my mentor at the Volunteer Office, I spent more time with the staff members at the Child Care Center. One of them made cupcakes and brought me one too. I've got to see a lot about the hospital through this experience, I plan on continuing there, maybe wandering in to new volunteer positions as well.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Week #9
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Today I worked from 8:20am to 3:30am for a total of 7 hours and 10 minutes.
Total hours so far: 67hrs
I did not know that this whole week was National Volunteer Appreciation week. The Volunteer Office had a raffle going on, banners and poster everywhere, snacks and goodies for the volunteers, and we all got stickers! (The kids at the Child Center loved that.) I did the majority of the same work, but had fun because it was also one of the staff member's birthday and Administrative Assistant's Day. There was cake, and there were gifts, and a bunch of other things. It was an eventful day and I was able to meet with other volunteers and chat. It was kind of slow, not too many patients to visit (which is good news because no one has to have surgery, but not that much work to do). Of course, it was also Earth Day. It was a fun day and I enjoyed it. Not much happened at the Child Center. The usual lunch, nap time, and play time with the kids. (There was also the Advisor visit.)
I didn't know there could be so many things that could happen in one day. I also didn't know about all the other volunteer opportunities. I also met a woman that works at UCSF whose daughter volunteered there, and now her daughter is old enough. That's 3 generations there. It is amazing to see how much history there is in one place. I had fun meeting other volunteers too and talking to them about their jobs and how much experience they've had. It was a pretty unique day.
Today I worked from 8:20am to 3:30am for a total of 7 hours and 10 minutes.
Total hours so far: 67hrs
I did not know that this whole week was National Volunteer Appreciation week. The Volunteer Office had a raffle going on, banners and poster everywhere, snacks and goodies for the volunteers, and we all got stickers! (The kids at the Child Center loved that.) I did the majority of the same work, but had fun because it was also one of the staff member's birthday and Administrative Assistant's Day. There was cake, and there were gifts, and a bunch of other things. It was an eventful day and I was able to meet with other volunteers and chat. It was kind of slow, not too many patients to visit (which is good news because no one has to have surgery, but not that much work to do). Of course, it was also Earth Day. It was a fun day and I enjoyed it. Not much happened at the Child Center. The usual lunch, nap time, and play time with the kids. (There was also the Advisor visit.)
I didn't know there could be so many things that could happen in one day. I also didn't know about all the other volunteer opportunities. I also met a woman that works at UCSF whose daughter volunteered there, and now her daughter is old enough. That's 3 generations there. It is amazing to see how much history there is in one place. I had fun meeting other volunteers too and talking to them about their jobs and how much experience they've had. It was a pretty unique day.
Week #8
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Today I worked from 8:30am to 3:40pm for a total of 7 hours and 10 minutes.
Total hours so far: 59hrs and 50min
Today was a lot of work going around the Volunteer Services office. I did the regular patient visiting, deliveries, and card making for the Spring Holiday Hugs. There was also some card-signing because there were some birthdays coming up and one of the staff members will be going off to Nursing school. At the Child Center, I spent time with the kids and had fun. Nap time was extended so I saw most of them sleeping for the majority of the time, so not as much playing for the kids.
The staff at the Volunteer Office are so friendly. The volunteers are also so much fun to hang out with. We all have fun chatting and some of the volunteers are elderly women that have worked for so long, they are all practically family. It was sort of a slow day with everything, a few deliveries, but then it was mostly in the office talking to everyone, getting to know everyone. Did more arts and crafts than anything. There weren't a lot of kids at the Child Center, so I spent some time cleaning with the staff there and also chatting. Not much to say today.
Today I worked from 8:30am to 3:40pm for a total of 7 hours and 10 minutes.
Total hours so far: 59hrs and 50min
Today was a lot of work going around the Volunteer Services office. I did the regular patient visiting, deliveries, and card making for the Spring Holiday Hugs. There was also some card-signing because there were some birthdays coming up and one of the staff members will be going off to Nursing school. At the Child Center, I spent time with the kids and had fun. Nap time was extended so I saw most of them sleeping for the majority of the time, so not as much playing for the kids.
