A Career of Leading Volunteers

As she nears retirement, Jewel shared her journey and insights into the special work of leading people who lend their time and talent.

HOW DID YOU COME TO WORK HERE?

A: I relocated from St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, in 1989. I lived 6 minutes away from the hospital. I would pass Shady Grove every day going to another job in Bethesda. My husband kept encouraging me to apply to the hospital since I had previously worked in healthcare for 18 years. He finally dropped off my resume to the Human Resources office without my knowing. I was called for an interview and the rest is history.

HAVE YOU ALWAYS WORKED WITH VOLUNTEERS? HOW DID THIS BECOME YOUR SPECIALITY? 

A: In the U.S. Virgin Islands, I worked in healthcare management. Part of my duties was coordinating the Retired Senior Volunteer Program. When I was contacted by Shady Grove regarding a position in the Volunteer department, I decided to accept it. The hospital volunteer program became my second home, and I had the realization that it was my calling.

WHAT MAKES A GREAT HOSPITAL VOLUNTEER?

A: A great hospital volunteer is one who exhibits a sense of caring, commitment, compassion, cheerfulness and a charismatic personality. I call it "the 5 C's!"

HOW HAS SHADY GROVE'S VOLUNTEER PROGRAM CHANGED DURING YOUR TIME AT THE HOSPITAL?

A: In 1989, when I started, we placed approximately 55 volunteers. Our numbers grew to 1,439 volunteers in 2019. Then, in March 2020, all volunteers were furloughed due to COVID-19. A year passed without volunteers in the hospital. In May 2021, seven volunteers agreed to return under our COVID guidelines. Many were skeptical. At the end of 2023, our volunteer placement was 542. Volunteers now want occasional opportunities to meet their needs and fit their lifestyle.

WHAT'S YOUR PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT AS A LEADER OF THE HOSPITAL'S VOLUNTEERS?

A: My proudest accomplishment is to see students who served under my leadership accomplish their goals in medical fields and return to say, "Thank you for helping me." We have doctors, nurses and other health professionals who came through our volunteer program and now are working throughout Adventist HealthCare's facilities.

WHAT DO YOU WANT THE COMMUNITY TO KNOW ABOUT VOLUNTEERING IN GENERAL, AND VOLUNTEERING AT SHADY GROVE IN PARTICULAR?

A: As a volunteer in my church and other community organizations, I must attest that volunteering gives one a sense of gratification and purpose. Here at Shady Grove Medical Center, we work to place service-minded individuals in areas of their interest while also meeting the needs of our hospital. We share our Mission, vision and values with them. Most of all, we ensure that they receive a meaningful and rewarding experience while performing their service.

Interested in serving as a hospital volunteer? Visit AHCYou.com/F24Volunteer.