The volunteer program at UC San Diego Health depends on a dynamic group of
individuals. Each bring their unique talents and experiences to the program
enhancing the services provided for our patients and guests our volunteers
partner with team members and together create a healing environment for
patients across our medical campuses, outlying clinics and facilities throughout
San Diego County whether you are retired working or a student participating in
the volunteer program is a rewarding experience. Many choose to continue well
beyond the 100-hour service commitment we request I know I speak for everyone at
UC San Diego Health in expressing appreciation for the dedication of our
volunteers and the recognition of volunteers as integral partners in the
healing process. As a volunteer one of my favorite things is greeting people as
they as they come in the door you can oftentimes see the anxiety on their face
and being able to show them exactly where they need to go so that takes off
a little of the confusion get them there as quickly as possible all of those
things just really I think add to lessening the anxiety of the of our
guests that are coming in and it also makes me feel good knowing that I've
helped them get to where they need as quickly as possible.
Volunteering is not work it is a joyful experience I have found that of all of
my careers even though they've been diverse I was a retired naval officer
and secondly a retired engineer this is probably the most meaningful and
joy-giving "work" that I have done.
One of the things that I do as a volunteer is I call patients after if
they're in outpatient surgery I'll call them for a follow-up and pretty much all of
the time they always they're very exuberant,
very excited and how great UCSD is like this hospital is, they're always saying
how wonderful the nurses are how wonderful everyone was like they're very
excited about this hospital and makes me really happy to be a part of that as
well. I came to volunteer because I had
enjoyed my time working as a nurse practitioner nurse midwife over in
Reproductive Medicine and I didn't want to leave (a) the institution and (b) my
colleagues, so for me this was an opportunity to continue working as a
volunteer with the group. I would say to someone who was interested in
volunteering but didn't come from any sort of health background that that's
actually an incredible asset I originally came from mechanical
engineering product design a completely different career and Industry and I
think that we all bring a unique skill set with us those tools those interactions
that perspective is so helpful and you will connect with certain patients and
certain guests in a way that maybe nobody else can. You know it's like going
to a family when I go to the hospital because I know everybody. Everybody knows
you and you're not alone and here I was with nothing to do and now I had a
family something to do every day and I really look forward to it. I would say to
someone who's on the edge uncertain about whether or not they have the time
and the experience to volunteer that this is such an incredible powerful
opportunity. Take that first step and you will be blown away
at the impact it has not only on your life but on the lives that you touch
when you're volunteering. Thank you for your time and interest.
I personally invite you to contact us and join our team