Observing the many interactions she has at the information desk on Virginia Avenue, I would guess that Pat Tucker knows-by name-95% of patients, visitors, and employees who pass through the area. And if she can’t recall your name, she will still cheerfully greet you with a smile and ask with genuine interest how your day is going. “After working at the hospital lab, a doctor’s office, and Philco-Ford for all those years, I do know a lot of people,” she chuckled. “I like to get people to smile, laugh, or joke. I try to be positive; it makes my heart feel good.”
Pat is a Fayette Regional volunteer, one of the 82 active men and women who donate their time to our hospital. Last year alone, the FRHS Volunteers donated 15,900 hours of their time, an average of 305 hours per week. The amount of hours they donated is the equivalent of 7.5 full-time team members. To say their contributions are valuable is an understatement. They are part of the fabric of our culture of providing an excellent experience for patients, visitors, and employees.
Most community members come into contact with volunteers who are working the information desks (one each on the Virginia Avenue and ER entrances) or working the Gift Shop. However, the volunteers are not always visible; most of their work takes place beyond the public eye. Some work in the medical records office, sorting medical records, creating new patient folders, delivering charts between departments, and other administrative tasks. Others sort and deliver mail to departments. Some work in the ambulatory surgery department, maintaining the waiting room and assisting surgery staff when possible. Other jobs include shredding, monitoring the ICU waiting area, helping people find their way throughout the facility, making patient kits, delivering flowers, working as an ER angel to assist ER staff and patients, or working with hospice staff and patients.
Although most work happens behind the scenes, its effects are not lost on anyone. “Honestly, our department could not function without volunteers, who do the work of probably 2 full-time employees. They have an incredible work ethic and make invaluable contributions to our department,” explained Alecia Black, Team Advisor of Health Information Management. “They do a lot of clerical work, which may seem trivial, but they make a huge impact in our daily lives. They are appreciated by each team member in my department, as I’m sure they are throughout the entire organization.”
Kathy Stevens, FRHS Volunteers President, echoed that sentiment. “I like the idea that the jobs we do free up people who have professional skills to use those skills to provide care to patients and families. I feel like we make a difference.”
The FRHS Volunteers have made incredible contributions to various projects at Fayette Regional. For instance, just this year, they pledged $7,000 to the 3rd floor patient room renovations. In 2005, they donated $50,000 over 5 years to the Heart Care Center. They have donated monies for wheelchairs and furnished the chapel on the first floor of the hospital. Additionally, they provide shirts (and stockings during Christmastime) to newborn babies in the Women’s Center and stuffed animals to patients in the Cancer Care Center after treatment in completed.
The funds for these contributions are raised solely by running the gift shop in the main hospital and conducting various sales throughout the year, including book sales and $5 jewelry sales. The community is encouraged to attend these sales; the next book sale is Friday, July 16.
Becoming a volunteer is a straightforward process. Applicants over the age of 18 fill out a simple application, undergo a 2-step TB test, familiarize themselves with volunteer policies and procedures, and sign a volunteer commitment form.
Volunteers can donate as many or few hours as they would like—whatever fits in with their personal schedule. Perks include a free meal on days worked, invitations to special events, an annual volunteer luncheon, a monthly volunteer meeting, and receiving the Fayette Regional team member perk card.
“Volunteers are an excellent contribution and asset to the FRHS family,” said Melissa Miller, Service Excellence & Volunteer Coordinator. “They have the heart and truly make a difference. We appreciate all that they do!”
Ask any of the volunteers why they chose to become part of the organization, and there is a common thread running through their answers. Kathy Stevens wanted to contribute something back to the community. Hazel Copper saw it as an opportunity to become active and interact with the public, which she missed very much after being secretary at Grandview School for 22 years and running Copper Furniture with her husband for 33 years.
Elsie Hoffman has volunteered for 32 ½ years and has donated more than 17,000 hours. “Volunteering gives me something to do and the opportunity to help others, which is the reason I’ve stuck with it over the years,” she said. “I also like seeing people I wouldn’t normally see and making new friends.”
For Connie Leitch, volunteering was her first step after grieving the loss of her husband. “I sat at home for 6 months unable to do anything until my friend talked me into volunteering,” she said. “I don’t know where I’d be without it; it saved my life.”
And yet as much as they have given to volunteering, they have gotten as much back. Many volunteers speak of the rewarding and uplifting nature of giving their time. “I like the pleasant people and the atmosphere. The team and visitors are friendly and pleasant,” said Hazel Copper. “Plus, it enriches your own life a lot.” Elsie Hoffman added that “the other volunteers I’ve known and worked with for years kind of become family.”
Kathy Stevens is proud of (and proud to be part of) the FRHS Volunteers. “We’re doing something to benefit the welfare of the people who are here, who happen to be our friends and neighbors,” she said. “The volunteers are there behind the desks and behind the scenes. It’s very comforting to know you can talk to those people because you know them. These volunteers willingly give of their time and energy and are very proud of their contributions.”
Stevens encourages more residents to consider volunteering. “We are very proud of our current volunteers’ service and contributions, but we certainly welcome new faces,” she said. “There is always work to be done and time slots to fill.”
If you would like more information
on becoming a volunteer, please contact Melissa Miller, Volunteer Coordinator,
at 765-827-7727. Applications are also available for download by visiting
www.fayetteregional.org.