This summer I am volunteering in the Pediatric Emergency Department (PED) at Yale-New Haven Hospital (YNHH). In the PED, I support patients, families, and staff by running errands, oftentimes bringing food, water, or games into patient rooms. Through this experience, I have learned about child development, diagnosis and treatment plan processes, and I have cemented my interest in pursuing a career in medicine.
A large part of my job involves cleaning toys. Most toys on the unit are reused, and to decrease the spread of germs and illness, I am responsible for wiping or spraying down dirty games with disinfectant. Toys are essential for entertaining children of all ages, decreasing stress while distracting them from fear, discomfort, and pain. Selecting fun activities for patients of different ages has expanded my understanding of child development and taught me to recognize games that suit different levels of learning. Additionally, bringing toys to patient rooms is something I really enjoy. Not only are the patients elated to receive some form of entertainment, but their caregivers also appear to relax, thrilled to see their children play, even when seeking medical care. My volunteer position has been extremely gratifying because I have seen the emotional impact that I have had on patients and caregivers.
As I check on patient rooms and supply entertainment, my position aligns closely with Family and Child Life specialists on the unit. Family and Child Life specialists support patients and families by bringing them toys, distracting patients during procedures, and working alongside the patients’ healthcare teams to provide care. I feel fortunate to learn about the work of Family and Child Life specialists and to collaborate with them to ensure all patients and caregivers receive support in managing the stress of their hospital experiences.
While I am interested in medicine, I am not allowed to shadow physicians or hospital staff in patient rooms. However, I am permitted to hear conversations that occur around my toy-cleaning station, which shares space with the computers and desks where clinicians fill out patient charts. When listening to physicians and APRNs, among other hospital staff, I have loved listening to their detective work and their thoughts surrounding diagnosis and treatment plans. I find their thought processes extremely exciting, affirming my interest in medicine. In the future, I know I want to be in their shoes, caring for patients and families while learning alongside other clinicians.
Through my volunteer experience, I have learned about my medical interests while supporting healthcare professionals and connecting with patients and families. To make the most of my volunteer position, I have tried to interact with patients and staff as much as possible. My most meaningful experiences have occurred because I have kept an open mind and attempted to learn as much as I could, through observation, listening, or direct engagement with patients and staff. Ultimately, my healthcare exposure in the PED has confirmed my desire to pursue a career in medicine, and I am thrilled to continue my volunteer position this summer.
