What Is the Job of a Candy Striper Volunteer at a Hospital?
The term candy striper is used to define and explain a position where you work in a hospital as a volunteer. The position is one that can vary depending on the location, by the day and what assistance is needed.
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History
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The idea of candy stripers was first developed in 1944 at East Orange General Hospital in East Orange, New Jersey. The program was popular with both staff and patients and other hospitals replicated the program due to its success.
Significance
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Candy stripers are essential in helping nurses and other medical staff by providing their time and attention to patients. Candy stripers are the human touch element of a hospital at times when the medical staff is busy with other tasks and responsibilities.
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Function
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The function of a candy striper is to visit patients and also to deliver items to them such as flowers, balloons and mail. A candy striper can be a person that patients talk to when they are lonely or simply need personal, not medical, attention.
Considerations
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A candy striper is a good way to determine if working in a hospital or in the medical profession is the right career path to take. Candy stripers are not paid employees and the position is one that should be used for learning, training or community service work.
Misconceptions
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The misconception that a candy striper is a member of the medical staff is incorrect. A candy striper does not have the authority to make medical decisions, administer medication or assist physicians in any way.
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References
- Photo Credit Teddy bear as a patient in hospital image by Monika 3 Steps Ahead from Fotolia.com
