ER Volunteering: EMOTIONAL Effect

crushing in the ER

crushing in the ER

THINGS THAT MAKE ME SMILE

When…

someone takes home a baby instead of a bill

an accident victim’s neck brace is removed

an old man flirts

I see newborn twins

a physician delivers good news

an elderly patient is treated with respect

the nurses gossip and laugh when they get caught

I bring a cake and the staff is appreciative

a certain doctor smiles (hugely) when he sees me

someone calls me an “angel”

I can make anyone in the ER laugh

there’s hope

THINGS THAT MAKE ME CRY

When…

a child comes in with a sick mommy

a mommy comes in with a very sick child

a battered woman has a miscarriage

a child accompanies a chemo parent

I make eye contact with the chemo patient

a patient loses his dignity

there’s no hope

THINGS THAT MAKE ME GULP

When…

a special needs patient rises above it

a patient with challenges finds out there are even more

I can feel someone’s fear

I can feel someone’s pain

I can feel someone’s happiness

a certain doctor flirts with me (even though he more unavailable than ER’s Dr. Doug Ross)

(What kinds of things make you smile, cry and gulp? Share in the comments.)

9 responses to “ER Volunteering: EMOTIONAL Effect”

  • […] I’m super confused by his ambivalence. Sometimes I can tell he’s really into seeing me. Other times he’s seems completely allergic to my […]

  • […] kid (now on the verge of tears) to Bed 18, I try (unsuccessfully) to cheer him up. We pass by Dr. Adam COUGHING as he finishes up dictation on the phone – ADAM: You’re BACK! ME: You’re […]

  • Amy:

    I’ve recently started a blog, the information you provide on this site has helped me tremendously. Thank you for all of your time & work.

  • emt training:

    I’ve recently started a blog, the information you provide on this site has helped me tremendously. Thank you for all of your time & work.

    • Evie...:

      EMTs work SO hard. I have HUGE respect!

  • You’re gonna like my answer: What makes me smile, cry, and gulp? Getting on stage and playing the first few notes. 🙂
    .-= Check out nicopolitan´s latest: I Have =-.

    • Evie...:

      Yes, I do like your answer. Being on stage is all the colors of the rainbow of emotions. Have fun in Las Vegas with your mom (what a Nice Nico — ahhhhhh…)

  • Vic:

    I can only imagine the stuff you go through, the good, the bad, the sad…..makes my heart ache when I see pain, sadness, helplessness and it makes your heart melt when you witness new babies being born healthy, old men flirt and I think it would be tiggeriffic if I could walk out of the hospital with no bills but unfortunately that aint happening but my baby is alive and getting better so thankful, grateful and blessed I shall be:) xoxox
    .-= Check out Vic´s latest: Growing Beautifully =-.

    • Evie...:

      Soooo glad your baby is getting stronger and better. Your posts always show your braveness. I’m amazed by your ability to see the goodness through all of your challenges. XO!

What do you think?

I’M A SLAVE IN E.R.!
Sentenced to volunteer at Greater L.A. Medical (GLAM!) Hospital... I'm on-call in my worst nightmare -- ?!
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