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FAQ
Care Extender Frequently Asked Questions
Table of Contents:
For Prospective Applicants:
What are the benefits of the program?
One of the best parts of the UCLA Health Care Extender Internship Program is the ability to rotate throughout the various unique departments at both hospitals. Care Extenders gain valuable patient care team experience and have many opportunities to observe healthcare from an insider's perspective. Because the hospital faculty is aware that Care Extenders are trained prior to working on the floor, they are generally extremely receptive and willing to teach, answer questions, and relate their experiences.
We are also recognized as a unique clinical internship program by many universities. Our alumni find that the experiences gained in the program provide a solid base to pull from when it comes time to apply to future healthcare professional schools. The wealth of real world exposure that Care Extenders have can't be found in any other local medical internship program.
How long is the commitment to the program?
The minimum commitment is one year (four rotations) in order to complete the required 200 hours. You may stay active for more than a year if you are in good standing.
How many hours do I have to volunteer?
You are required to work one 4-hour shift per week. The shift cannot be split up, and you cannot work for two consecutive shifts. 200 hours can be completed in 50 weeks.
Are there weekend shifts?
Yes! Majority of our departments have shifts every day of the week.
When are the shifts and can I come in whenever I want?
The shift times are at regular 4-hour intervals. They start at 7 AM and go until 11 PM. The ER department has a shift from 11 PM-3 AM. We are flexible with scheduling and allow you to sign up for whichever shift you want. You sign up for each of your shifts one month in advance, and then your department coordinator will attempt to give everyone shifts that work. You do not have to commit to the same day and time every week.
What do you get to do and see while on the floor?
Your experience will differ depending on the department you are in. Each experience is unique and rewarding. The common tasks performed by Care Extenders include retrieving drugs from the pharmacy, helping staff with transportation, and assisting staff in their duties on the unit. Provided you have permission, you can watch any procedure occurring in the department. In some of the more advanced departments, Care Extenders are invited into the operating room to see births, minor surgeries, and catheter placements.
Do I have to volunteer during the summer/holidays?
We allow you to take a leave of absence for a maximum of 13 weeks (one full rotation). You are also given a 2-week vacation. You may take a leave at any point except during your first rotation. The 2 week vacation may be taken at any time, including your first rotation.
For Current Care Extenders:
Who do I do I ask if I have questions about my department or the Care Extender Program?
The first person you should reach out to is your Department Coordinator, often referred to as your "DC. Their contact information can be found by viewing your department information file (PDF) on this page. If he or she cannot resolve your issue, contact your de"partment's DC supervisor. Finally, if the problem cannot be resolved, contact Silva Thomas directly.
What if I have problems with my Department Coordinator?
Contact your department's DC supervisor. The information can be found in your department's information file (PDF) on this page.
I forgot to sign up for a department and signups has closed! What do I do?
Email ce.preferences@gmail.com.
What does "completing the program in good standing" mean?
When each and every Care Extender joined the program, he or she signed a contract promising to complete 200 hours (admitted before Spring 2011) or 250 hours (admitted during or after Spring 2011) in at least one year. Once Care Extenders have met these requirements without being suspended, they may leave the program in good standing and receive a certificate and letter of reference stating their good standing. Otherwise, Care Extenders will be dropped from the program if they do not meet these requirements and do not continue volunteering.
For specific queries regarding completing the Care Extender Program, contact the Administrative Coordinator: ce.adcoordinator@gmail.com.
What if I want to continue volunteering in the program beyond my one year commitment?
During your 4th rotation and every 4th rotation after that (8th, 12th, 16th, etc.), you must fill out an Extension Request form and submit it by the second Wednesday of the rotation. Failure to do so results in dropping out of the program.
I was injured while I was volunteering at the hospital as a Care Extender Volunteer! What do I do?
Tell the charge nurse, go to the Emergency Room, and page the Program Manager, Silva Thomas, as soon as possible.
How do I check how many hours I have volunteered?
When you sign into the computer in the hospital, there is a option to check your service record. As a last resort, you may contact the Administrative Coordinator (ce.adcoordinator@gmail.com) and request a copy of your service records. Please allow 72 hours for this type of request.
For Care Extender Alumni:
I used to volunteer for the Care Extender Program. How can I get a record of my service hours or documentation proving my service to the UCLA Health?
Please email the Administrative Coordinator (ce.adcoordinator@gmail.com) with the specific documentation that you need. In the email, include your first and last name, as well as any additional names, email addresses, or PIN you used to log into the computer so that your service records can be found. Please allow 72 hours for this type of request.
I submitted my completion request form but never heard back from the program after I left. What do I do?
Contact the Administrative Coordinator (ce.adcoordinator@gmail.com) with your full name and approximate time you completed the program, as well as how you submitted your completion request form.
When is the latest I can get documentation for my involvement in the Care Extender Program?
We have a policy of only providing documentation for our former Care Extender volunteers up to six months after they leave the program.