The staff at the Volunteer Office are so friendly. The volunteers are also so much fun to hang out with. We all have fun chatting and some of the volunteers are elderly women that have worked for so long, they are all practically family. It was sort of a slow day with everything, a few deliveries, but then it was mostly in the office talking to everyone, getting to know everyone. Did more arts and crafts than anything. There weren't a lot of kids at the Child Center, so I spent some time cleaning with the staff there and also chatting. Not much to say today.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Week #7, Day 2
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Today I worked from 8:30am to 3:30pm for a total of 7 hours.
Total hours so far: 52hrs 40min
The usual day of volunteering. I love my assignments and UCSF, I just wished I could be a Baby Cuddler. Everytime I go to the Maternity floor and see all those cute little babies, I feel so happy! They are truly little bundles of joy. Besides that though, the Volunteer Office was teeming with Volunteers today. One of the staff members, Susan, got accepted to Nursing school, so my supervisor brought in a HUGE card for everyone to sign. Then we came upon talking about acceptances, which led to talking about me in high school, where I was accepted too, and a congratulations from everyone. The most fun part though, was when Emma, who has been volunteering for over 50 years (!!!), was talking about her college experience and getting housing, etc.
At the Child Center, I had some fun with the staff today. During nap time, some of the kids were just not going to sleep, and the teachers were getting antsy. The Frog teachers have this little joke where they flail their hands to the sky and say "Allah! Help me!" One of them is Muslim and so I guess that's how it caught on. While putting the kiddies to sleep we started talking about the economy and how its a terrible depression right now and even the hospital is not doing as great. One of the teachers wants to sell her house, so she just kept saying "Hopefully the economy will be better next year." It was a talkative day, and the kids were really hyper. The other volunteer and I had fun with the kids, playing with them and just having fun!
Today was just an overall HAPPY day.
Today I worked from 8:30am to 3:30pm for a total of 7 hours.
Total hours so far: 52hrs 40min
The usual day of volunteering. I love my assignments and UCSF, I just wished I could be a Baby Cuddler. Everytime I go to the Maternity floor and see all those cute little babies, I feel so happy! They are truly little bundles of joy. Besides that though, the Volunteer Office was teeming with Volunteers today. One of the staff members, Susan, got accepted to Nursing school, so my supervisor brought in a HUGE card for everyone to sign. Then we came upon talking about acceptances, which led to talking about me in high school, where I was accepted too, and a congratulations from everyone. The most fun part though, was when Emma, who has been volunteering for over 50 years (!!!), was talking about her college experience and getting housing, etc.
At the Child Center, I had some fun with the staff today. During nap time, some of the kids were just not going to sleep, and the teachers were getting antsy. The Frog teachers have this little joke where they flail their hands to the sky and say "Allah! Help me!" One of them is Muslim and so I guess that's how it caught on. While putting the kiddies to sleep we started talking about the economy and how its a terrible depression right now and even the hospital is not doing as great. One of the teachers wants to sell her house, so she just kept saying "Hopefully the economy will be better next year." It was a talkative day, and the kids were really hyper. The other volunteer and I had fun with the kids, playing with them and just having fun!
Today was just an overall HAPPY day.
Week #7, Day 1
Monday, April 6, 2009
Today I worked from 8:30am to 3:30pm for a total of 7 hours.
Total hours so far: 45hrs 40min
Today was another fun day at the Volunteer Office and Child Center. I spent my time doing the usual errands and making sure everything was up to date on some spread sheets for DVDs, etc. I also got to help make these Spring-time cards for patients for our Easter Holiday Hugs. I used a lot of arts and crafts to make these lovely cards with notes inside for patients from Volunteer Services. At the Child Center, I spent more time working with the kids, playing with them outside. It's intriguing to see how comfortable the children have become with me. They want me to sit with them, play with them, and some even want me for nap time or when they start crying. They also get sad when I leave, which breaks my heart.
I have still to talk to my supervisor about the pictures. I may have to wait until next week to start the project. Anyways, my WLE couldn't be going better. I am learning so much about the hospital and I am really familiar with it now. The other volunteers and I always talk. My favorite part though is talking to patients. Many are impressed that most of the volunteers are high schoolers and are very grateful for the service the volunteers provide. It's always the best though to see a patient when they are leaving. They look so happy, and we always say we hope you don't have to come back, because really you wouldn't want to wish someone that at a hospital. Some personally thank the volunteers every time, and it is so sweet. I really am enjoying my WLE with UCSF.
