Ask Diane Klenke why she volunteers at The University of Kansas Health System and she offers an array of interesting answers.
"It feels like family here … I love my teammates … the caring attitude (husband) Ken and I received from the nephrology team during his fatal illness … the exercise ... I walk 7,000 steps each shift."
Klenke volunteers as a valued "PathFinder" at the information desk in the main campus from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. every Wednesday. She escorts patients and visitors to their destinations throughout the hospital.
"I've always found it rewarding to chat with and help comfort visitors to the hospital," Klenke says. "They're often worried and lost inside this big building and they know within minutes they might hear bad news on a loved one."
The health system currently needs to ramp up its volunteer numbers due to the opening of Cambridge Tower A. The standalone 12-story building had 92 beds upon opening, 11 surgical suites and a state-of-the-art intraoperative MRI suite. As a result, the hospital will serve at least 6,000 more patients annually.
Today, there are about 150 participating volunteers and PathFinders. About 60 more are needed.
It feels like family here. love my teammates, the caring attitude (husband) Ken and I received from the nephrology team during his fatal illness, the exercise. I walk 7,000 steps each shift. – Diane Klenke
Why should you volunteer?
As a volunteer with The University of Kansas Health System, you will work alongside highly trained healthcare professionals and have the opportunity to:
- Perform clerical duties
- Deliver patient mail, packages and flowers
- Support a patient's spiritual needs
- Serve as a PathFinder to visitors and patients
- Read to patients
Volunteering has many perks, such as free garage parking near the hospital entrance, a $5 cafeteria credit upon completing a 4-hour shift, a free annual flu shot and admittance to our volunteer appreciation luncheon.
Our volunteers feel good pitching in to the mission of the hospital,. It is enriching to one's personal life. Spending 4 hours a week surrounded by other caring and dedicated people can provide a meaningful lift.