WHO ARE HOSPITAL VOLUNTEERS? They are people who donate their time, skills, and caring to support the work of hospital staff. They are people who help make a difference in meeting patients' needs. They are an invaluable part of the hospital team!
Why Volunteer?
- For a sense of accomplishment and self-satisfaction in helping others
- To learn new skills and "build a bridge" to a career in a health-care field
- To meet new people and form new relationships
- To contribute to the community
- To learn about health-care issues and see firsthand how a hospital operates
What does a hospital volunteer do?
- Greets patients and visitors
- Delivers newspapers and mail to patients
- Offers patient support by listening, offering an encouraging smile, occasionally baby sitting for parents being treated in the E.R., etc.
- Volunteers in various hospital departments running errands, helping transport patients, answering the phone, etc.
- Helps with landscaping beautification projects
- Operates the Gift Shop and participates in other fund raising events sponsored by the Auxiliary
- Interprets for patients speaking foreign languages
- Leads hospital tours for school groups
- Plays the piano for residents in the Skilled Nursing Unit
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| Frequently Asked Questions. |
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| DO YOU NEED SPECIAL SKILLS TO BE A VOLUNTEER? |
| No, not really. The main requirements are a desire to help others, a professional attitude, and a willingness to learn. |
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| DO VOLUNTEERS NEED TO BE A CERTAIN AGE? |
| Yes. The minimum age accepted is 14 and completion of the eighth grade is required. There is no maximum age. |
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| DO VOLUNTEERS HAVE TO WORK A CERTAIN NUMBER OF HOURS? |
| Not really. Many volunteers give as few as 3 hours each week and others give much more time. |
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| WHAT KINDS OF PEOPLE VOLUNTEER? |
| Students, homemakers, working people (many find volunteering at the hospital a satisfying change of pace), and retired people (they find that sense of being needed and wanted which helps keep them healthy). |
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| HOW DO YOU BECOME A HOSPITAL VOLUNTEER? |
| Contact the volunteer office at Bladen County Hospital (910) 862-5201. The Director of Volunteers, Sharon Meismer, will schedule an interview. During the interview you will complete an application. The Director of Volunteers will ask about your interests, skills, and reasons for wanting to be a volunteer. You will also hear about the Hospital's volunteer opportunities. Once accepted, you will be asked to have a TB skin test (cost covered by the hospital). Before beginning your volunteer experience you will be properly introduced to the Hospital, its staff, policies, and procedures. You will also be oriented to the hospital and the department or area in which you will volunteer. |
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