By Christine K.
When I realized that we had to volunteer somewhere as a requirement for this internship I knew immediately that I wanted to volunteer somewhere that would also engage my curiousity with psychology. I contacted a few psychiatric places about volunteering but no one got back to me. Then I remembered that someone who had done this program earlier, had volunteered at the VA Hospital. I went to their website and applied, and am currently going for about 3 hours every Friday afternoon to help out.
At first I worked with the Volunteer Services Specialist Laura Kendrick, and she was able to get me approved to volunteer in the Acute Psychiatric Ward on 3A. I was really excited about being able to see how the ward operates first hand. Little did I know, that department is not the friendliest to work for. My first day there I stood in the office for about 30 minutes while the person in charge continued to tell me he didn't really have anything for me to do. Eventually the head nurse came and gave me a tour, and I ended up spending the second half of my time watching TV with some patients. To say the least, I am no longer volunteering in the Acute Pysch Ward.
After talking with Laura we decided it might be a good idea to have me assist the Recreational Thearpist on the 3rd floor.On Fridays I now play card/board games with veterans or help out with any other activity that the therapist has planned for that afternoon. (i.e. two Friday's ago I helped her make pumpkin smoothies for the Veterans)
I really enjoy talking and interacting with the Veterans. I respect anyone who has, or is serving the armed forces and feel that I should do what I can to pay them back. I think the VA Hospital is a good fit for me, because I have a few Veterans in my family. My great grandfather was in WWI, both of my grandfathers were in WWII, and my brother and brother in-law are currently in the Army. Only one of my grandfather's is currently living, and he became really ill with lyme disease about two years ago. They sent him to the VA Hopsital in nothern Minnesota close to where he lives. The VA Hospital took care of him, and paid for over 80% of his medical bills. They also give my grandparents free eye, dental, and medical check ups every year.
I am really close with my grandparents, and I happened to be there when my grandfather became sick. I was terrified of what was going to happen to him, and in a way I feel I owe the VA Hospital for the things they have done to help my grandparents out. I feel that volunteering there is a simple way I can help give something back.
2 comments:
I'm not sure whose post this is or if you saw mine, but Major Chuck Larson will be at the Central Library tonight and we're accepting donations to send socks to a marine squadron in Afghanistan -- donations can be made through November 27. Also, I would love to chat with you sometime about Lyme disease.
Sorry, I forgot to sign my name! Yea I saw your post about the event going on at the Library but unfortunately I had to do some stuff for my internship. We can chat about Lyme disease, I know my grandpa got it from tick bites. They live in a super wooded area and he is alwasy outside working on stuff.
Post a Comment