Rather than working, I chose to spend my summer volunteering. I wasn't sure what I wanted to do, but I knew I wanted to make a difference. As a Pre-Med student, I preferred to do something related to healthcare. After emailing 10 organizations, I was lucky enough to hear back from Life Care Hospice. The description of the job was clerical work at an office 2 hours a week.
When I met with my supervisor, he asked if I would be willing to meet with patients one on one. My responsibilities would include running errands, doing housework, engaging with the patient, and providing support. I enthusiastically told him yes, and I was assigned two patients. What started out as a 2 hour per week occupation turned into 10 hours a week.
Here are the lessons I have learned from my experience volunteering in hospice.
1. Smile more.
I'll never forget the smiles I was greeted with when I walked into the nursing home. I didn't know all of the patients nor did I know their stories. But a smile from them made me excited to go to work. I also knew my smile would be well received, and that was a great feeling.
2. Be generous with your time, not money.
I'll never forget my days finishing crossword puzzles and playing monopoly with my patients. The smile that spread ear to ear on their faces when I spent time talking to them warmed my heart. It's easy to get caught up in materialistic things, especially as a young adult. My patients taught me that a few hours with a friend is priceless.
3. Listen.
Everyone has a story. Listen with your ears, eyes, and engagement. This shows that person you care and acknowledge the importance of their company.
4. Nobody cares how smart you are if you can't treat people with kindness.
The nurses, doctors, caregivers, family members, and volunteers are part of the team that plays a role in caring for the patients. Obviously, as a nurse or doctor, you have to be on your "A" game when it comes to taking care of their medications and monitoring a change in condition. However, it is a team effort, and things don't get done if you don't know how to treat everyone who is a part of the team with respect.
5. Life will throw curveballs at you, but you need to keep pushing.
Both of my patients said this to me. Maybe its cliche, but they are absolutely right.
6. It's okay to be uncomfortable.
I only received an hour of training before facing my patient one on one. I was nervous because I had never volunteered in this setting before. Fact is, I was out of my comfort zone every day I volunteered.
7. We aren't invincible.
The human body is amazing. It can withstand a lot of trauma. Just think about all the times you fell when you were a kid, or that time you had an awful sports injury. You survived. Sometimes, there is something the human body cannot come back from. We are fragile. We like to think we control everything that happens to us. Unfortunately, we can't. That doesn't make us weak, that just makes us human.
Today was my last day volunteering for Life Care Hospice. I am leaving feeling slightly saddened because I am not sure I will be able to come back next summer. However, I know the time and dedication I have put into this has made a real difference in the lives of those who are terminally ill. On the surface, it looks like I made a difference in their lives. Truth is, they made a positive impact on me as well. I am grateful for all of the relationships I have built throughout this journey. This experience has made my summer worthwhile and meaningful. If you want to make a difference, I highly suggest volunteering your time in hospice.