Today I worked from 8:30am to 3:30pm for a total of 7 hours.
Total hours so far: 45hrs 40min
Today was another fun day at the Volunteer Office and Child Center. I spent my time doing the usual errands and making sure everything was up to date on some spread sheets for DVDs, etc. I also got to help make these Spring-time cards for patients for our Easter Holiday Hugs. I used a lot of arts and crafts to make these lovely cards with notes inside for patients from Volunteer Services. At the Child Center, I spent more time working with the kids, playing with them outside. It's intriguing to see how comfortable the children have become with me. They want me to sit with them, play with them, and some even want me for nap time or when they start crying. They also get sad when I leave, which breaks my heart.
I have still to talk to my supervisor about the pictures. I may have to wait until next week to start the project. Anyways, my WLE couldn't be going better. I am learning so much about the hospital and I am really familiar with it now. The other volunteers and I always talk. My favorite part though is talking to patients. Many are impressed that most of the volunteers are high schoolers and are very grateful for the service the volunteers provide. It's always the best though to see a patient when they are leaving. They look so happy, and we always say we hope you don't have to come back, because really you wouldn't want to wish someone that at a hospital. Some personally thank the volunteers every time, and it is so sweet. I really am enjoying my WLE with UCSF.
Week #6
Monday, March 30, 2009
Today I worked from 8:30am to 3:30pm for a total of 7 hours.
Total hours so far: 38hrs 40min
Today was another usual day working at the Volunteer Office and the Child Center. At the Volunteer Office I helped put invitations in envelopes for a Reunion for patients that is coming up. I then worked on the usual duties of delivering DVD players and Laptops. I met some interesting patients and am getting pretty close to the other volunteers. At the Child Center, for the first time ever, every single child fell asleep during nap time. It was so nice! All quiet, and the entire staff was astonished that this could actually happen. It was another usual fun day with the kids, and they all are starting to remember my name and everything. I have a lot of fun there.
For my project, not much is going on. I have yet to talk to my supervisor about it and ask if it is alright to take pictures. My supervisor hasn't really been at the center in a while, so it is hard to make this conversation happen. Otherwise, I am loving my time at UCSF. It is so much fun! I am learning a lot about the hospital, getting to know some nurses and doctors, and I enjoy the time with the other volunteers and staff members at the Volunteer Office. The kids at the Child Center are absolutely adorable, and the staff are so friendly. I really have enjoyed my time here.
Today I worked from 8:30am to 3:30pm for a total of 7 hours.
Total hours so far: 38hrs 40min
Today was another usual day working at the Volunteer Office and the Child Center. At the Volunteer Office I helped put invitations in envelopes for a Reunion for patients that is coming up. I then worked on the usual duties of delivering DVD players and Laptops. I met some interesting patients and am getting pretty close to the other volunteers. At the Child Center, for the first time ever, every single child fell asleep during nap time. It was so nice! All quiet, and the entire staff was astonished that this could actually happen. It was another usual fun day with the kids, and they all are starting to remember my name and everything. I have a lot of fun there.
For my project, not much is going on. I have yet to talk to my supervisor about it and ask if it is alright to take pictures. My supervisor hasn't really been at the center in a while, so it is hard to make this conversation happen. Otherwise, I am loving my time at UCSF. It is so much fun! I am learning a lot about the hospital, getting to know some nurses and doctors, and I enjoy the time with the other volunteers and staff members at the Volunteer Office. The kids at the Child Center are absolutely adorable, and the staff are so friendly. I really have enjoyed my time here.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Week #5
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
I worked from 8:30am to 3:30pm for a total of 7 hours.
Total hours so far: 31hrs 40min
It was the usual day of working at the Volunteer Office and the Child Center. I did the usual deliveries, patient visiting, and stocking up magazines and newspapers in the waiting rooms. Went about the hospital, from floor to floor, getting around the hospital just like any other day. Besides that, one of my fellow volunteers was awarded the HEARTS award for his diligence and great attitude. He has been working there for about a year now, and he definitely deserved the recognition. At the Child Center, it was great spending time with the usual group of kids I am with (the FROGS!). They are so adorable and they are now recognizing me. They all want to play with me or sit next to me and tell me every little thing they have to say. This past day, one of the girls had a doctor's appointment and she got a bunch of stickers and she just had to show me all of them. Another girl gave me a sticker to put on my ID badge. I just love working with them. The other volunteers and I have fun trying to understand what some of them say or just talking about how cute they are.
