suprise!

Overall I am just surprised at how hectic and inefficient the Transplant Center was. I don’t get why there were always so many people waiting in the Transplant Center waiting room. I witnessed some miscommunications between people. Someone scheduled a physician for a biopsy in the Infusion Clinic even though he was the only one in the Transplant Center and failed to inform him. Once I was told to call a list of people to tell them their appointment was cancelled, when in reality no cancellations were made.

When I asked for an updated list of volunteers to put in the binder, the coordinator gave me a scheduled that was not updated since September and it was the month of December. He did not know who was or was not still volunteering. I missed a few volunteer dates because I was sick and I forgot to call in. However I did not receive any sort of call asking if I was still volunteering or asking why I didn’t call in to report my absence. At other Fairview hospitals I have volunteered at, they would call.

new things I discovered about ME

I CAN talk to people on the phone! I don’t know why but I HATE talking when it is a more formal phone call; I just get all nervous. I forced myself out of my comfort zone in order to help the staff.  I still get a little nervous, but by the end I had more confidence.

I learned to voice my opinions and that I can make a difference in the effectiveness of a program. I was apprehensive to speak up at first, but I am glad I did. I truly think the clinic is in a better place for the future as a result. 

personal growth

Here are three personal growth goals I set for myself at the beginning of my volunteering time.

Goal 1: Pay more attention to body language and adjust my actions and words accordingly— I can become distracted in conversation and not fully understand everything someone is to communicate to me.

This volunteer position was a great opportunity for me to practice this. I often had to approach people prior to ever speaking to them. I would observe them and see if I should approach them with a warm smile and energy or if a more subtle, softer approach was needed.

Example

As I was emptying a soiled linen bag, I overheard a man in chair next to me joking with his nurse. She asked him what he wanted for breakfast; he told her with a big, childlike smile, “Dessert!” Not only was he funny, he also asked his nurse to keep the curtain open. I read that as he doesn’t want to be isolated and like to socialize; I decided to engage him in conversation and I am glad I did so! I asked him what kind of dessert he was craving for.  “I would eat a big piece of pumpkin pie with TOO much whipped cream on top!” he said with a chuckle. He wanted that because he wasn’t able to eat Thanksgiving food. We then talked for 3 minutes about our favorite desserts. Not only did I enjoy the small talk with this man, it also made me appreciate the little things in life, including tasting all the wonderful flavors at my Thanksgiving meal.

Goal 2: Create a welcoming environment, despite the situation--I am an outgoing person, but in an uncomfortable situation I can shut down.

I love making people happy, and I want to work with the sick. Problem is I don’t have much experience with sick people. RED FLAG: uncomfortable situation.

Example

After the first two shifts, I began to feel more comfortable with my role in the lobby area. As a result I was able to work on my confidence and creating a warm environment. I made sure to keep a smile on my face and avoided the slumped, “don’t talk to me” posture as I walked around. As a man was leaving, he made 2 full 360s. Although I was slightly uncomfortable by his strange behavior, I decided to be the one to talk first. I asked him if he needed help finding a place. He smiled at me and told me that each time he goes somewhere new he takes a look at was is behind him so he knows what to look for next time he comes back to avoid getting lost. I smiled, giggled a little and said “okay.” He laughed and said it was a silly concept but it worked for him. I reassured him that I did not think it was silly but rather fairly bright. He walked out of view for a split second and came back and wished me a rather loud “Merry Christmas!” I know that other people saw and heard this interaction and I wish that his energy was able to brighten their day. I am hoping that due to my confidence and approachability that he was able to share his reasoning for making 360s.

Goal 3: Better verbal communication—I don’t always articulate my message across the way I would like to.

I was not able to work on this as much as I would have liked. I did a lot of listening and following directions. However I was able to achieve this one time when I articulated my concerns towards the program and ended up making some significant changes.

Upon reflection, I have noticed that my goals either have to deal with communication skills or confidence, both areas that I lack. Being a natural introvert and very soft spoken until second semester junior year of high school, it has been a challenge for me to catch up on these two things. However I think I made strides over this past semester to improving both of them. Yet there always is room for more growth!

