Project Healthcare is an immersive clinical and educational summer volunteer program available to undergraduate, graduate, post-baccalaureate and recently graduated (within 2 years of graduating) students. The mission of Project Healthcare is to inspire participants to become more interested and engaged in the healthcare field. Currently, the program is offered in Manhattan (Bellevue Hospital Center) and Brooklyn (NYU Langone Health–Brooklyn).
As a member of Project Healthcare students are given the
unique opportunity to play an active role in patient care in one of NYU’s active Emergency Departments. Through
hands on experience, in one of New York City’s level
1 Trauma Centers, volunteers are able to explore a diverse array of
interests and are exposed to the reality of a career in medicine. The
volunteers learn to function as patient advocates, and are also exposed to
numerous aspects of patient care while working closely with the clinical staff.
In addition to the Emergency Department, which includes
adult and pediatric emergency rooms (including
trauma) as well as the Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program, all
participants rotate through the Operating Room and Cardiac Catheterization Lab
to observe and help facilitate care. They ride
along with FDNY EMTs, and spend time with the Social Work staff where they
learn about the social needs of patients suffering with issues such as domestic
violence, sexual assault, substance abuse, and/or homelessness. Participants also engage in community events and take a topical and appropriate NYU medical curriculum
and a social medicine course.
The main function of Project Healthcare volunteers is patient advocacy. This directly translates to providing food and
water to patients, providing blankets and clothing and, above all, emotional
comfort by way of conversation and interaction. Volunteers also
engage in concrete tasks such as making up stretchers, transporting patients,
providing patient support during procedures, interpreting, assisting with
undressing patients, and the stocking and preparation of equipment. In the
clinical area, volunteers are afforded the opportunity to observe procedures, assist
with custodial care, and interact with patients of varied cultural, social and
economic backgrounds. Participants may also
engage in active networking with RNs, residents, attending physicians, social
workers, PCTs and ancillary personnel. In short, the Project Healthcare program offers each
participant an opportunity to further develop the skills of flexibility,
compassion, and creativity, while addressing the demands of spontaneous
situations.
More information, including the application, can be found on the Project Healthcare website. The deadline to apply is Wednesday, February 5th
at 11:59pm.