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April
14, 2003
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HACKENSACK UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER VALUES ITS VOLUNTEERS Volunteer Services at Hackensack University Medical Center is one of the most important departments in the hospital. In observance of National Volunteer Week, April 27 – May 3, the medical center looks to recognize the work of the more than 1,600 people who generously give their time and invite any interested people to join the ranks.While there are many different ways volunteers help at the medical center, all enhance the lives of both patients and staff. “The support my volunteers give allows staff to work more efficiently and allows caregivers to devote more of their efforts to patient care,” said Angela Altschuler, RN, director of Volunteer Services at the medical center. “People of all ages and walks of life give their time - from 14-year-old high school students to 90-year-old great grandfathers.” General volunteers provide services in almost all departments of the medical center. They distribute magazines and gifts to patients, provide baby-sitting services, answer phones, and perform some clerical duties. They also work in the Volunteer Services office and complete projects including mailings and assembling information packets. “In addition to general assignments, we have special programs that interested volunteers can be placed in,” added Ms. Altschuler. “We are fortunate to have such a successful volunteer program that utilizes the strengths of those who give their time.” Volunteers may be assigned to the Volunteer Patient Representative Program. The representatives visit new patients on their first full day at the medical center to welcome them, as well as act as an advocate. During the visit, the representative informs the patients of all the services offered by the medical center, including access to the office of Consumer Affairs. The medical center also provides representatives in the Emergency/Trauma Department. Another special group of volunteers is involved in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Baby Holding Program. After a full day of training with the NICU nurses and the medical center’s Child Life Team, volunteers are prepared to hold and nurture the babies in the NICU under supervision. Nurturing is important to the development of these special infants; the volunteers provide warmth and comfort in the absence of the parents. Young adults, between the ages of 14 and 18, give their time under the Junior Volunteer Program. “This is an extraordinary group of dedicated young adults,” said Claudia Boehm, volunteer coordinator. “Some of them are exploring their interest in health related careers, others are performing community service.” Tasks they are responsible for include filing, transporting patients, answering phones, feeding patients, making beds and assisting with medical center mailings. Volunteer Services at Hackensack University Center is an invaluable department made up of caring individuals giving their time for the satisfaction of helping others. For more information on how to volunteer please call (201) 996-2350 or visit the medical center’s web site at www.humc.com. |
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