Organizations of all kinds typically seek and utilize volunteers. Whether it be an animal shelter, the Red Cross, or a kid’s soccer team - volunteers are highly sought after and extremely valuable. While often overlooked, volunteering is in high demand at hospitals. So, let’s talk about it and why it’s so valuable. You may find that this is a role you are interested in.
A volunteer is an individual who works for an organization without getting paid. They essentially donate their time and skillset to help an organization, in this case, hospitals.
Volunteers are valuable in hospital systems in many ways. Their tasks can and often do free up critical time for doctors and nurses to spend with their patients. By assisting hospital staff in caring for patients and aiding visitors, many volunteers develop an improved sense of self-worth. In helping others, they foster feelings of pride and accomplishment. They can see how their efforts change lives and impact those they interact with.
At Touchette Regional Hospital, volunteers come from a variety of backgrounds. The skills and talents each volunteer holds are influential in the overall big picture. Our volunteer staff greets guests in admitting, they help families navigate the hospital, when needed they serve as an office assistant while also assisting in community events and fundraising efforts.
Our team of eight “Pink Ladies” volunteers (because of the smocks they wear) help with filling hospital packets, outpatient registration with patient sign-in, act as escorts for patients and visitors, decorate the hospital lobby at Christmas, host several yearly fundraisers for the hospital and host Thanksgiving dinners at both Touchette Elderly Apartments. Not to mention the volunteers who help in our Seniors I.Q. department with food box preparation.
We also have four volunteer Chaplains who visit with patients. Their volunteerism includes conducting prayers, giving out bibles and administering communion. Fourteen volunteer Ministers conduct services on Sundays, weekly bible studies and 5th Sunday dinners with a service.
Not only does volunteering boost self-worth and self-esteem, but there are also some great perks to donating your time. At TRH, our volunteer staff receives a free yearly flu shot and TB shot. They also get meal vouchers for every four hours of service in addition to having a good reference for employment and/or education programs.
At Touchette, volunteer opportunities are valuable and available for everyone. These individuals provide key services for and within our hospital, while also playing an important role in the community. Individuals who volunteer with us enjoy an annual thank you celebration, quarterly birthday potlucks and a free meal each day they work. Discover a rewarding way to serve your community; contact TRH Volunteer Services today by calling 618.332.5289.