Well, for my project, I haven't really been sure as to what I could do. The Volunteer Office is quite established, and they already have a organizing/rating/ranking system for Music, Books, and Movies. However, for the Child Center, I think my idea of creating an album with their pictures would be perfect. I don't think they have any "yearbook" or anything, but creating a little something for them to look through afterwards would be great. Some of the kids are going off to Kindergarten or moving up from FROGS to DOLPHINS. Making this album would be a cute little memento for them to see themselves IN ACTION. To plan this out though, I would have to first discuss it with my Supervisor there. I might even need to get parent permission, but once I start taking the pictures, I can get the album created, and even put some of the student artwork in there. It can be their own little yearbook, showing them playing in the playground, participating in activities, maybe even naptime or story-time. It would be just great for them to see how their day goes by, and every child loves looking at pictures.
I worked from 8:30am to 3:30pm for a total of 7 hours.
Total hours so far: 31hrs 40min
It was the usual day of working at the Volunteer Office and the Child Center. I did the usual deliveries, patient visiting, and stocking up magazines and newspapers in the waiting rooms. Went about the hospital, from floor to floor, getting around the hospital just like any other day. Besides that, one of my fellow volunteers was awarded the HEARTS award for his diligence and great attitude. He has been working there for about a year now, and he definitely deserved the recognition. At the Child Center, it was great spending time with the usual group of kids I am with (the FROGS!). They are so adorable and they are now recognizing me. They all want to play with me or sit next to me and tell me every little thing they have to say. This past day, one of the girls had a doctor's appointment and she got a bunch of stickers and she just had to show me all of them. Another girl gave me a sticker to put on my ID badge. I just love working with them. The other volunteers and I have fun trying to understand what some of them say or just talking about how cute they are.
Well, for my project, I haven't really been sure as to what I could do. The Volunteer Office is quite established, and they already have a organizing/rating/ranking system for Music, Books, and Movies. However, for the Child Center, I think my idea of creating an album with their pictures would be perfect. I don't think they have any "yearbook" or anything, but creating a little something for them to look through afterwards would be great. Some of the kids are going off to Kindergarten or moving up from FROGS to DOLPHINS. Making this album would be a cute little memento for them to see themselves IN ACTION. To plan this out though, I would have to first discuss it with my Supervisor there. I might even need to get parent permission, but once I start taking the pictures, I can get the album created, and even put some of the student artwork in there. It can be their own little yearbook, showing them playing in the playground, participating in activities, maybe even naptime or story-time. It would be just great for them to see how their day goes by, and every child loves looking at pictures.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Week #4
Monday, March 16, 2009
I worked from 8:30 am to 3:30pm for a total of 7 hours.
Total hours so far: 24hrs 40min
This week I was lucky that I got to volunteer on a Monday instead of a Wednesday. Besides my usual newspaper delivery, patient visiting, (Oh!, And I got to deliver a gift to a couple who just had a baby! She was so cute!), and other various things, I got to be a part of something pretty fun. At the Volunteer Office, around a holiday, the volunteers participate in an activity called Holiday Hugs. It was created by a former volunteer who thought it would good for volunteers to go around visiting patients on holidays and giving them treats and goodies, maybe some toys and trinkets. The volunteers would visit each floor, dressed according to the holiday. Since the next day was St. Patrick's day, obviously everything was green. There were leprechaun hats and pins that said "I am fluent in Blarney!" and other fun Irish things. Unfortunately, I didn't get to participate in the actual Holiday Hugs, but I set up for it, making sure everything would be ready for the other volunteers to visit the patients.
Afterwards, I spent the usual time with the kids, playing with them, eating lunch, naptime, etc. During naptime, I had to get this little girl to sleep. She's about 2 1/2 and the cutest thing in the world. She was really restless, so I told her I would do this trick for her, but she had to lie on her stomach. On her back, I started doing the little rhyme, "Dot, dot. Line, line. Spider's crawling up your spine. Crack an egg, on your head. Let it drool all over your bed. Cool breeze. Tight squeeze, Now you got the shiveries." She liked it so much that everytime I stopped she would tell me to do it again. Eventually she fell asleep, and now I have a little trick to get the litte munchkins to sleep during naptime.
