Providence Mission Hospital Seeking Volunteers

Hospital administrators are mourning another victim of the pandemic - hospital volunteers. Thanks to covid protocols and vaccine mandates, South Orange County's Providence Mission Hospital is no exception. Between the Mission Viejo and Laguna Beach campuses, there is a need for about 100 volunteers in all areas of the hospitals, from the gift shops to Emergency Rooms to Nursing Units.

Interested parties are urged to download the application on the Hospital's website and follow the instructions to apply to the appropriate program for adult, high school, or Foundation (fundraising and auxiliary opportunities) volunteers. College students interested in volunteering in the health care field can benefit from hands-on experience working with physicians, nurses and other health care professionals through the Cope Health Scholars Program.

Opportunities are varied and can be tailored to the abilities of each volunteer, with some roles requiring walking and other physical activity, while others, like administrative roles, are more sedentary. Volunteers are interviewed by the Membership team and every attempt is made to match potential candidates to openings and shifts throughout the hospital, based on the attributes and interests of the particular volunteer and availability of positions.

Staff stressed that Volunteers are very important members of the patient care team. They not only lessen the load for staff and help the hospitals run more smoothly, but they provide extra services and welcome smiles that are appreciated by both patients and staff.

The volunteer programs are a win/win for both the volunteer and the hospital. According to Auxiliary Volunteer Betty Anne Klimkowski, who works in the Emergency Department Lobby, "The healing begins the moment a person walks into the ED lobby. As volunteers, it's important to be able to share a smile, a tear, and everything in between with those who come to us for healing." Betty Anne speaks highly of her experience with the Mission family and encourages others to "volunteer their time and talents to those in need. It will be one of the most rewarding friendships you will ever experience."