I’m a nurse at a transplant unit. I have a patient that is waiting for a heart transplant, and he is fully capable, but unable to leave the hospital unit until he gets a heart transplant. I thought that him studying for his technician and general exams would give him something to do for the next few months. It would also give him a route for social interaction while he is confined to a hospital room for months. I’m hoping that I can find someone willing to come and test him in the hospital when he is ready and that I can figure out a way for him to get a good outgoing Ham signal from his hospital room without disrupting hospital equipment. There is a repeater on top of the hospital, but it is never really that active. Has anybody else used ham radio as social therapy for hospital patients?
Hi Natasha! Thanks for the great question and I really commend you for the creativity to provide enjoyment to your patient - it’s clear you’re going above and beyond here!
I don’t have any experience in this specific area, but I think you were right to check the local repeater. Even if it doesn’t seem active, perhaps it has some nets at certain times of the week? Could be something to look into.
California also has a linked repeater system called PAPA. Not sure if you’re close enough to reach it but something to consider.
I bought my patient a study guide for his technician exam and he is a week in and halfway through it! I got him a UV-5R since it’s disposable, got approval from the engineering department to use on our unit since his equipment isn’t sensitive to it, but now my struggle is getting signal inside the 5th floor of a hospital with double pane windows. Would a copper tape antenna on his window work or would it have to be on the outermost pane of the windows to work at all?
A copper tape antenna works well. It should do the trick for repeaters facing the direction of the window
As far as the testing when he is ready. There are many options to take the test virtually. This was done a lot during covid. Please see the following link for explination.
That is such an incredible idea @N6IKI The sky is the limit using this strategy in retirement homes to keep people connected!
I’d recommend contacting your local ham club to see if their VE’s would be willing to come in to the hospital for a special test session. I’m almost certain they would be willing, given enough notice to set it up.
Hope your patient does well. You’re so kind! I tested online. The people were great, and the process wasn’t difficult. They walk you through the process with helpful and thorough instructional material before you make the call.