Overall, I am enjoying my WLE. It's a great way to get to know UCSF and some workings of a hospital. I love the kids I am with. I've started to think about what exactly my WLE project will be. Maybe it can be some addition to the Holiday Hugs, or an art project with the kids. It's kind of tricky seeing how there's already so much there.
I worked from 8:30 am to 3:30pm for a total of 7 hours.
Total hours so far: 24hrs 40min
This week I was lucky that I got to volunteer on a Monday instead of a Wednesday. Besides my usual newspaper delivery, patient visiting, (Oh!, And I got to deliver a gift to a couple who just had a baby! She was so cute!), and other various things, I got to be a part of something pretty fun. At the Volunteer Office, around a holiday, the volunteers participate in an activity called Holiday Hugs. It was created by a former volunteer who thought it would good for volunteers to go around visiting patients on holidays and giving them treats and goodies, maybe some toys and trinkets. The volunteers would visit each floor, dressed according to the holiday. Since the next day was St. Patrick's day, obviously everything was green. There were leprechaun hats and pins that said "I am fluent in Blarney!" and other fun Irish things. Unfortunately, I didn't get to participate in the actual Holiday Hugs, but I set up for it, making sure everything would be ready for the other volunteers to visit the patients.
Afterwards, I spent the usual time with the kids, playing with them, eating lunch, naptime, etc. During naptime, I had to get this little girl to sleep. She's about 2 1/2 and the cutest thing in the world. She was really restless, so I told her I would do this trick for her, but she had to lie on her stomach. On her back, I started doing the little rhyme, "Dot, dot. Line, line. Spider's crawling up your spine. Crack an egg, on your head. Let it drool all over your bed. Cool breeze. Tight squeeze, Now you got the shiveries." She liked it so much that everytime I stopped she would tell me to do it again. Eventually she fell asleep, and now I have a little trick to get the litte munchkins to sleep during naptime.
Overall, I am enjoying my WLE. It's a great way to get to know UCSF and some workings of a hospital. I love the kids I am with. I've started to think about what exactly my WLE project will be. Maybe it can be some addition to the Holiday Hugs, or an art project with the kids. It's kind of tricky seeing how there's already so much there.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Week #3
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
I worked from 8:30am to 3:30pm for a total of 7 hours.
Total hours so far: 17 hrs 40 min
The first thing I did in the morning for the Volunteer Office was deliver the morning newspaper to the patients. Some patients were very appreciative, and a couple even asked to be added to the list. After going up to all the floors, I went down to the office and worked on labels for invitations that would be sent out for a Day of Remembrance for patients that had passed away. I then delivered a gift to a patient in ICU. I finished the day with patient visiting, telling newly admitted patients and their families about the services UCSF provides. At the Child Life Center, I worked again with my group of kids, the FROGS. The children are so adorable, and since it was not raining, most of them were playing outside. I helped out with lunch, naptime, and then played with them outside in the sandbox, sea-saw, and other activities.
At the Volunteer Office, I thought it was very, well, thoughtful of UCSF to have a Day of Remembrance for patients. It really opened my eyes, because I always knew that people do pass away and don't make it, but it really hit me that there are a lot of people that have passed away. It just reminds me that at a hospital there are losses. It was unusual because the delivery I had made was for the family of someone that had passed away. It's heartwrenching to see that. The doctors were emotionless, and I think that's just a demeanor they put out there after years of experience and learning to accept the fact that not everything can be a success. It was really sad though, because it made me realize just how hard it is to be a doctor. Besides the years of studying, the long and exhausting hours, there is an emotional strain as well. It just really struck me.
Well, on a happier note, at the Child Center, the kids are starting to recognize me. They all want me to sit next to them, for ME to open their things, to play with them, to sit next to their beds during naptime. They are all so adorable, and they all have fun. Some of the children are extremely bright too, and the way they speak it doesn't seem like they're so young. They all have fun though. During naptime, there were these two girls I was with and they would not go to sleep, It ended up with them putting their blankets and pillows on me, almost putting me to sleep. It was a good day with them, and I learned a lot at the Volunteer Office.
