Gone are the red and white striped uniforms that once identified “Candy Stripers,” but the need and rewards are still evident. If anything, the rewards and benefits of becoming a teen volunteer or adult volunteer has expanded.
“Whether these teens are looking at a career in healthcare or not, this is an excellent opportunity for hands-on career exploration. It may help them to decide if this is for them or not, and that can be just as important,” said Jackie Wasilewski, Director of Volunteer Services at MedCentral Hospital.
MedCentral’s teen program began their fall session on October 1 and will run till January. The program offers a winter session from January to May and the summer session runs June through August. There are 20 students participating in the fall session which is open to both male and female high school students.
Training covers infection control, bed making, patient confidentiality,safety,proper use and care of wheelchairs,customer service and displaying a professional manner. The volunteers are scheduled to work one four hour shift a week.
“There is more to volunteering than just bringing water to patients or some of the obvious or typically thought of duties. There are other departments that they may find interesting or may be a good place for them. Just as valuable are the administrative roles or even social work,” said Wasilewski.
The benefits of a volunteer program and its importance to the overall structure of a hospital according to Wasilewski reaches not only the volunteer but the staff, patients and community. Equally important are the teen and adult programs providing everyone involved with a greater sense of self and contribution to those around them.
For teens, Wasilewski believes the experience of volunteering instills a sense of responsibility, time management, learning to interact in a professional environment and good social skills. In addition she feels volunteer programs benefit the community by helping to shape a sense of purpose and giving back. A quality present both in the teens and adult volunteers.
“It speaks to the fact MedCentral is dedicated to the community,”said Wasilewski. She also added from her experience she has seen first hand how volunteering can impact our youth to make decisions not only in their career but where to lend their skills.
Wasilewski noted that Dr. Scott Foster participated in the teen volunteer program as a senior and not only pursued a career in healthcare but has dedicated his skill, knowledge and passion right here in the community.
“It’s an tribute to not only our program, but volunteering in general that in a sense it an important factor in helping to keep our youth here in the community,”Wasilewski said.
The only change to this years teen volunteer program is that an additional department has been added so that the students may experience a broader range of skills. The Sterile Processing department opened its doors to the volunteers this session. Volunteers learn all about the process of the sterilization of surgical equipment.
Wasilewski believes that educating the volunteers in all of the areas of the hospital is vital in giving them the best experience possible.
Coordinator of Teen Volunteer Program Kathy Hovland believes volunteering for teens can be a rewarding and educational process. For whatever reasons they participate, it can provide them with a good sense of direction. With each group Hovland stated that at the end of their session she hopes they leave with a better understanding of what they choose to do.
“When they[teens] are finished with their service time I would want them to know if it is what they want to do or not,”said Hovland.
Wasilewski noted that everyone approaches volunteering and chooses to participate for different reasons. With adults, many times there is a social benefit of wanting to give back but also depending on the individual there can be other factors. Professionals sometimes are motivated to become more involved in their community, or may also be a crossroads so to speak in their careers and are looking for a change and volunteering may be a great vehicle for them to discover new interests or just sharpen their skill set.
Wasilewski added,”With adults it seems their motivation is not so much what I get, but what I can give back.”
The biggest challenge Wasilewski noted with the teen program is “maturity” and helping the teens to focus and understand that they are in a professional atmosphere. And while their assistance is appreciated and an important part of the workings of the hospital they need to take their job seriously when they are there.
“I would like them to know and understand that there is more to life than them, giving back, sharing their resources, time and talents are an important component,”said Wasilewski.
Jobs and colleges show high regard for applications or resumes that have volunteer work listed. “It speaks volumes as far as work ethic and having a reference letter from a professional that can credit your abilities can be very valuable,”said Wasilewski.
For more information on the Teen Volunteer Program or Adult Volunteer program call 419-526-8081.
“It’s an tribute to not only our program, but volunteering in general that in a sense it an important factor in helping to keep our youth here in the community,” Jackie Wasilewski said.
