Hello, I'm Kevin Poorten,
senior vice president, administration,
at Northwestern Memorial HealthCare.
It is my pleasure to introduce you to the Northwestern Medicine
Volunteer Services Program.
We are an integrated, academic health system
anchored by Northwestern Memorial Hospital
in downtown Chicago,
and have hundreds of care sites across northern Illinois.
Our volunteers are a vital and vibrant part of our mission,
which can be summed up in two words: "Patients First".
As a volunteer, you will work alongside our staff and clinicians
to create an exceptional experience
for our patients and their families.
Some of you will be front and center,
escorting patients and greeting visitors.
Others will be found behind the scenes
stocking supplies and supporting our departments.
Regardless of your role,
Northwestern Medicine is better because of the time,
dedication, and incredible support
of people like you who share our commitment
to our Patients First mission.
I decided to volunteer
following retirement
after 28 years as city manager of Lake Forest.
I wanted to continue giving back.
Particularly, to the community.
I was a junior in high school. I was 16.
And I was thinking, "What do I want to do with my life?"
I love helping people.
and I thought why not apply to the Volunteer Program?
I had the chance to start bringing
water and pillows to the new moms and deliver flowers.
And today, I am a Labor and Delivery nurse
going into my fourth year.
I now mentor new graduate nurses,
and I still actually work with the Volunteer department, as well.
I had both my kids here.
Um, I had all my cancer treatment here.
And so, I thought that Northwestern treated me
exactly the way I wanted to be treated.
This would be a great place
for me to-- to give back.
Northwestern Medicine did a very nice job of explaining
all the rules and procedures that were necessary
and associated with being a volunteer at the hospital.
Whether those were the safety of the patient,
HIPAA rules and regulations,
the procedures for how we deal with this situation
or that situation.
They also pair you with another volunteer for a period of time
who also helps you get acclimated.
I had never had experience
working with others in a hospital setting,
or interacting with patients,
and the Volunteer Program gives you that opportunity
to get training on how to do that appropriately.
How to work as a team.
How to communicate and collaborate with others.
The Volunteer Program was managed so well
and it is structured to the extent that
they want you to commit to at least six months,
and to be coming at a specific time on a specific day.
I've been volunteering now for two years,
and I still get excited every week
because it's always something different.
Making sure that people put on their masks.
Making sure that people know where they're going.
Giving people gowns.
Helping people navigate within the lines here.
So, you're giving back in so many different ways.
That's what I like about volunteering.
Because, really, no day is the same.
For us, it gives you a good, warm feeling
when you leave after a shift, knowing that you've been able to
help people's lives be a little better.
On behalf of everyone here at Northwestern Medicine,
I'd like to thank these volunteers for taking the time
to share their experiences with you,
and thank you for your interest
in joining our Volunteer Services family.
Every day, Northwestern Medicine volunteers
touch the lives of patients,
families, visitors, and staff.
A warm smile, a helping hand, and some friendly words
can make a real and lasting difference in someone's life.
I hope you will join us on our never-ending journey
to make Northwestern Medicine better
for those that we are so privileged to serve.