I worked from 8:30am to 3:30pm for a total of 7 hours.
Total hours so far: 17 hrs 40 min
The first thing I did in the morning for the Volunteer Office was deliver the morning newspaper to the patients. Some patients were very appreciative, and a couple even asked to be added to the list. After going up to all the floors, I went down to the office and worked on labels for invitations that would be sent out for a Day of Remembrance for patients that had passed away. I then delivered a gift to a patient in ICU. I finished the day with patient visiting, telling newly admitted patients and their families about the services UCSF provides. At the Child Life Center, I worked again with my group of kids, the FROGS. The children are so adorable, and since it was not raining, most of them were playing outside. I helped out with lunch, naptime, and then played with them outside in the sandbox, sea-saw, and other activities.
At the Volunteer Office, I thought it was very, well, thoughtful of UCSF to have a Day of Remembrance for patients. It really opened my eyes, because I always knew that people do pass away and don't make it, but it really hit me that there are a lot of people that have passed away. It just reminds me that at a hospital there are losses. It was unusual because the delivery I had made was for the family of someone that had passed away. It's heartwrenching to see that. The doctors were emotionless, and I think that's just a demeanor they put out there after years of experience and learning to accept the fact that not everything can be a success. It was really sad though, because it made me realize just how hard it is to be a doctor. Besides the years of studying, the long and exhausting hours, there is an emotional strain as well. It just really struck me.
Well, on a happier note, at the Child Center, the kids are starting to recognize me. They all want me to sit next to them, for ME to open their things, to play with them, to sit next to their beds during naptime. They are all so adorable, and they all have fun. Some of the children are extremely bright too, and the way they speak it doesn't seem like they're so young. They all have fun though. During naptime, there were these two girls I was with and they would not go to sleep, It ended up with them putting their blankets and pillows on me, almost putting me to sleep. It was a good day with them, and I learned a lot at the Volunteer Office.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Week #2
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
I worked from 8:20am to 2:45pm for a total of 6 hours and 25 minutes.
Total hours so far: 10 hrs 40 min
Today was the first day I worked at both the Volunteer Services Office and the Child Study Center. At the Volunteer Office I got to experience a little of all the aspects of working there. I first delivered newspapers in the morning to patients and then helped deliver Patient Services Cards to newly admitted patients. I got to visit every floor of the hospital, getting a tour of the hospital and how it works. Most of the time is spent delivering or getting patient requests for DVDs, videos, books, magazines, or laptops. It's a lot of moving around, but you really get to interact with the patients and even chat with some doctors and nurses. My second day at the Child Center was spent with the kids, sitting with them during lunch, trying to get some of them to sleep during nap time, playing with them in the playground. Some of the kids are now familiar with me, and it's so cute seeing them grabbing my hand and asking me to play with them. I've also gotten to know a couple of the other volunteers and staff members, getting more comfortable with the Center.
I didn't realize how busy the Volunteer Office is. They have many patients requesting all kinds of services, and they need volunteers to go around delivering everything. There's a lot of patient interaction and a lot of moving around. Everytime I went back to the office after finishing a job, there was another thing to be delivered. Some of the patients weren't receptive of visitors, but others were very welcoming, and some even told their stories about what happened during their surgery, or their diagnoses, and so many other things.
In regards to the Child Center, it's been a lot of fun being with the kids. There are a lot of volunteers there, and the children are great. Some of the volunteers have been there longer, and it helps to hear from them about the kids. Most of the volunteers are around my age, and some are in their first few weeks too, so we keep each other company. Overall, I really love my WLE, and it's a lot of fun working in the Volunteer Office and Child Center.
I worked from 8:20am to 2:45pm for a total of 6 hours and 25 minutes.
Total hours so far: 10 hrs 40 min
Today was the first day I worked at both the Volunteer Services Office and the Child Study Center. At the Volunteer Office I got to experience a little of all the aspects of working there. I first delivered newspapers in the morning to patients and then helped deliver Patient Services Cards to newly admitted patients. I got to visit every floor of the hospital, getting a tour of the hospital and how it works. Most of the time is spent delivering or getting patient requests for DVDs, videos, books, magazines, or laptops. It's a lot of moving around, but you really get to interact with the patients and even chat with some doctors and nurses. My second day at the Child Center was spent with the kids, sitting with them during lunch, trying to get some of them to sleep during nap time, playing with them in the playground. Some of the kids are now familiar with me, and it's so cute seeing them grabbing my hand and asking me to play with them. I've also gotten to know a couple of the other volunteers and staff members, getting more comfortable with the Center.
