Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CVICU) Volunteer
Unit Description
The CVICU is a pre and post-operative care unit with 24 beds. Volunteers serve a crucial role in the unit by assisting staff at all levels of patient care. From stocking supplies, helping care for patients in the unit, and transporting patients to other locations within the hospital, the CVICU provides students with patient interaction experience. As a critical care unit, volunteers will also be able to see a wide range of activities performed by the physicians and staff within the unit.
Volunteers for this unit are advised to have strong stomachs and should be sociable and outgoing. Volunteers must be able to communicate one-on-one with patients and offer help to staff members throughout the unit.
It is essential that volunteers in this be reliable and make it to their schedule shifts throughout their volunteering commitment.
Training
Volunteers in the CVICU are required to attend large group orientation annually. In addition, small group orientation is required as an initial introduction to the unit. After these orientations, volunteers will then match with a mentor, who will volunteer with them their first time.
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
Volunteers are accepted from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. each day of the week.
Areas of Study Best Suited
Anyone interested in a career in health care (pre-medicine, pre-pharmacy, pre-physical therapy, etc.) may find the experiences in the CVICU beneficial. As mentioned above, individuals must have an outgoing personality and a strong stomach for this unit.