umm....tad bit scary?!

As I talked about before, Elizabeth and I signed up for volunteering with NY cares. I found an event next week: "Singalong with Seniors" and I signed up, but by the time Elizabeth logged on, the event was FULL. Instead, she decided to sign up for "fun and games with patients at the Presbyterian Hospital" on the same night. Sounds nice, right? Fun and boardgames at a hospital on a Wednesday night! She's thinking it may be children, or cancer patients, or seniors- what a nice way to give back, right? WRONG!

She got an email today with the details and here's what it said:

"You must show picture ID as you enter the main doors. If the security guards ask where you're going, just say Payne Whitney (or 11th floor). Proceed straight ahead towards the information desk (there's a big "I" over it). We gather at the couches and chairs off to the right of the info desk. There is a brief mandatory orientation for first time volunteers that is given by the staff of Payne Whitney. It is important that you get there on time. It is much easier for everyone if we go up to the unit together as it is a lockdown unit.

Once inside the psychiatric wing, we will be setting up board games in the recreation room for the patients. Also, two volunteers will monitor the reference library. In the library, we will start a sign up sheet for patients who are interested in accessing the Internet and time the patients so that everyone gets equal access to the computers..

Appropriate clothing is required. This means no tank tops, short skirts/shorts, or low necklines. The hospital also has a "no sandals" policy. Since many patients struggle with impulse control, the therapists ask that you dress conservatively as they do enforce this policy. Confidentiality is very important because the people at the clinic may not want anyone to know they are there.

You will never be left alone with a client and you should not go off on your own with a client. This facility is a 64-bed short-term in-patient psychiatric unit. Patients are there generally for 11 - 16 days though some are there longer. There will be staff on hand at all times.

...so.....YEAH, Elizabeth cancelled, and I offered to cancel my event too, and we signed up for a yoga class together with formerly homeless women. Still, the class is in EAST HARLEM, at night, so we're going to have to be careful!

Geez, was this such a good idea after all? LOL