Local hospital allows students to gain experience in medical field

Del Sol Medical Center’s volunteer program gives students an opportunity to get a hands-on experience in the medical field.

The hospital has two programs, one for students and the other for adults.

The junior volunteer program allows students 14 to 18 years old to apply.

Applicants who are accepted need to pass a background check, drug screening and TB skin test.

A mandatory orientation is required before a training session at Del Sol.

“They can help by just going around and visiting the patients and seeing if there’s any little thing they need,” said Pat Olson, volunteer coordinator.

Olson said the junior volunteer program accepts students who are interested in the medical field. Volunteers have to fulfill a minimum of four hours per week.

Adriana Gutierrez, 19, currently attends El Paso Community College, but is looking to start at Texas Tech in the spring.

Gutierrez said Texas Tech requires students to have volunteer hours in a hospital and Del Sol’s flexibility helps her juggle school and work at the same time.

Gutierrez helps with everyday tasks that nurses do during their shift, many of which can be challenging. She does find comfort knowing that she can help patients because she is bilingual.

Gutierrez said many patients to the hospital do not speak English, so she can by translating what nurses and doctors tell them.

“It’s very rewarding because they feel confused so you get to make them feel like they’re not lost,” Gutierrez said.

Del Sol takes applications March through May.