This past summer I did something that I never thought I would have the chance to do. Working in the hospital has been a dream of mine ever since I was little and this summer, I finally got to chance to experience it myself. I was a Junior Volunteer at the Valley Hospital in Ridgewood, New Jersey. I was assigned to work in the Outpatient Lab. The Outpatient Lab is where nurses draw blood of patients for testing or for blood donation. Drawing and testing the blood will help recognize the problem the patient may be dealing with, such as an illness, or to be donated in the near future to help other struggling patients. I also had the chance to wheel a few patients around the hospital in either wheelchairs or hospital beds, giving me a more realistic feeling of what working it a hospital is really like. Sometimes, I transported them to and from the Outpatient Lab or the cafeteria. In other occasions, I brought the patients to an x-ray that needed to be done, and stayed with them to make sure everything went smoothly. Mostly though, I worked at the front desk of the Outpatient Lab. It was always difficult for me to adjust to which patient I was talking to or helping because I didn't know who would walk through the door. It could be children, elders, moms, dads, sensitive people, really sick people, happy people, or sad people. Everyone was different. This experience overall allowed me to improve on my social and communication skills which is beneficial for the future, or for any other job that I may encounter during my life.

In addition, to working in the hospital when I get older, my dream job specifically is to work as a pediatric nurse or surgeon. Both work on general health and surgeries of children, not just all age levels of patients. Working and helping kids has always been a high interest of mine. Being that I am the oldest of two younger brothers, it is engraved in me to take the best care of children.

How did I figure this out so early in my life? Well, my family has always worked in the medical field, and that's what inspires me to work in the hospital when I grow up. My mom was a nurse for cardiac patients as she normally helped with surgeries and in cardiac radiology. Speaking of inspirations, another one of mine is the show Grey’s Anatomy, a show about the life of a surgeon in a very busy and highly ranked hospital. Both of these have inspired me to set a future goal of working in a hospital as well as finding a love for the medical field.

When I found out I got into the program, all I could feel was my heart beating through my body. I was so excited to finally get the chance to have a feel of what working in a hospital or medical environment is really like. I have heard stories, watched shows, and videos, but to finally be able to experience this in real life was an accomplishment on its own!  Before I got to the hospital on my first day, I was frightened that I was going to get lost, mess up, or do something really wrong that would negatively affect the patients or the flow of the hospital. Walking into the hospital I was nervous, but not for long. I soon realized that I was only a Junior Volunteer and I was here to only help with small task. Once I signed in and found the Outpatient Lab, my nerves were settled and I was ready to get started. Walking into the Lab though I immediately noticed my help was highly needed. I introduced myself to the nurses who worked there, and they were so helpful and kind. They all made sure I knew what I was doing, and they helped me get a feel for the hospital. By doing so I got to experience what it was really like to work there. My main job in the Lab was to help organize the tests and to sign people in for their appointment. It was a small task, but I could tell I made a huge difference.

One thing that I learned when working at the hospital was how important I was to not just the patients but the hospital staff. When I arrived for the first time, I saw the difference I made once I began to help. Knowing that I am actually helping and making a difference was what overall made this experience unforgettable. I remember in my Junior Volunteer interview the woman asked, “What makes you happy?” It didn’t take long for me to think of it. Thinking about what makes me happy fills my mind with the thoughts of giving gifts and helping people. “Making other people smile,” is what I answered. Knowing that I was waking up to help and brighten people’s day was what motivated me to take that 20 minute drive the hospital a few morning’s a week. The fact that I was making a difference was something that I was humbled by, but exceptionally proud of. Hearing the constant gratitude of “Thank you” was what really made me smile. I was happy to know not only how much I was really helping out, but how much I enjoyed working at the hospital.

Overall, this volunteering job was life changing and I don’t think I had ever learned so much from doing so little. It was more so a humbling experience overall. This program not only helped me recieve volunteer hours, but I also recognized that working at the hospital is most certainly the right choice for me. I am overjoyed to add this on my college resume and to go back to help next summer. Although, I would definitely want to work in a different department to get a better feel for the hospital. I am really considering working in the pediatric wing, especially because I know that is one of my top option in the future as I love to work and be around children.