Volunteers give thousands of hours to South Nassau

While some community based organizations are struggling to find volunteers, South Nassau Communities Hospital in Oceanside is recognizing people who have given thousands of hours of service. Anne Fernandez, the director of volunteers says that, although she does have turnover — about 30 percent — the hospital does better in finding and holding volunteers than hospitals in New York City

“I go through churches, senior centers, word of mouth,” she said, “I could go away for a week and when I come back and have 35 to 40 new applications. We seem to have great longevity; some of our volunteers have been with us 30 years. 

Every month the hospital recognizes and presents awards to adults and young volunteers. 

For June and July, among those recognized by the hospital included Gabriel M. Saffran from West Hempstead, for 150 hours in the emergency department. MaryGrace Fernandez of Malverne was also recognized for 100 hours of in-patient care services.

“They seem to need the atmosphere,” Fernandez explained, “they are all here for different reasons, all have some kind of connection; maybe their child was born here, or they lost a parent here.” 

There are a wide variety of different jobs to fill including clerical based positions, either in an office setting or helping patients fill out forms. Through the nurse-approved Hospital Elder Program, volunteers can spend time talking, playing games, offering companionship and ambulation to patients. There are greeters in the lobby, and escorts to help people find their way through the hospital.

The hospital accepts youth ages 14 to 17 and adults; there is no upper age limit.  It takes four to six weeks to get “on boarded,” first there is a medical clearance, then orientation and training. Fernandez says they want people who will make a real commitment, at least 100 hours or more every few months. Some volunteers do transition to real jobs as well. Plus, she added, we have openings at all of our satellite offices and sites.

South Nassau is always accepting applications for volunteers, however you must apply on line at www.southnassau.org/careeropportunities