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Now he has so much experience—
23 years’ worth—he trains other
volunteers in the emergency
department.
“I am 69 years old. I’m probably
going to be visiting the emergency
room at some point as a patient,”
Robertson said. “So I treat every
room as if I’m going to be the
next patient.”
Finding a Niche
Some people are shy about working
in hospitals, admitted Robertson.
But at Tri-City, there is a volunteer
opportunity for nearly every interest
or talent, either behind the scenes or
directly helping patients and visitors.
Some of the opportunities are:
• Helping with surgical check-ins
• Escorting patients between
departments and to their rooms
• Making coffee and fetching
food trays
HOW CAN I BECOME A VOLUNTEER?
• Have a personal interview.
• Attend an orientation.
• Undergo a background check
and TB test.
• Pay annual dues of $10.
• Purchase a uniform.
• Commit to at least two four-hour
shifts a month.
• Follow the rules and regulations of
Tri-City Medical Center and Auxiliary.
• Have a compassionate, helpful
attitude.
For more information, visit
www.tricitymed.org
.
Click “Ways to Give,” then
“Volunteer.” You can also call
760.940.3125
or stop by the Hospital Auxiliary
Office at 4002 Vista Way, Oceanside. Teens ages 15 to 18 can call the Junior
Volunteer Office at
760.940.3720
.
Mildred Hill
• Greeting visitors and answering
nonmedical questions
• Doing paperwork
• Assembling patient
information packets
• Running errands
• Driving the courtesy shuttle
• Delivering and stocking supplies
• Making stuffed toys for children in
the emergency department
• Making booties, blankets, sweaters
and hats for newborns
Volunteers also staff the gift
shop. Revenue from it and other
sources—including fundraisers, gifts,
endowments and bake sales—are
used to help the hospital. Last
year, more than $40,000 went to
scholarships for nursing students and
others pursuing a career in medical
fields. Another $80,000 went for
equipment in the neonatal intensive
care unit (NICU).
In all, volunteers help in more
than 40 areas of the hospital and its
satellite programs, including cardiac
services, pulmonary rehabilitation,
imaging, intensive care, surgery
and the Tri-City Wellness Center
in Carlsbad.
“There really is something for
everyone,” Robertson said. “And I’m
proof that people can overcome their
fear of hospitals.”
Great Rewards,
Great Needs
Tri-City volunteers reap some practical
rewards, such as discounts at the
Wellness Center and in the cafeteria.
Junior Volunteers, who are 15 to
18 years old, gain real-life experience
for their résumé and future. But the
real draw of volunteer service is the
friendships, self-confidence and
personal satisfaction that develop
from helping others.
Changing times are affecting
organizations that rely on volunteers,
said Paul Martini, a volunteer and
now Auxiliary president. People
are working into their 60s and 70s.
Retirees are re-entering the work
force to make ends meet. Meanwhile,
mid-career men and women are
busier than ever. But Robertson, Hill
and Martini hope everyone can find a
way to support their community—at
Tri-City or elsewhere.
“People come in to the hospital
feeling worried, ill, confused, scared,”
Hill said. “You can really help here. It’s
very, very rewarding.”
“Having volunteers who are
pleasant, smiling and helpful makes
the hospital a better place,” Robertson
said. “Every single one of us has been
helped along the way by someone.
Pay it forward. Make a difference.”
Dick Robertson
Fall 2012
|
Healthy You
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