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Volunteering In Hospitals

 * Today's article was written by Andrea Avery...


One of the best things that any person can do for others is to volunteer in a hospital. Doing so not only brings about tangible results, but also provides a great many intangible benefits as well. By helping to improve the lives of others, you'll enjoy a heightened sense of self-worth. You'll swell with pride and also enjoy a feeling of accomplishment. Even little things will make a tremendous difference in the lives of patients and staff members.

Various Available Positions

Hospital volunteers may perform some clerical duties or help with data entry or customer service. Most of the time, however, they help patients and their families in several ways. Some people help support those who are ill by visiting them, while others will play with children while adults are tending to their loved ones. There are others who will simply take service animals on walks throughout the facility.


Advantages for the Volunteer

Not only do volunteers typically feel a heightened sense of self-worth, they also benefit from learning new skills and gaining experience as well as meeting new people. This not only increases their social network, it can also improve their social skills as well. There are many, many examples where volunteers have made lifelong friendships with patients, family members, doctors, nurses, and several others.


This type of work can also be a substantial boon to a career. For example, people can improve their computer skills and also perform other career-related tasks. Those going to medical school can boost their resumes while gaining extremely relevant experience.

Advantages for Patients

Unfortunately, there are many times when a patient will be in a hospital and not have anyone in the area that can pay them a visit. Recovering from an injury or fighting a disease can be extremely lonely, and patients often just need someone to talk to them. Children especially benefit from having entertainers visit or just having someone to play with.

How You Can Volunteer

It is usually very easy to volunteer at a hospital. All you have to do is contact your local medical facility and ask what types of positions may be available. Then simply look over the list and evaluate the positions that you are most passionate about pursuing. You may want to work children or adolescents, or you might prefer to work with adults or the elderly instead. Once you make your decision, contact the hospital's volunteer coordinator to either set up a meeting or schedule an orientation. Just remember that you may have to undergo certain medical tests or vaccinations for safety reasons.


No matter what your choice may be, you can rest assured that volunteering in a hospital will be an experience that you'll remember forever.

Michigan residents trust St. Mary's of Michigan for life changing volunteer experiences. Learn more at http://www.stmarysofmichigan.org/.




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