Bon Jour! After retiring as a high school French teacher I enjoy my time volunteering at Beaumont. Sharing my love for reading, I take the book cart to our patients. Reading opens a stream of diversion. This activity makes a difference for our patients. I like talking so I added volunteering in the gift shop as a great way to converse with our staff, visitors and patients.
“Wow, wonderful, rewarding!” Seeing patients respond so positively and, in some cases, take the next step in their rehabilitation and healing is why I LOVE my volunteer job. The dogs calm or distract children and even ease the tension of patients, families, and staff. I saw a doctor pause for a moment and hug my dog with tears in her eyes and told us we came at just the right moment. We don’t always think about what our healthcare providers go through on a regular basis and she had just dealt with some very emotional situations in the emergency center. I’m very grateful that I can share my time and my certified therapy dog to make people’s day a little brighter.
I have been volunteering for the Beaumont Parenting Program for 10 years. First, I contacted first-time parents to offer support and information about the Parenting Program services. What a positive experience as a volunteer! Knowing I was making a positive contribution to both parents and babies, I wanted to do more! I lead a parenting group. For six months, I watch parents grow increasingly confident, support each other and I am surrounded by adorable infants. Absolutely one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever had!
I’m deciding my future career path. Volunteering with patients gives me a sense of purpose, knowing that I helped make someone’s day a little better. Whether that is just listening, offering myself as a distraction, or allowing them to offer ME advice since I'm still so young in comparison to many of the patients. By seeing healthcare in action, I can make a clearer decision on my future. There are so many choices. As a volunteer, I’ve had the pleasure of interacting with countless patients and staff. The joy I feel from volunteering is unmatched. I feel Beaumont provides an excellent environment for students to grow and experience the medical field.
After being a patient at Beaumont, I realized the importance of personal care and compassion. The staff was wonderful and the volunteers provided all the added touches to make my stay comfortable. After my recovery, I wanted to come to Beaumont to share that same genuine care for the patients and their families. I feel I can talk with them with empathy and compassion. It’s very gratifying work and I’m so glad I’m part of this wonderful team.