Opportunities Abound with Washington Health’s Service League

While volunteerism greatly benefits those on the receiving end of the care or service, it also brings a multitude of rewards to those who donate their time and talents. People volunteer for many reasons, including the desire to make a difference, the opportunity to gain skills, the chance to meet new people, and the ability to contribute to their community. Each one has their own reason for giving. The volunteer spirit is alive and well at Washington Health and fulfilling opportunities abound across the health system.

Washington Health has long been associated with its “family atmosphere,” and at the center of that family is its volunteers, or members of the health system’s Service League. There are currently more than 600 active volunteers at Washington Health, and each one has their own reason for giving of themselves. Some are high school students who are required to do community service, and value a glimpse into the health care field. Some volunteers are mothers who choose to donate their time at the hospital while their children are in school, and many are retired professionals who want to keep busy. Then there are former hospital patients and their loved ones who had a good experience with the health system and this is their way of giving back. Leading the pack are longtime volunteers who have dedicated years or even decades to the Service League.

“We are grateful to our dedicated long-serving volunteers and are always recruiting prospective new adult and college student volunteers to join our team,” said Service League President Sheela Vijay. “There are numerous volunteer opportunities at Washington Health, which makes it easy for people to be matched with assignments that align with their skills and preferences. Volunteers can commit to a set schedule or sign up for dates and times whenever it works for them.”

Volunteer Opportunities

For volunteers who see themselves as a “people person” and enjoy helping others, there are many ways to serve. Nurse Assist Volunteers bring warm blankets to patients, fill their empty water pitchers, and perform other nonclinical duties, which also support nurses on the unit. Surgery Waiting Liaisons keep concerned family members in the waiting room updated on patients in surgery. Baby Cuddlers hold, rock, and interact with babies in the Special Care Nursery, providing the essential human touch needed for optimal development when parents are unable to be there. Spiritual Care Providers provide conversation and comfort upon request to hospital patients of all religions and beliefs. And Mended Hearts volunteers bring support, education and advocacy to patients with cardiovascular conditions.

There are also hospital volunteer opportunities that involve serving in public areas instead of on the nursing units. These include Lobby Greeters who set the tone for a positive experience by welcoming patients and family members entering the hospital. Wayfinders are lobby volunteers who escort patients to their destinations and provide other needed facility information. Lobby Piano, Violin or Flute Players help create a soothing, positive atmosphere as people arrive or wait for their loved ones. Gift Shop Assistants run the onsite store and assist visitors in choosing a card, flowers, toy, or other present that’s just right for adults, pediatric patients, or new mothers staying in the hospital.

Many of these opportunities have been in place since the Service League was created 70 years ago, but some new volunteer programs have been introduced in recent years. Following the COVID pandemic, the Washington Health Service League collaborated with Spiritual Care to put in place the No One Dies Alone Program whereby volunteers sit with patients at the end of their life, offering emotional support when their loved ones cannot be present. And in 2019, the WOOF Canine Therapy Program introduced a new breed of volunteers to the hospital. Dogs that have passed a therapy dog certification process now make rounds with their owners to provide happiness and healing to hospital patients.

“Our Service League brings a higher level of compassionate care and comfort to our patients and their families who are often facing a stressful situation,” said Vijay. “At the same time, serving as a hospital volunteer comes with a plethora of rewards including a heightened sense of purpose, valuable experience and skills, an expanded network of friends and colleagues, and improved personal well-being.”

Adult and college student community members interested in volunteering at Washington Health are invited to apply, which includes undergoing a background and medical screening. They will also attend a volunteer orientation meeting and receive any necessary training. There is currently a waiting list for high school student volunteers. For more information on the Washington Health Service League, go to WashingtonHealth.com/volunteer