National Healthcare Volunteer Week: Another Reason to Say “Thank You” to Our Volunteers
Wednesday, April 13 2011
Lakeland Regional is celebrating National Healthcare Volunteer Week April 10-16 as we recognize the important contributions of more than 350 active volunteers who are dedicated to creating the best health care experiences for patients and visitors. Lakeland Regional’s volunteers are passionate about their work — whether it’s crafting a teddy bear for a pediatric patient, helping a visitor find their desired destination, or delivering flowers to patient rooms.
“There is no doubt that they bring that special ‘something’ to Lakeland Regional, said Susan Amann, director of Lakeland Regional’s Retail Operations and Volunteer Services. “You cannot put a price tag on their many contributions and we are thankful for their dedicated service every day.”
A Touch of the Hands Goes a Long Way
Among Lakeland Regional’s skilled volunteers who are making a difference is Virginia DiCicco, RN. Virginia worked at Lakeland Regional for 18 years as a registered nurse — ultimately retiring from Employee Health. Before Virginia retired, she attained certification in massage therapy. At that time, she didn’t realize that several years down the road, she would use that gift of touch to calm the fears of patients and comfort their families.
When she returned as a volunteer last year as a Nightingale Nurse, she wanted to come in direct contact with patients and their families in order to use her talents to help others. Now, Virginia volunteers in the Palliative Care Unit offering hand massages to patients and their families. Those who work with her say she has a special ability to brighten someone’s day — both through massage therapy and her sense of compassion.
Virginia says her volunteer work is her ministry and that she is proud to give back to LRMC, although she adds that what she receives in return is more than she could have ever imagined.
Longtime Lakeland Businessman Gives Back
Even though “tax season” is upon us, certified public accountant Lew Belcourt, who has been in business in Lakeland for the past 45 years, makes time to volunteer at LRMC.
“This community has been here for me and my family through the years and it’s important for me to give back in every small way that I can,” said Lew.
For the past 18 months, Lew has taken his job as a volunteer seriously. He has nearly 600 hours under his belt, and he is always up for any challenge that comes his way.
Among his favorite volunteer assignments are those that allow him to interact with visitors, patients and the many professionals that comprise Lakeland Regional. One of the many assignments that affords him that opportunity is transporting patients who are discharged.
“I enjoy chatting with the patients and being a representative of Lakeland Regional,” said Lew.
Finding Fulfillment at Lakeland Regional
Somewhere along her career path, Nancy Koehler-Sterling made the realization that the healthcare industry was where she found joy and fulfillment. By trade, she works full-time as a front desk receptionist at a local nursing home and spends 20 hours on top of that volunteering in the PACU at Lakeland Regional.
“I enjoy helping out in any way I can. Quite honestly, it’s such a satisfying feeling to be needed in such an important way,” said Nancy.
Nancy is known for the strong work ethic she brings to her volunteer role each day. She is tasked with stocking items, running errands, assisting nurses with equipment and more. Those who work with her joke that she is not allowed to miss a day because her absence is greatly felt.
Lakeland Regional’s Volunteers Reach Milestones
At a recent recognition luncheon, the following volunteers were honored with service awards as they reached milestones for their volunteer service.
5 Years
Volunteers Don Thomas, Noreen Smith, Buck Smith, Joan Cirone and Ed McQueen before the recent annual volunteer recognition luncheon.
Dunia Buchardt
Evelyn Griffith
Audrey Hall
Bill Hart
Carol Hart
Lynda Johnson
Cathy O’Keefe
Laverne Pine
Lou Pine
Grace Rhodes
Judi Rudolph
Bea Smith
Jim Smith
10 Years
Ruth Ann Anderson
David Diaz
Loren Dilsworth
Jeanne Frederick
Hazell Howell
Penny Schaw
Don Thomas
Larry Ward
15 Years
Dick Ross
20 Years
Ed Baumgartner
Marjorie Fisher
Buck Smith
For more information on volunteer opportunities at Lakeland Regional, call (863) 687-1115.