Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

When are applications due?

Applications for the Summer 2020 term are due by February 21st, 2020.

When are the terms?

The terms are roughly in-line with the WSU academic calendar. Generally, each term begins after school has started and, if the RA has completed enough shifts, the term ends a week before Finals Week begins. Fall term is roughly September to December. Spring term is roughly January to May. Summer term is roughly mid-May to mid-August. There is some flexibility, especially during the summer.

When do I find out if I am accepted?

Applicants are notified as their application packet is received by the Chief Research Associates. Then, the application packet is sent for further processing. Once the application has been successfully processed and approved, applicants will be notified regarding their acceptance into the program.

When are orientations?

Prior to taking shifts, accepted applicants will attend a general hospital orientation as well as a NARAP-specific training. The general volunteer orientation will be scheduled by Michelle Smith, the PRH Volunteer Coordinator, and usually takes place at the beginning of each term during the late afternoon and evening of a weekday. The NARAP training will take place shortly after the general PRH orientation.

How many applicants are accepted for each term?

There are 16 shifts available each week, so we can have 16 RAs each term, plus up to 4 back-up RAs (in case RAs get sick or are otherwise unable to complete their shifts that term). The number of applicants we may accept for each term is dependent on how many RAs return for that term. For example, if 6 RAs return, then 10 applicants can be accepted plus 4 back-ups.

When are the shifts? Can I change my shift if I need to?

Each Research Associate takes one four-hour shift each week. Once applicants have been admitted to the program, their availability for the shifts will be requested. Research Associates may not get their first choice of shift and returning RAs have priority. However, we do our best to work with all RAs schedules. Also, once we have established a general shift schedule, then RAs can work with each other and us to switch shifts for exams, illness, etc. The general shifts are:

Weekdays (Monday through Friday) 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.

Weekends (Saturday and Sunday) 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., 3:00 - 7:00 p.m., and 7:00 - 11:00 p.m.

What will I need to wear to my shifts? Where are they? How do I get there?

RAs wear semi-professional clothing such as slacks or khakis, nice closed-toes shoes, and their name badge. Once RAs have their NARAP polo, they will wear that. Before then, they should wear blouses, polos or button-ups along with the PRH Volunteer jacket. Hair should be out of the way and out of the face.

RAs perform their shifts at Pullman Regional Hospital in the Emergency Department. Many RAs drive or take the bus to their shifts. If RAs walk or ride a bike, they may need to take extra care to ensure they appear professional during their shift.

What are the benefits of participating in this program?

There are many benefits associated with participating in this program. Two basic benefits are gaining recorded volunteer clinical research hours, and a letter of evaluation sent to your advisor detailing your involvement in the program. Other benefits include experiencing the Emergency Department environment; meeting, gaining insight from and learning from physicians, nurses, and other hospital staff; seeing practical applications of what students may be learning in school; learning about and seeing conditions, diseases, treatments, and procedures; and learning how patients are received and sorted (triage) among many other items. In general, RAs benefit from this program in relation to the effort they put into it. The Chief, Assistant Chiefs, and past RAs are available to give ideas to help current RAs make the most of their experience.

If you have other questions not answered on this website, please send an email to chiefra.wsu@gmail.com