I didn't realize how busy the Volunteer Office is. They have many patients requesting all kinds of services, and they need volunteers to go around delivering everything. There's a lot of patient interaction and a lot of moving around. Everytime I went back to the office after finishing a job, there was another thing to be delivered. Some of the patients weren't receptive of visitors, but others were very welcoming, and some even told their stories about what happened during their surgery, or their diagnoses, and so many other things.
In regards to the Child Center, it's been a lot of fun being with the kids. There are a lot of volunteers there, and the children are great. Some of the volunteers have been there longer, and it helps to hear from them about the kids. Most of the volunteers are around my age, and some are in their first few weeks too, so we keep each other company. Overall, I really love my WLE, and it's a lot of fun working in the Volunteer Office and Child Center.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Week #1
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
I worked from 8:30am to 12:45pm for a total of 4 hours and 15 minutes.
Total hours so far: 4 hrs 15 min
Today was the first day of my WLE with UCSF Medical Center. I have not yet attended my training for the Volunteer Services Department, but I was able to work at the Child Study Center, working with little children. I spent the whole day with children between the ages of 2-4. Overall, I had a ton of fun with the kids. My first impression was complete chaos, but then I saw that it was structured by the children: playing around with blocks, play-doh, drawing, cutting, etc. It was so cute and it reminded me of my time in Pre-school. Some of the children were so welcoming, wanting me to sit next to them and help them build with blocks. The staff was also very welcoming. I worked with a group of 3 year olds, and the staff members with them were Gita and Hanan. Both women were extremely interested in learning a little about myself and let me just interact with the children. They told me a little about each of the kids and just let me work with them.
The time I spent with the children was first playing with them with blocks etc. Then, the group I was with, went to do an activity they called Kinder-Gym. In Kinder-Gym, the kids would run around, focus on one specific activity, which in this case was spinning. The instructor, Daniel, did an activity called Spinning Seagulls. In this game the children would spin and scream at the same time, and once they ran out of breadth they would fall to the ground. One of the little girls spun for about 5 minutes straight and ended up extremely dizzy. After Kinder-Gym, the children sat in the Center's Library and read a couple of books. Next was lunchtime, and I then had to leave once they were starting nap time. Seeing all the kids sleeping in their little beds reminded me of nap time when I was little, and I really wished that we have nap time now in high school...
Overall, my day was fun at the Child Study Center. I can't wait to see what I will be able to do at the Volunteer Services Office. There are a lot of opportunities for patient contact, and I am excited to see what my job will be for the Office.
I worked from 8:30am to 12:45pm for a total of 4 hours and 15 minutes.
Total hours so far: 4 hrs 15 min
Today was the first day of my WLE with UCSF Medical Center. I have not yet attended my training for the Volunteer Services Department, but I was able to work at the Child Study Center, working with little children. I spent the whole day with children between the ages of 2-4. Overall, I had a ton of fun with the kids. My first impression was complete chaos, but then I saw that it was structured by the children: playing around with blocks, play-doh, drawing, cutting, etc. It was so cute and it reminded me of my time in Pre-school. Some of the children were so welcoming, wanting me to sit next to them and help them build with blocks. The staff was also very welcoming. I worked with a group of 3 year olds, and the staff members with them were Gita and Hanan. Both women were extremely interested in learning a little about myself and let me just interact with the children. They told me a little about each of the kids and just let me work with them.
The time I spent with the children was first playing with them with blocks etc. Then, the group I was with, went to do an activity they called Kinder-Gym. In Kinder-Gym, the kids would run around, focus on one specific activity, which in this case was spinning. The instructor, Daniel, did an activity called Spinning Seagulls. In this game the children would spin and scream at the same time, and once they ran out of breadth they would fall to the ground. One of the little girls spun for about 5 minutes straight and ended up extremely dizzy. After Kinder-Gym, the children sat in the Center's Library and read a couple of books. Next was lunchtime, and I then had to leave once they were starting nap time. Seeing all the kids sleeping in their little beds reminded me of nap time when I was little, and I really wished that we have nap time now in high school...
