Volunteer Orientation and Preparation

            My first trip to the Ronald McDonald Family Room was for my volunteer orientation. It was three hours long and I talked to Duncan Smith, my volunteer manager, along with other prospective volunteers. We got a tour of the hospital, and a lot of information was covered in this session, such as the steps that need to be taken before becoming eligible to become a volunteer in a hospital. The requirements are more extensive for hospital volunteers because the safety and health of the patients is extremely important. Some measures that I was required to take before beginning my volunteer position was a drug screening, an up to date TB test, a flu shot, a background check, and I was required to have a name badge made to work in the Kentucky Children’s Hospital.

            This seems like a lot of work to be done, but I was aware of the hours that would have to be put in before I began due to my previous volunteering position at a children’s hospital in my hometown, Louisville, KY. I knew from experience that even though there would be a lot to do before I actually got to start volunteering, it would all be worth it once I got in the hospital and got to spend my time serving others and helping those in need. It took me about two weeks to get all my results from the TB test and drug screening cleared and my name badge created, but once I did, I could not wait to start volunteering! I knew from the orientation the basics of what I would be doing, but I could not wait to get into my service and see what it was all about!