Acute Blood Cancer Inpatient Unit Volunteer (3JCP)
Unit Description
Duties range in this unit. Patients are on the unit for about a month. During this time, their immune system is poor which puts them at a higher risk for infections/diseases. Both the unit and their room is their special place and holds a level of meaning for patients. Visiting patients is especially important to patients whose families and friends have difficulty visiting. Volunteers also can help the nurses get the patients out of bed and move them around on the unit. Duties may also include running errands around the hospital, desk clerk duties, helping to change bulletin boards, and general assistance to the nurses.
Potential volunteers should be ready to smile and make conversation with patients. Volunteers should be outgoing individuals. Some of the workload will be self-directed, so motivation and responsibility are recommended. As with any other volunteer unit, dependability is a must.
Training
All prospective volunteers are will attend large group orientation, where they will receive general University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics information. Volunteers will also attend small group orientation, where they will receive unit-specific training and receive a tour of the area.
Uniform
The dress code for this unit is a Volunteer Services polo, khaki pants, and closed-toe shoes. Shirts are available for purchase at Wild Rose Gifts (Main Entrance Lobby) Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Volunteers must follow the professional appearance policy, which includes wearing the volunteer badge at all times.
Hours Available
The unit is available to from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Volunteers may choose to have two 1 1/2-hour shifts or one three-hour shift during the week.
Areas of Study Best Suited
The unit is a great place to volunteer in, no matter what kind of health care field one might be interested in. It would be really great for volunteers interested in cancer and bone marrow transplants!