Tuesday, May 17, 2011

People are People

Over the years of reading blogs, I have see individuals complaining about how they feel like their clinicals or community work is akin to free labor. Maybe they had a bad day; however, I hope I don't become jaded like that, because one of the best experiences I am having right now is volunteering at a free clinic.

In reality, some of why I am enjoying it so much has to do with the years of dealing with stupid hospital politics, catering to patients and families and documenting everything. Yes, I know it is important to chart positive flatus.

As for this clinic, it is very basic and just above street level care with volunteer doctors, nurses, pharmacists, social workers and most importantly interpreters. I love my interpreter, because she understands my weird sense of humor. Anyway, they operate in donated spaces and even out of an elementary school gym one night a week. These are not places for checkups or handing out pain meds; we have signs everywhere letting patients know there are no pain meds on site. These uninsured individuals who cannot afford to see anyone for things like uncontrolled diabetes or hypertension, and they just need a little help and maybe a prescription.

No politics, no bean counters, no egos and no kissing ass, just basic care for people who fell through the cracks.

8 comments:

Jason said...

That sounds amazing! One of the reasons I want to go into nursing is to provide this kind of care. Keep it up and have fun. You are making a huge difference in the lives of those patients!

A Doc 2 Be said...

And once in awhile, I bet they just need someone to listen to them.

Kudos for doing this selfless act for humanity.

Cartoon Characters said...

Sounds great! I enjoy my little piece of volunteerism too albeit not quite so hands on....my little niche is affordable housing for the elderly...

Anonymous said...

I hope I don't become jaded either. I've been volunteering for a hospital for about a year now, and did previously years ago. What you can do as a volunteer is so limited at this hospital for liability reasons, so I hope I keep a positive attitude in clinicals that at least I'll be doing more than I am now, because right now I just wish I could do more than talk, bring people warm blankets, and get them drinks.

Anonymous said...
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Frazzled-Razzle-RN said...

NPO, that sounds like the kind of nursing I'd be interested in. I love to hear people's stories.

StudentCNM - your volunteer work is amazing too! Don't discredit a warm blanket and drinks; just think of all the people you are helping in your own way.

Candi said...

That sounds really interesting. I would really like to do something like that, you have inspired me to look around my area for such a thing. Thanks :)

Red Stethoscope said...

This sounds awesome. I think the reason that med. people complain about clinicals is because they're nearing the end of their training (or are residents) and feel like they're getting overworked/abused, instead of utilized. That's just my guess (from why I would be bitter). I think opportunities like this are completely different and honorable. I'd hope that no one would complain about doing something like this. Ideally, that's partly the reason that all of us chose medicine (to help people).