Here are three personal growth goals I set for myself at the beginning of my volunteering time.

Goal 1: Pay more attention to body language and adjust my actions and words accordingly— I can become distracted in conversation and not fully understand everything someone is to communicate to me.

This volunteer position was a great opportunity for me to practice this. I often had to approach people prior to ever speaking to them. I would observe them and see if I should approach them with a warm smile and energy or if a more subtle, softer approach was needed.

Example

As I was emptying a soiled linen bag, I overheard a man in chair next to me joking with his nurse. She asked him what he wanted for breakfast; he told her with a big, childlike smile, “Dessert!” Not only was he funny, he also asked his nurse to keep the curtain open. I read that as he doesn’t want to be isolated and like to socialize; I decided to engage him in conversation and I am glad I did so! I asked him what kind of dessert he was craving for.  “I would eat a big piece of pumpkin pie with TOO much whipped cream on top!” he said with a chuckle. He wanted that because he wasn’t able to eat Thanksgiving food. We then talked for 3 minutes about our favorite desserts. Not only did I enjoy the small talk with this man, it also made me appreciate the little things in life, including tasting all the wonderful flavors at my Thanksgiving meal.

Goal 2: Create a welcoming environment, despite the situation--I am an outgoing person, but in an uncomfortable situation I can shut down.

I love making people happy, and I want to work with the sick. Problem is I don’t have much experience with sick people. RED FLAG: uncomfortable situation.

Example

After the first two shifts, I began to feel more comfortable with my role in the lobby area. As a result I was able to work on my confidence and creating a warm environment. I made sure to keep a smile on my face and avoided the slumped, “don’t talk to me” posture as I walked around. As a man was leaving, he made 2 full 360s. Although I was slightly uncomfortable by his strange behavior, I decided to be the one to talk first. I asked him if he needed help finding a place. He smiled at me and told me that each time he goes somewhere new he takes a look at was is behind him so he knows what to look for next time he comes back to avoid getting lost. I smiled, giggled a little and said “okay.” He laughed and said it was a silly concept but it worked for him. I reassured him that I did not think it was silly but rather fairly bright. He walked out of view for a split second and came back and wished me a rather loud “Merry Christmas!” I know that other people saw and heard this interaction and I wish that his energy was able to brighten their day. I am hoping that due to my confidence and approachability that he was able to share his reasoning for making 360s.

Goal 3: Better verbal communication—I don’t always articulate my message across the way I would like to.

I was not able to work on this as much as I would have liked. I did a lot of listening and following directions. However I was able to achieve this one time when I articulated my concerns towards the program and ended up making some significant changes.

Upon reflection, I have noticed that my goals either have to deal with communication skills or confidence, both areas that I lack. Being a natural introvert and very soft spoken until second semester junior year of high school, it has been a challenge for me to catch up on these two things. However I think I made strides over this past semester to improving both of them. Yet there always is room for more growth!

recommendation

It all depends upon the person’s attitude if I would recommend this position or not. It would be fine if a volunteer comes in with preconceived notions of the position. However it would be a problem if they weren’t open-minded when they realize it is not at all like the description in the packet. It is rare to get patient interaction, but when it happens, it means a lot more. In this position there is a lot of learning through observation and putting yourself out there. So if someone wants an easy, straight forward volunteer position, this is not for them. However if they are open for challenges, variety, surprise, friendships, and laughter this could be a fit for them.

advice

First off ALWAYS be positive, no matter the situation. Now for volunteering, don’t try to change the world. Do your job well and efficiently; you are bound to make a difference is someone’s day, whether they know it or not. Although the thank you’s mean the world, sometimes you have to be content with knowing what you did was helpful. Be aware that you are not the only one giving; you are also receiving, too.  Through volunteering, many life lessons can be learned only if you are humble enough to be taught. Meaning, don’t act like a know-it-all and think that you couldn’t possibly learn anything from an old man with one leg in a wheel chair, because I sure learned something invaluable from him that day.