..The Long Antipated Return from This Blogging Break...

Several years ago, I set out to capture our volutneers' stories through the wonderful world of blogging.
Alas, my volunteers during that time knew even less about blogging and social media than I did in 2007-08.  But times have changed, and our stories continue to inspire and amaze.

So it is with renewed enthusiasm, vigor, and...day I say it, hope...that I re-launch this blog.

Creating a Patient Experience

They don't have certifications, licenses, and letters after their names - but what they do have is TIME. Volunteers - even those who have worked as paid healthcare workers- by sheer nature of their alturistic, community, other-oriented role, are in the most unique position in the hospital environment. They can choose to let of other tasks to simply sit with an anxious patient, answer the questions of an out-of-town visitor, or physically accompany a visitor to a hard to find destination. That outpouring of time is a special and rare commodity in the past-paced driven environment of healthcare. Hospitals are full of tasks that need to be done in a timely manner - volunteers can step back from that to simply focus on the people. Volunteers can help to shape a patient or visitor's experience. Research shows us that making people feel good (relatively speaking at the hospital, of course) goes way beyond simply creating a nice experience, but actually is related to concrete outcomes benefitting patient outcomes. Volunteers really do make difference!

Kudo for the Email-a-Patient Service

Hello,

My husband is currently a patient in your hospital, he’s been there since the 8^th of this month. I have a lot of good things to say about his care, however, I would like to comment that I think your patient e-mail service is absolutely the best thing I’ve seen in a long time. I know for a fact it has become a most positive factor in his recovery. You’ve made it very simple for friends and family to make contact, and put a smile on his face on a daily basis. Kudos to whoever put this process into place.

Thank you very, very much.

Karen Vierra

Thankfulness for Volunteers is Not Limited to Just One Week, One Day

This week is National Volunteer Week, and tonight is our annual Appreciation Banquet. We have over 200 RSVP's for this evening and I know it will be a lovely, special evening. I am thrilled to see so many staff wanting to share the evening alongside the volunteers who so selflessly serve our hospital. I am enthused to be able to offer an evening of a nice dinner in a beautiful place as a way to say "Thank You!" for the many, many hours that are given.
But let's not ever believe that the appreciation and thankfulness of volunteers is limited to one week or one swanky dinner - those are just visible times to take pause and express to our volunteers how very much they are valued by Enloe Medical Center. Everyday of every week is a time to thank a volunteer, but it is of utmost importance to take time out of our normal busy routines to make thanking volunteers a primary focus.
-Roseanna Galindo-Kuhn
Director, Volunteer Services

For all you do!

The service of a volunteer is priceless, I think of the age old statement 'How can I count the ways'.

Not only do they serve Enloe in a most needed way, but the remnant they leave on many of our personal lives is with out question valuable. They let us know that when we grow up-up, I am still of value, their words of kindness, joy experience and wisdom is as I stated countless. And for the very young who serve us, it is nothing short of a delight to see them being joyfully involved, it gives me a sense of security that we in the future will still have compassion in the medical world.

Thank you - Thank you - Thank you

Lynn A. M. :0D
* Secretary*
3rd Floor Med Surg

Lifeline Team Outstanding!!

Our team of Lifeline Volunteers is amazing. They donate their time, automobiles (and $$ GAS $$) freely to our Lifeline subscribers and are a huge reason that we are able to keep our rates so low. They routinely give up their Fridays to perform installations, troubleshooting, battery changes, pick-ups, etc. etc. to support the program that helps protect elderly and fragile members of Chico and surrounding communities in 3 counties!

The guys all have such great attitudes and really enjoy the time they get to spend with the Lifeline clients every week.

Thanks guys for all you do for us and our community, you're great members of our EMS Team!!

Bob K., RN, MICN

Mgr, EMS Communications and

Emergency Preparedness

Enloe Rehab Center Volunteers

Enloe Rehab Center Volunteers

Our volunteers brighten everyone’s day, especially mine! They smile when they greet you! They say warm, thoughtful, caring words. Their presence makes Rehab a better place; our staff and patients alike benefit from their work here. I am so honored to enjoy the company of these truly generous and giving souls. You are very special. Thank you so much for all that you do!

Brenda L.
Rehab Therapy Manager
Enloe Rehabilitation Center