Overall, my day was fun at the Child Study Center. I can't wait to see what I will be able to do at the Volunteer Services Office. There are a lot of opportunities for patient contact, and I am excited to see what my job will be for the Office.
Monday, February 23, 2009
The Vision
Seeing as how I am working with children and at the Volunteer Services Office, it is hard to actually grasp what I can do as a WLE project. During my interview, my mind was rushing with ideas about what opportunities may lay ahead for a project that I would enjoy and know would be beneficial for my mentor. I have yet to see what my duties will be at the Volunteer Services Office, and that I will find out at the end of this week during my training. Working at the Child Life Study Center, I imagine a potential project would revolve around the children's work and art activities.
Okay, so here's my vision:
I imagine, in the Volunteer Office, to compile a RATING of all the movies they have in stock for the patients. The patients would vote on "what's hot and what's not." Then, they can have this alongside their list of movies so they can get some suggestions for which movies they are considering to watch. However, this may already exist, and I will not find out until this Friday when I go for my training. Bummer.
For Child Life Study Center, I am either thinking of compiling a little album of all the kids with pictures of them playing, working on arts and crafts, or of their artwork. I could maybe have a gallery walk through? I don't know, they're little 2 year olds and 3 year olds. They would have adorable finger painting projects though!
Anyways, this is all I've come up with so far. I might have some more ideas (better idea) once I've had a day getting to know the workings of the Volunteer Office and the Child Life Center. Whatever my project is though, I'm sure it will be fun to work on.
Okay, so here's my vision:
I imagine, in the Volunteer Office, to compile a RATING of all the movies they have in stock for the patients. The patients would vote on "what's hot and what's not." Then, they can have this alongside their list of movies so they can get some suggestions for which movies they are considering to watch. However, this may already exist, and I will not find out until this Friday when I go for my training. Bummer.
For Child Life Study Center, I am either thinking of compiling a little album of all the kids with pictures of them playing, working on arts and crafts, or of their artwork. I could maybe have a gallery walk through? I don't know, they're little 2 year olds and 3 year olds. They would have adorable finger painting projects though!
Anyways, this is all I've come up with so far. I might have some more ideas (better idea) once I've had a day getting to know the workings of the Volunteer Office and the Child Life Center. Whatever my project is though, I'm sure it will be fun to work on.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Workplace Learning Experience
Oh, the hardships of trying to work in the medical field. For the past few... no, many, months, I have been trying to work out a WLE at a hospital. After many calls, emails, and conversations, I have finally landed a fantastic WLE that will definitely be a great experience.
My WLE this year will be placed with UCSF Medical Center. It has been a long and hard process trying to obtain a mentor, especially in the medical field. However, after a long time of being persistent and calling many hospitals, I will not be volunteering at UCSF. Today I went through an orientation, getting myself acquainted with the Volunteer Services coordinators and learning about the opportunities UCSF has to offer. The next step would be to go to an interview, where the coordinators and I will work out all the WLE details.
I am so excited for this WLE, it is unimaginable. I feel giddy just thinking about which department I might have my WLE in or the possible projects that could come out from them! This WLE will definitely be a step up from the 3 years I have been volunteering at Kaiser's Main Hospital. The only downside I can think of is that for many departments the minimum age is 18, but there are still many opportunites available for me. Oh, and also, I can't work more than 4 hours a day, but still, it's not about the hours as much as it's about the experience, right?
My WLE this year will be placed with UCSF Medical Center. It has been a long and hard process trying to obtain a mentor, especially in the medical field. However, after a long time of being persistent and calling many hospitals, I will not be volunteering at UCSF. Today I went through an orientation, getting myself acquainted with the Volunteer Services coordinators and learning about the opportunities UCSF has to offer. The next step would be to go to an interview, where the coordinators and I will work out all the WLE details.
I am so excited for this WLE, it is unimaginable. I feel giddy just thinking about which department I might have my WLE in or the possible projects that could come out from them! This WLE will definitely be a step up from the 3 years I have been volunteering at Kaiser's Main Hospital. The only downside I can think of is that for many departments the minimum age is 18, but there are still many opportunites available for me. Oh, and also, I can't work more than 4 hours a day, but still, it's not about the hours as much as it's about the experience, right?
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