Friday Afternoons: not so slow after all!

On Friday afternoon I headed over to the clinic to notice it was unusually QUIET. There weren't many patients, doctors, nurses, or even staff members around. I went up to Nieves' office and saw that she was frantically trying to find a stack of certain billing papers. She told me that she really needed my help with sorting out the billing statements and by the looks of her office (papers EVERYWHERE) I didn't hesitate in offering my help! She took me to the adult clinic section where there was a big table for me to spread all the papers out on and start sorting. She kept telling me over and over again how much she appreciated me coming on a Friday afternoon to help her out since she really needed to give the papers to the payment office by 5pm. I really love how each time I have been coming to the clinic I am given a new task. I get to work in new areas, meet new staff members, and I feel like I am really helping them out even if it is just sorting out billing statements. I have to admit, I didn't mind volunteering at the clinic when it was empty. There is something peaceful about sitting in the clinic and seeing just a few patients at once. It was probably because I was exhausted that afternoon...BUT, I do love seeing it super busy as well because watching everyone moving in fast paces trying to help patients out feels like I am in an episode of Grey's Anatomy.
When I finished sorting out the statements for the week, Nieves looked so relieved and that made me happy. She did apologize for giving me a 'boring' job but I told her help is help and that is why I am here! :-) I am looking forward to next week to see what task is in store for me!!

until next time!

Help For Everyone!

For my volunteering session on Thursday, Ana asked me to assist her with the HTML work she had been working on. I came in and sat down with her so she could show me what she had been doing thus far. It was very different from what I had been doing before but really interesting! I will admit, looking at all the HTML code was a little intimidating, but once I sat down and reviewed it that intimidation went away. I was really glad Ana asked to me work on it and help her transferring the data from the old website to the new website since it is a lot of work and I know she was put under a deadline to finish the website...plus...two brains are better than one! :) Ana also told me Lindsey (woman in charge of HTML website) was really thrilled to hear Ana was going to have assistance since it is a lot of work and she wants it done by November. I think it is necessary for this clinic to have the website so that patients or future supporters/donors can have a chance to virtually see how the San Jose Clinic is so awesome. I am happy I have this opportunity to help out with a different task in the clinic that needs tending to since I have had taken a class on web-mastering before! My skills in HTML aren't very advanced but the code for data transfer isn't so complicated.

I still plan on continuing with the other tasks I have been doing so far at the clinic but, if needed I will be helping Ana next week with completing or trying to complete the data transfers. Although I really liked working on the HTML, I miss sitting in the lobby working on the files since I am able to interact more with patients downstairs than upstairs in the office. Either way I am very willing to help and assist wherever needed!

until next time! :-)

New Side Project

For my volunteering session this week I worked on a new project! When I walked into the clinic it didn't seem as busy or crowded as I saw in the previous week. I met up with Nieves (correct spelling!) and she told me they were going to get me a computer log in user name so that I could finish the data file entries. Unfortunately, the lady in charge of giving me a computer log in was at a meeting. Instead of entering in files to excel, Nieves had me pull out patient charts for certain doctors. For each month coming up (October, November, and December) for the year 2011, certain doctors wanted their patient charts grouped and piled in a specific place so that they can review them before they see their patients during their appointments. The charts that I pulled out were for the dermatologists. Most of the patients seeing the dermatologists were for acne, mole removals, and other skin conditions. After I pulled out the charts, I sat next to the receptionist and helped her organize some paperwork. After an hour into my session the clinic started getting busier. There were many patients coming in to admit their children to the pediatrician. Most of the children came in with runny noses, ear aches, coughs, and fevers. Also, many adult patients were coming in for dental check-ups as well. My session at the clinic was quiet but still informative. I learned about the common conditions most patients go see the dermatologist for!

until next time!