OHSU
We are Oregon health & Science university |
OHSU was originally an founded in 1887 in downtown Portland. The University then relocated to Marquam Hill in 1917. The reason why it's on Marquam Hill is because the land was originally intended for a rail way but because trains can't get over steep hills. The land was given to be used for a medical school. Over the years the campus grew including more buildings and different programs. Now the campus has even further expanded to include buildings in the south waterfront. The most notable features across the campus is the aerial tram, which has been slowly turning into a tourist destination for sightseeing. The long sky bridge that spans from the main hospital to the VA. And lastly the the knight cancer research building on the south waterfront, which was renamed by the donation from the founder of Nike.
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work that I do
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I volunteer at pediatric emergency room. Most of my duties include helping patient and staff with non medical emergencies, which include but is not limited to, wayfinding, entertaining children, stocking rooms, find specific items for procedures, and much more. I also help around the hospital with special events and departments/areas that need more help. For instance one of my favorite events every year it the Doernbecher Christmas toy drive, there's almost endless amount of donations and endless amount of joy to be spread. Due to the current situation that we're in most of the work that I use to do now has many limitations. With many restrictions guidelines in place, I can no longer interact with patients and families the same way, distant needs to be kept if possible and proper PPE must be worn at all times. This has proposed many challenges, for instance working with infants and toddlers blowing bubbles can distract them during a procedure, but now it's impossible to blow bubbles through a mask. There are other methods of distraction but just aren't as effective as good old bubbles. Also not being able to smile at people really sucks. A smile actually goes a long a way especially for people in tough times
My time at OHSU has been very fulfilling, aside from being able to help people in my community, I was able to develop many meaningful skills and connections that has helped me improve upon myself. There's a diverse group of people that come and seek medical attention at the ED, I've worked with many families that come from different backgrounds. Ranging from families that primarily don't speak English, well off to not very well off, and even children from foster care. It extended my knowledge of the many different social issues at hand. A common issue I see is parents not being able with their child at time due to work or more important issues they need to deal with. And being able to sit with that child at those time, is really comforting for them. Furthermore most of the staff is majority Caucasian, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it can be difficult sometimes especially work with families of different ethnicities. It can also be reassuring seeing some that has similar skin tones and features providing care for you. In my personal experience I've seen how much of a difference it makes when a Spanish speaking doctor/nurse is caring for a primary Spanish family. Their able to express their concerns better and better mutual understanding is made, something a translator just can't do. I've also been taught how small details and gestures can go along way. I've always looked at things in the context of bigger picture. Never really thought that reading a book or coloring with a child would be impactful at all. Or even spending a few minutes with them would make their stay any better. And time after time have I been proven wrong, those things are impactful and it sometimes makes their stay a whole a lot better. I hope to be able to continue on with this work well after this class and college. Due to the current situation OHSU is really limited the amount of people they accept. Usually they accept people on a year round basis. There are many different departments to choose from and also many different types of needed to be fulfilled. For instance due to the pandemic there has been a need for screeners around the hospital and also there's a new program dedicated to help seniors and people in hospice, due the fact their family can't go an see them. For further information or if you wanted to get started, click the get started button at the bottom and that would bring you to their page. |