Something Old & Something New from Karen

It has been quite a few years since I have regularly walked the halls of a hospital. In fact, it's been long enough that it feels rather unfamiliar anymore. As I look for ways to serve in our local community it seemed logical to offer my services in an area that was once second nature to me....the local hospital.

An aerial view of Alamance Regional Medical Center

Alamance Regional Medical Center, the hospital that serves this area, is a 238 bed facility which offers outpatient services as well as in patient care. Since nearly all of my nursing experience has been in maternity I felt volunteering in the areas of Mother-Baby care and Neonatal care would be a good option. I was a bit disappointed to find that they do not use volunteers in those areas at this time. However, there was a need in other areas so I am once again walking the hospital halls. It felt strange at first to be working in the hospital but not in a nursing capacity. I've had to be a bit careful of what I pick up to do! I have the privilege of working on the Telemetry unit (heart monitoring) each week. Having a specific unit I work on allows me to get to know the staff and how to best help them when I'm there. They have all been very nice and appreciative of the help. I even got to train a new volunteer for the unit last week. It was nice to feel I had learned enough to share with someone else.

One nice difference about walking the halls as a volunteer rather than a nurse is that I have the freedom to spend time with patients and really enter into conversation. Sometimes that means just filling up an empty water picture or getting a blanket. Other times it is hearing the stories of a lonely patient who just wants to chat for a bit. Still other times I have the privilege of sitting with an anxious patient or family member and praying with them. That is a great joy! It also gives me joy to do some of the "mundane" things for the staff that they never seem to have enough time to get done. That keeps them smiling which, in my mind, makes it a better place not only for staff to work but a better place for patients to get well.

Me in my volunteer uniform

Walking the halls of the hospital is beginning to feel very familiar again to me. It's an old familiar feeling in a new way.

Over these next few blogs we'll continue to let you know how we've been sharing the love of Christ with others by serving while we wait for clarity of God's direction. Thank you for your prayers!