Volunteers play a special role at Ascension St. Elizabeth
For almost 70 years, volunteers have been part of the fabric of Ascension St. Elizabeth, offering their time and talents to help provide patients with the best care possible.
A tradition of service
The hospital’s volunteer program dates back to 1958, when 21 women came together to form the group. Early volunteers served as hostesses, assisted patients, maintained medical records and supported departments throughout the hospital.
While the program has evolved, that spirit of service remains.
Today, nearly 100 volunteers help with wayfinding, patient transport, hospitality, the cancer center and other areas throughout the hospital.
“Our focus is on the patient, and we have a formal program, so patients receive the care they deserve. It’s also about the volunteer; they have to feel good about what they’re doing so they can take ownership,” said Renee Trzebiatowski, manager of Volunteer Services at Ascension St. Elizabeth.
A coveted role in the NICU
Some of the most sought-after volunteer shifts are in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), where volunteers nurture and hold babies.
Jeff, one of the hospital’s volunteers, discovered the opportunity in the Ascension St. Elizabeth NICU during COVID-19 and has been volunteering for three years. He has contributed more than 1,500 hours.
Volunteering in the NICU brought Jeff back to the work he loved. Decades earlier, he served as a Navy hospital corpsman who often cared for NICU babies.
“I just love being there. The babies need love, and I get a whole lot back from being there with them. When I think about the things I’ve loved most in life, holding babies is one of them,” Jeff said.
Helping patients move with ease
Sharon, a fellow volunteer, started with the program after she retired from a career as a flight attendant. For the last three years, she has spent Wednesday afternoons driving the hospital’s courtesy cart, helping patients and visitors navigate the campus.
“Hospitals can be intimidating, and you realize that people come in feeling a little lost. I love being able to help them get where they need to go. It gives me so much satisfaction, and I’ll continue doing it as long as I can,” Sharon said.
Part of the ecosystem
Personal connection is at the heart of St. Elizabeth’s volunteer program. Volunteers are an integral part of the hospital community, with some serving more than 30 years.
