Madeline Brock

I have been a volunteer for just over 1 year. When I first started as a volunteer, I volunteered in the Emergency Department. I volunteered there for 100 hours before I switched to 1B Women’s Health, where I spent around 60 hours.

I chose the Emergency Department because I was curious about the trauma that would come through the doors and how the Emergency Department was able to treat so many patients while providing the best care. I chose Women’s Health because I have always been interested in the Mother/Baby aspect of nursing as well as the Med/Surg aspect of it when it comes to the mother’s care. Overall, I chose the departments I did to get experience throughout the hospital and for a feel in what I am interested in.

I love every aspect of the volunteer program. I love how I have the ability to get experience in the hospital as a high schooler before I enter the nursing program at NKU. I am very grateful for the doors and opportunities it has opened for me.

In the departments I have volunteered in, I have been welcomed with open arms. The nurses, physicians, nurse aides, and nurse managers have been extremely helpful and grateful for the time I put in. There have been many times where I have been walking through the hallways and other employees, that are from other departments, have thanked me for my help and all that I do. I also enjoy helping patients and their families with as much as I can to improve their stay.

The advice I would give someone who is considering volunteering at St. Elizabeth, first, is to just go for it. I was nervous at first about being in the hospital setting but it has opened so many doors for me. I have learned so much for the nurses and other hospital personnel. The nurses are extremely nice and understanding. They will help you with whatever you need. Do not be scared to ask nurse or other personnel where something is or how to do something. They re willing to take the time to explain things to you because the more you can do for them, the easier it is for the department to run smoothly.

Second, I would tell them to try to step out of their comfort zone in their departments once they get the hang of it all. Stepping out shows you are passionate and ready to learn. This also shows the nurse you are ready for the next step. Through my experience, the more comfortable I became with the departments and staff, the more opportunities I had and the more they taught me.

— Madeline B.