It’s October 21st today. I am still getting used to the hospital and department locations but last week I got a good variety of calls which really helped. Today I picked up a man from oncology. Him and his wife told me they needed to make a stop at the pharmacy before they were leaving. I took them down to the pharmacy and they were told it would be a 10-15 minute wait for their prescription. They told me I could leave them so I could help out other patients. I knew I couldn’t do that because as escorts we are required to stay with the patient until they are in their vehicle. I told them this so they decided to go get some coffee at the cafe.

When we reached the cafe the wife offered me a drink. I turned her down referring to my job as volunteering that I didn’t feel comfortable with her spending money on me. Instead I just grabbed a cup of water and we went and sat by the entrance.
While sitting by the entrance we talked about why I was volunteering, what I wanted to do in my future and where I was from. I told them about my mother growing up in Upper Peninsula (UP) of Michigan and that my grandfather had grown up with the Michigan State basketball coach Tom Izzo. That got us talking more about the state of Michigan and MSU. I heard their experiences with the UP We had a lot of laughs and I could tell that they really enjoyed my company while they were waiting for their prescription.

Despite the prescription taking somewhere around 30 minutes or more the flew when we were talking. After they got the prescription they were extremely grateful for me talking with them and they wanted to give me a $10 tip. Just like the coffee I didn’t feel comfortable taking money from them especially direct money.

I had this happen to me when I was in high school volunteering for Key Club. Volunteering is meant to be done without expecting payment or reward. I strongly believe that and politely told them I couldn’t take their money. They still tried to tip me so I told them I could get in trouble for expecting money (I wasn’t aware of a policy for whether we could or not so I played it safe).

Today I really learned the importance to the patient. It can turn a stressful time into one that is personal, welcoming and relaxing. The man and his wife sincerely enjoyed their time with me. They left the hospital feeling happy and less stressed. Sparrow really stresses the importance of escorts because we are the last people patients come in contact before they leave. Not only did I feel I did this but I also felt my volunteering making a serious impact on others. I went back to campus very proud and touched.

 

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