March Blog

 March Hours: 3, Cumulative Hours: 21

This month I was able to do one shift at Manning Family Children's. My academic obligations required a lot more time than any other month I’ve had prior. Luckily, I have finished most of my exams and presentations and will be able to spend more time volunteering next month. I feel like my time at Manning Family Children has hit a plateau. As a volunteer in the CCU, there is only so much you can do, and most of that time I’m helping with the flow of the nurses. While that is an important role, and I do see the value I bring to the team, I wish I was able to get more involved and learn more about the care for these patients. These patients have just had life-changing heart surgery, and many of the IV poles in the rooms have up to eight syringe pumps. There are times where I would like to go and see what each medication the patient is on, what it’s being used for, and how it is helping manage their critical condition in conjunction with the surgery and other medications they may be on. I’m excited to be able to get more involved with patient care this fall as I attend medical school, that is something I’ve really missed this year. Previously, I was an anesthesia tech for two years and felt like I was well integrated into patient care, playing an important role on the team to deliver the best possible care. That’s something I haven’t been able to participate in this year since starting school again. But regardless, I’ve still taken away valuable lessons from my time in the hospital. Lessons I look forward to building on as I become more involved in patient care in the next coming years in Colorado.