Respiratory Specialty and Comprehensive Care Unit (RSCCU) Volunteer
Unit Description
The Respiratory Specialty Care Unit (RSCCU) is a smaller unit which holds a maximum of 17 patients, while each patient's stay may range in the amount of time. Prospective volunteers will encounter a numerous set of tasks. It is also very important to note that volunteers who may work in this unit must need a strong stomach.
The variety of tasks may include assisting staff with: washing, transporting, and moving patients. At times, this unit may call for a lot of direct patient contact. Volunteers may also be asked to sit, talk, read, entertain, and play games with the patient to keep them company. Some other roles may include: paperwork, restocking carts and cupboards, running lab work to pathology, and running errands to pick up supplies.
The volunteers will work mostly with the patient, family, nurses, nursing assistants, social services, respiratory, physical, occupational and speech therapy, dietary, pharmacy services, and the medical team.
Volunteers are encouraged to take advantage of the opportunities to observe procedures such as MRIs, X-rays, and CT scans. Patients in this unit will greatly appreciate the company volunteers provide them, while it is important to remember to respect patient confidentiality as well as professionalism when working in the RSCU. This unit seeks volunteers who are comforting, generous, and may work well one on one with patients and medical staff.
Training
All first-time volunteers in the RSCU must attend a small group orientation after a completing large group hospital orientation where volunteers sign up for various units. During the small group orientation, volunteers will be given a tour of the unit as well as being introduced to duties within the unit. After the small group orientation, first time volunteers in the unit will be assigned mentors who will assist with duties during their volunteer shift. This continues on until the volunteer is accustomed to the unit and is comfortable working independently.
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 RSCU is open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day of the week. Volunteers should plan on either signing up for either two 1 1/2-hour shifts or one 3-hour shift each week.
Areas of Study Best Suited
This unit is a great fit for students who are pre-medicine, pre-nursing, pre-physical therapy, respiratory care or therapy, and anyone interested in health care.