A hand to hold: How volunteers enrich Hamilton Health Sciences
Nancy Purich is retired from teaching, but she continues to mentor students through her volunteer role at Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS)’ McMaster Children’s Hospital (MCH).
Purich has been a volunteer at MCH for more than 20 years, supporting families whose children are there for surgery. She also helps train new volunteers, including students, through job shadowing experiences.
“I’ve always volunteered in the community, even when I was teaching,” says Purich, who became involved with MCH through her daughter, a child life specialist at the hospital. Her daughter has since moved to a hospital in western Canada.
Purich has helped train dozens of volunteers over the years, including Arnica Kiani, a fourth-year life sciences student at McMaster University. Kiani shadowed Purich for two shifts as part of her training, and they now volunteer together on Friday mornings, supporting children and teens being admitted to MCH for surgery, and their families. MCH cares for patients up to age 17.
“I genuinely love volunteering. I’ve learned so many things and it’s an opportunity to grow as a person.” — Arnica Kiani, HHS volunteer
HHS volunteers support more than 90 programs across the organization, and it’s estimated that they will give a combined 82,500 hours this year, says Morgan Richardson, HHS manager of volunteer resources.
“National Volunteer Week is April 27 to May 3, and HHS would like to take this opportunity to thank the 800-plus volunteers across our organization who give their time to help our patients, families and teams,” says Richardson.
Supporting surgery patients, families
Purich and Kiani welcome children and their families to a waiting area that includes a variety of games and activities to keep kids busy and help calm nerves.
“We can comfort, support, and hold a hand.” — Nancy Purich, HHS volunteer
“We’re there to support kids and families, and help ease the tension and anxiety that comes with having an operation,” says Kiani, who started volunteering at MCH about a year ago. “I think the most rewarding part of our day is bringing a smile to their faces while they’re here.”
Since Purich and Kiani are different ages, they’re able to offer a wide range of support. For example, Purich relates especially well to parents, since she’s also a mom, while Kiani connects well with teen patients who view her as more of a peer.
“I think our partnership has been really amazing,” says Kiani. “Because we’re two different generations, we each bring our life experiences to our roles.”
Comfort, support and a hand to hold
The surgical team permits one parent into the operating room while anesthetic is administered. “We help the parent gown up and get ready to go into the OR,” says Kiani. She or Purich accompany the parent into the OR and stand by them for emotional support as their child receives anesthetic.
“We can comfort, support, and hold a hand,” says Purich, adding that they take their cue from parents on the level of support they’re comfortable with. Once anesthetic is administered, Kiani or Purich escort the parent at the waiting area, where family members stay until the operation is complete and the surgeon can speak with them.
“Volunteering at MCH has been such an enriching experience,” says Kiani, whose career goal is to work in health care. “I genuinely love volunteering. I’ve learned so many things and it’s an opportunity to grow as a person.”
To apply to volunteer at HHS, please visit the volunteer page on our website.
To learn more about National Volunteer Week, please visit Volunteer Canada.
