Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton’s Volunteers Find Meaningful Benefits
Hamilton, NJ (April 24, 2023)—Volunteers at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton (RWJUH Hamilton), a RWJBarnabas Health facility, have the opportunity to help people and provide a much-needed service at their local area hospital while finding personal joy and welcoming new friendships in their lives.
Frank and his husband, Edd, have been volunteering at RWJUH Hamilton since 2007 and 2015 respectively. “We have made many new friends through our volunteer efforts,” says volunteer Frank O., a retired finance manager who lives in Hamilton, NJ. “There is even a core group of our volunteers who meet monthly at a local restaurant. We call ourselves the ‘lunch bunch.’ Having this outlet allows us to grow and maintain a circle of friends in retirement and simultaneously helping others in our community.”
RWJUH Hamilton welcomes folks of all types of backgrounds and ages for their adult volunteer program. “Volunteers play a vital role in the high-quality care provided at RWJUH Hamilton, and while they donate their time and services free of charge, volunteering can have holistic benefits like feeling happier and healthier,” says Diane Grillo, Vice President, Health Promotion, at RWJUH Hamilton.
"Volunteers are so important to our facility and the people we serve every day, and during some of our patients’ most vulnerable times. All the RWJBarnabas Health volunteers, across our entire health care system, are a dynamic and infectious team that truly touch the lives of patients, families, visitors, and own employees,” says Ted Taylor, Director, Chaplaincy & Volunteer Resources.
Joan G., an RWJUH Hamilton volunteer and retired Bordentown School District paraprofessional, said, “I enjoy working with people, and we have so many patients here that always take the time to thank us for volunteering. Often when people come to the hospital, they are feeling stressed so I strive to help put them at ease and maybe even put a smile on their face.”
“As a retired nurse, I knew I always enjoyed working in a hospital setting, so volunteering with RWJUH Hamilton was a perfect fit,” says volunteer Roberta P. of Columbus, NJ. “Working near patients and the medical staff at RWJUH Hamilton allows me to learn about new procedures and treatments available.” Many volunteers report that their experience with the hospital has helped them to develop valuable soft skills as well, such as increased patience and understanding.
Volunteers apply their individual expertise and passion for giving back in many ways, such as greeting patients and visitors, answering questions, transporting patients who require wheelchairs, and so much more.
Last week RWJUH Hamilton honored all their volunteers and celebrated the amazing they do at the hospital and at the cancer center.
If you, a loved one or friend are interested in volunteering at RWJUH Hamilton, including college students, visit here. Or call RWJUH Hamilton Volunteer Resources at 609-631-6981 or contact by email rwjhamiltonvolunteers@rwjbh.org.
To learn more about volunteer opportunities at RWJBarnabas Health in your local area visit rwjbh.org/volunteer.
Contact: Sherry Smith, Director, Public Relations & Marketing
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton
Direct: 609-584-6583 / Email: sherry.smith2@rwjbh.org