Volunteers make their mark at Washington Hospital
For many people, the hospital is the last place they would want to spend their weekends. But for volunteers at the Washington Hospital, a trip to the emergency room represents a chance to lend a hand to their community, better themselves and help save lives.
Washington resident Fran Cicero is a longtime hospital volunteer, having been involved in a multitude of programs over the years. Currently, she serves as a receptionist at the visitor information desk and an advisor for junior volunteers.
Cicero’s history with the hospital began following her retirement in 2004.
“In June of that same year, my husband had open-heart surgery, and I was up here with him for 12 days,” she said. “They saved his life, and that put me over the edge that I wanted to do more to help the hospital.”
Now Cicero helps students contribute just as she has for over a decade.
The hospital offers many tasks to students looking to volunteer, such as positions at the information desk, admitting office, gift shop and snack cart. The hospital also offers clinical roles.
“Our junior volunteers volunteer in the emergency room, in critical care unit and in radiology,” said Rebecca Biddle, director of volunteer services. “It depends upon what the student wants and if we have it available at that time to make that match.”
Opportunities like these afford students potential for personal growth, as Courtney Crouch, a senior at Trinity High School, demonstrates. Like Cicero, Crouch, a volunteer since 2013, has handled a number of responsibilities, from greeting guests to training new participants.
“I think, when I was a freshman, I was much more quiet, but now I can easily talk to people,” she said. “I feel really good about myself because I’ve helped other people. … I’ve been a patient and just a visitor at the hospital, so I know that it’s hard. If I can impact and make someone feel comfortable, at least give them a sense of knowing where they’re going, that’s one less thing to worry about. I think that’s beneficial.”
Cicero said she has grown as a result of her rapport with the students.
“It’s different for me because I’ve never had any children, and it was a whole new ballgame when I started,” she said. “I’ve learned so much stuff from these kids, it’s unbelievable – their personal life, when they broke up with their boyfriends, who they’re going to go to the prom with … I’m part of their lives and they’re a big part of mine.”
Washington Hospital extends its invitation to potential volunteers of all ages.
“It doesn’t take much to help someone,” Biddle said. “Whether you’re a senior volunteer or a junior volunteer, if you can come in and help three or four hours a month, it helps other people. We’re all in this together. Although you don’t get a paycheck, you get rewarded with thanks and appreciation for making their pathway a little bit easier.”
Those interested in volunteering can call the Washington Hospital volunteer service desk at 724-223-7114.
By Alex York
Senior, Commonwealth Connections