Unit Description
Burn Treatment Center is a critical and intermediate care, 17-bed unit, providing care for pediatric and adult patients with electrical, chemical, thermal, scalding, frostbite, and inhalation injuries. Other patient populations include: trauma patients, general surgery, patients requiring monitoring or intensive care observation, cardiovascular patients requiring thrombolytic therapy, and wound management patients. Volunteers will perform tasks such as assisting nurses with bed and tub bathing, dressing changes, re-soaking procedures, restocking supplies, filing paperwork, organizing and cleaning toy room, talking and sitting with patients, playing with pediatric patients and young visitors, and projects such as fundraiser kits for burn camp. While volunteering, there will be opportunities to view various procedures. The unit is best suited for volunteers who are self-motivated, friendly, enthusiastic, organized, and have a strong stomach. The unit also cares for pediatric patients, so volunteers should be able to work well with children.
Training
All prospective volunteers 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 training and information about the unit and receive a tour of the area. Finally, all volunteers must spend a complete shift with an experienced volunteer mentor before they can volunteer on their own. This is an important step for getting a feel for what the unit is like and gaining experience before volunteering on your own.
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
Two 1.5-hour shifts each week between 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week.
Areas of Study Best Suited
Nursing, pre-medicine, pre-physician assistant, radiology, best fit available for students interested in an emergency medicine or trauma placement.