Thanking Volunteers for Their Service and Commitment
St. Francis Medical Center recently held its annual Volunteer Recognition Dinner to thank the students and community members who contribute their time and talent throughout the year to enhance our mission of care and delivery of healthcare services. This past year, 120 active volunteers dedicated more than 10,000 hours to support the healthcare team in a variety of roles.
Among the key services the volunteers provided was visiting patients to assess comfort and address non-clinical concerns. This included rounding on the units with a comfort cart and book cart, offering reading materials, activity books, sleep masks, and other items to patients to help make their stay a little easier. Volunteers also rounded on staff with our tea cart, providing them with warm beverages for a little lift during the day.
In addition, over the last 12 months, the volunteers supported 18 departments and programs, including Med Surg, Telemetry, ICU, Infection Control, Lab, Emergency, Imaging, Patient Experience, Family Life Center, Stroke, Social Services, Business Development, Respiratory Therapy, Medical Staff Services, Trauma, Food and Nutrition, Employee Engagement Committee, and Rehabilitation Services.
Some of the volunteers chose to serve here because they have a special connection to healthcare and our hospital. Volunteer Leslie said she was born at St. Francis. Her family also has a history of heart and stroke issues, which is why she selected to support the Telemetry unit. Because of her work here, she feels she now has a second family.
“I like how attentive the RNs are in caring for patients,” said Leslie. “I’ve experienced how the team comes together, and I’ve made friendships and built a community with them. I feel very included.”
Besides building bonds, the Volunteer Program also gave participants the chance to explore healthcare careers. Volunteer Oswaldo said he is interested in pursuing a degree in medicine and is considering a specialty in psychiatry. As a volunteer, he has become comfortable working in a hospital setting and with the healthcare team members.
Oswaldo shared, “I am from this community and the first generation in my family to graduate from high school and college. I have the resources and passion to become a doctor, and I can help people in a way that others can’t.” The Volunteer Program has helped Oswaldo further his calling.
The Volunteer Recognition Dinner provided participants with an evening of fun, good food, and fellowship. Hospital leaders greeted the gathering and celebrated the meaningful work our volunteers perform in supporting patients, families, and staff with compassion and care. At the conclusion of the event, volunteers were presented with certificates highlighting their service and thanking them for their role in reflecting the heart of our hospital and creating a positive patient experience.
Eleticia Rangel, Volunteer Coordinator, said, “Our volunteers come from all walks of life. They have a sense of kindness and empathy and are ready to make a difference. From assisting those in our care with their needs, to promoting a warm and welcoming environment for patients, visitors, and staff, our volunteers are here to support us at every step. We thank them from the bottom of our hearts for all that they do and for the willingness with which they do it!”
To learn more about our Volunteer Services, visit https://stfrancismedicalcenter.com/volunteer-services/
