HCMC’s Junior Volunteer Program Begins in May

Teens, are you looking for something to do when school is out? Would you like to combine a learning situation with helping others? HCMC needs responsible teenagers 14 and older with a ‘C’ grade point average who can spare some time to help in many different hospital departments.


Some of the departments in which teens may help include,

1. Marketing/Public Relations
2. Central Registration
3. Transportation
4. Healthcare Center Business Office
5. Center for Wellness and Rehab
6. Plumley Rehab
7. Materials Management
8. 2East and 3Tower Nursing Units
9. Medical Records


Thursday
May 24, at 5 pm
o Those interested are asked to bring a parent or guardian to the hospital’s education department, classrooms 2 and 3, to learn about the program and sign up.
o Volunteer Coordinator, Becky Hedges, will have a short presentation on what is expected of our teens over the summer and applications will be handed out.


Tuesday
May 29, return to HCMC classrooms 2 and 3 at 9 am
o Have all paperwork completed and ready to be handed in including three references other than family. Parent/guardian must also sign a release form.
o Be prepared to receive the TB skin test and have photos made for the badges to be worn while volunteering.
o Volunteers will be required to participate in an in-service to explain safety rules and dress codes as well as expectations of teens while on the job.
o Tour the hospital.


Friday
June 1, return to classrooms 2 & 3 at 9 am
o to have the TB skin test read
o pick up your badge
o pick up uniform shirts 
o pick up schedules for the two summer months of June and July


“A few questions that people usually have concerning the program are, how many hours does the teen have to work and can he or she work in a specific area? Do we work weekends?” said Hedges.


The application form contains a section to write in the dates that the teen can work from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. weekdays only. If he or she can work four hours in the morning on Tuesdays, for example, that is the way we will try to schedule their hours. Teens will tell us what dates they’ve scheduled a vacation or Bible school or band camp, etc. so those dates will not be scheduled.


Teens can only work in the departments which request a volunteer for the summer.


“We will have one make-up day for TB, inservice and badge photos, if that is necessary,” Hedges said. “Otherwise, we will not be able to accommodate students who aren’t able to participate in either one of the dates.  Two months is a short period of time and the departments are depending on our volunteers to help.”


The experience teaches teens how to work within a healthcare organization and take responsibility for his or her own actions. Teens (not parents) will call in to their departments to let them know if they cannot work on any given day. The summer volunteer program should be viewed just like a work situation in the adult world.


For more information, contact Hedges at 731-644-8267 or go to our website at www.hcmc-tn.org.


Located in Paris, TN, Henry County Medical Center is a progressive, integrated healthcare organization committed to serving the healthcare needs of Henry County and the adjoining region. Including a 142-bed hospital and other facilities, the medical center provides a variety of outpatient services, as well as inpatient care. Henry County Medical Center is a county-owned and operated nonprofit institution. For more information: www.hcmc-tn.org.