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Medical Oncology Volunteer Program Benefits Both Patients and Volunteers
When patients enter the Yale Medical Oncology Clinics for the first time most are nervous and full of questions. Many of them have recently been diagnosed with cancer and are not sure what to expect. Some come alone, others with support systems; all welcome the greetings and assistance provided through the medical oncology volunteer program.
Sheryl Sobolewski has worked for Yale-New Haven Hospital for over 20 years, and in the past five years has worked with more than 50 volunteers in her role as Volunteer Coordinator for the Yale-New Haven Medical Oncology Treatment Center. Sheryl oversees the training of new volunteers in the Medical Oncology Volunteer Program and works with them one-on-one until they feel comfortable enough on their own. “It's important to provide the appropriate training so that the volunteers are able to offer the best support they can to the patients,” Sheryl said.
There are four opportunities for volunteers. While all of the roles offer the opportunity for volunteers to assist patients and families the most complex, and popular role, is the position of patient navigator. Patient navigators greet new patients, explain what to expect during their appointment, answer questions, and provide anything the patient may need from blankets to conversation. A patient aide youth program is also available for individuals between the ages of 14 and 18.
Volunteers range from college and high school students to retirees. Pat Gurrieri, a retiree, has been volunteering as a patient navigator for nearly three years. “The medical oncology volunteer program is a great opportunity and it's very rewarding. I get to meet courageous people and help them at a time when they need it the most. Many of these patients have been coming here as long as I have, and you form connections with them,” Pat said. Since he is not dealing with patients in any clinical manner, he feels that it relaxes them knowing he is there simply as a friendly face to provide support.
Nancy Cathey, who is also a patient navigator with the Medical Oncology Volunteer Program, has dealt with cancer and is familiar with what patients go through. Nancy commented, “I have experience with what these patients are going through so I understand their needs a little better. A lot of them come alone, and I couldn't imagine that. This is my way of giving back. This is also a great way to provide support to the nurses who are so wonderful and sometimes are just too busy to provide the little things that patients may need. That's where we come in.”
With the building of the new Smilow Cancer Hospital, Sheryl hopes to expand the services offered. A committee has been organized that will look at the needs of the patients and decide what should be included in the program. Expansion of the arts and crafts, and complementary therapy programs have all been discussed. A bigger goal for Sheryl is to have enough volunteers to fill each volunteer opportunity for every shift that is needed. “This is a great opportunity for people to work outside their comfort zone,” Sheryl said. “It is very flexible and is a great way to make an impact on another person’s life. It is not only the patients that benefit from this program, but the volunteers as well.” Nancy, who has only been volunteering for a few months, has already seen the connections that can be made. “Hearing a patient say 'I'm so happy you’re here' and then being able to get them whatever they may need, sometimes without even having to ask, is such a wonderful experience,” Nancy said.
If you would like more information about the program please contact Sheryl Sobolewski at 737-1882 or sobolews@ynhh.org