|
|
| In addition to physicians and nurses, faith-based clinics are in need of non-medical volunteers for administration, counseling, and other general duties. The environment in volunteer clinics is relatively informal and hassle-free compared to |
traditional office and hospital settings and is generally regarded as an enjoyable setting for volunteers. Patients also often find volunteer clinics more inviting and comfortable. The learning opportunities at many clinics are also attractive to many people, and volunteers are generally free to provide service on their terms, often once a week or less. With these clinics being connected to local churches, volunteers are free to share their faith with patients.
Opportunities for volunteering are rich for every age group within your church. Older volunteers have valuable experience and mentoring skills, younger volunteers have boundless energy and creative ideas, even teenagers can find significance in volunteering in a church sponsored healthcare clinic. A particularly rich source of volunteers are today's 50+ year old "empty nesters." Volunteering in a clinic can challenge church members who may be less involved in other church programs, yet who are eager to serve in a meaningful way.
As for volunteers from within the medical community, many clinics harness the valuable experience of retired physicians and healthcare professionals. Retired physicians and nurses are inspired to provide a medical home for patients in an unhurried, warmly personal, and caring environment while also maintaining their professional skills.
From both administrative and medical volunteers, we often hear the statement, "We need our patients more than they need us!" |
|
|
|
