Short Stay & Acute Orthopedic Inpatient Unit Volunteer

Unit Description

The Short Stay Unit is a fast-paced unit that sees a wide variety of medical and surgical patient populations, allowing many opportunities for volunteers to work with the nursing staff in caring for patients. Short Stay is a unit that has a high number of admissions and discharges throughout the day, due to most patients only requiring a one-night stay in the hospital.

Volunteers must demonstrate excellent teamwork to ensure positive patient experiences during their stay, although it may be short. Due to the quick turn-around times between patients, there are always tasks for volunteers to assist with, including assisting with patient transport upon discharge from the unit, stocking rooms, visiting patients and families, cleaning/organization of supplies, and assisting physical therapy with patient walking or other activities as appropriate.

Training

All prospective Short Stay Unit 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 or other white shirt, 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

Three 1-hour shifts each week between 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday

Areas of Study Best Suited

Nursing, pre-medicine, and pre-physical therapy.