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Volunteers love to give their time, receive benefits in returnVolunteers help others, asking for nothing in return. But, almost always, they get something back anyway. That’s the way it is for Tutti Christensen, one of more than 130 volunteers at New Ulm Medical Center (NUMC). “I love it. It keeps me going and I love being around people,” Christensen said. Christensen helps guide patients to their destination in the physical therapy department in the lower level of the clinic and she also works on the hospital inpatient unit restocking supplies in patient rooms. Missy Dreckman, volunteer services coordinator at NUMC, says the volunteer program at NUMC makes a big difference for patients and staff. “You’ll see volunteers in just about any area where patients and families need a little extra attention,” Dreckman said. “It takes away a little of the anxiety, makes patients and families more comfortable, and takes pressure off employees. Small things, like a smile, a blanket or a cup of coffee, make a difficult time much easier. Volunteers help out by: Greeting patients and visitors at the front desk of the hospital and directing them to various departments; working as a host or hostess in the surgery waiting room, in radiology and in physical medicine; restocking supplies in patient rooms on the medical/surgical unit; assisting staff and patients with various activities in the Chemotherapy Department; assisting staff in the Coffee/Gift Shop; knitting or crocheting caps for babies born at NUMC; sewing small “comfort pillows” for hospital inpatients; and serving on the board of the 230-member Medical Center Auxiliary. In 2007, volunteers worked a total of 10,843 hours at NUMC. There are also several hospice and bereavement volunteers who go into peoples’ homes to assist those patients and their families. Those volunteers, who receive very specialized training for their positions, worked 260 hours in 2007. “The primary responsibilities for the hospice volunteers are to provide respite for the caregiver, run errands for them or do light housekeeping. They are just available to help out however they are needed,” said Bonnie Beranek-Fortwengler, social worker and supervisor of the hospice and bereavement volunteers. The bereavement volunteers are assigned to support a family for 13 months following the death of a loved one who was cared for through the hospice program. “The whole idea is that the first year you go through a lot of ‘firsts’ – first birthday, first holidays, first anniversary of the loved one’s death. But, it’s also just for them to have someone to talk to when they need that kind of support.” On average, the hospice program has about five to eight patients at any given time. Hospice volunteer Patty Rodewald has been a volunteer with the program since its inception 13 years ago. “My husband died at home and he received care from the Home Care nurses,” Rodewald said. “I was very impressed with the home care staff and I decided this would be a worthwhile volunteer opportunity.” Bringing her experience as a hospice recipient to the volunteer position has benefited her greatly, Rodewald said. “I’m not afraid of the situation – I’ve seen the seizures, I’ve been around people who aren’t going to make it,” she said. Being able to support a patient’s primary care giver with a little extra help, or as a person for them to talk to when times get tough is what Rodewald finds gratifying about the position. “It has been very rewarding. I still keep in touch with some of the people I’ve worked with.” At the Volunteer Recognition brunch in early April, three volunteers were recognized for an amazing commitment of time over the last year: Marlene Rolloff volunteered 474 hours, Evie Hacker volunteered 672.25 hours and Ruth Wold volunteered 734.25 hours in 2007. The brunch was held, as it is every year, in conjunction with National Volunteer Appreciation Week. NUMC volunteers are not required to work a certain number of hours, and scheduling is flexible. All volunteers are trained for the specific job they do and go through an orientation program so they are familiar with safety codes and hospital procedures. “There are lots of volunteer opportunities,” Dreckman said. To learn more, call Dreckman at 507-233-1180 or visit www.newulmmedicalcenter.com and click on Volunteer Opportunities under the About Us tab. Information is also available there on becoming a member of the NUMC Auxiliary, Dreckman said, but it is not necessary to be an Auxiliary member in order to volunteer. To learn more about volunteering in the hospice or bereavement program, call Bonnie Beranek-Fortwengler at 507-233-1375. |
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New Ulm Medical Center
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