My Time at Camillus House PDF

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experience doing rotations at camillus house for community health nursing ...

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My Time at Camillus House Nova Southeastern University

During my time at Camillus house I have interacted with the homeless and the amazing staff that work there. On the first day I was a little frightened because I didn’t know what I would be doing while I was there however the staff warmly welcomes us and explained everything we would be able to do. We would be able to work in the mail room assisting the priest and nun and other staff members in organizing the incoming mail into ABC order and filing them away so that when the homeless came to get their mail they could get it in an organized manner. Other things we could do is assist in the computer room, monitor the homeless during movie time, wash and fold clothing that would be distributed to them, and organize books at the library. On one of the days we were there we got a tour of the clinic. The clinic was very clean, well organized, and run by an R.N that kept it in ship shape. As nursing students we wondered why we were not able to assist in the clinic however they told us they needed our services in other departments. Another area we visited was the cafeteria. I love food, so I wanted to assist in the cafeteria however the had separate volunteers that came everyday to help there so I never got a chance to go there. The majority of my days were spent in the mailroom. We learned how to alphabetize the mail and then put them in separate bins in ABC order. Working in the mailroom really taught me patients because in order to do this job everyday one must have a lot of patients. The staff in the mail room were very friendly and we spoke a lot about how long they had been working there and what they enjoyed most about working at Camillus house. They talked about how its so rewarding, helping homeless people get back on their feet. They spoke how this could happen to anyone and its important to help those that are in a time of need and we will be rewarded later in heaven. There was a priest and a nun that are always there and then there are about 5 other volunteers that work in the mailroom.

When interacting with the homeless we used a lot of therapeutic communication. These people want to tell you their stories and explain what happened to them and how they are going to get back on there two feet. It’s important to tell them that they are safe there at Camillus house, and the people working their want to help them any way possible. It’s important to explain to them the reality that while its nice it is temporary. They need to get their life together and we are here to help them do it. There are computers being provided in order to help them look for jobs, houses, or any education they need. There are classes at Camillus house discussing domestic violence, diabetes, nutrient, hypertension, meditation, spirituality and religion, and many other topics. There’s food, water, a bed, clothing, and free cellphones provided by the government in order to help get these people on their feet. Our clinical instructor taught us a lot about how important it is to help out in the community. We have so many people going on mission trips around the works when we really need help locally. Its important to get involved and assist people in need out of the goodness of our hearts and expect nothing in return. Wouldn’t we want the same for ourselves if we were them? Our instructor explained many community scenarios in which even students can make a difference. One example was educating the homeless about their preexisting conditions such as hypertension, and diabetes. So we took her advice and gave a lecture in one of the classes and educated the homeless about diabetes and hypertension. We really felt we made a difference because they were receptive engaged, and asking us a lot of questions. They thanked us for educating them because they admitted to not feeling comfortable with asking their doctors many of the questions they were asking us. It felt really good to make a difference in these people lives and know that we taught them something. I really enjoyed my time at Camillus house and hope to go back and volunteer there again sometime soon....