When you give of yourself, you truly give. Volunteers provide important and appreciated support at Renown Regional Medical Center, Renown South Meadows Medical Center and Renown Skilled Nursing. Whether assisting a patient, helping an employee or supporting patient programs, volunteers provide a wonderful contribution to great service and great patient care. By one estimate, Renown Health volunteers have donated more than one million hours. However, volunteers give much more than just their time: by sharing their caring and compassion, lending a hand and bringing a smile to others, they truly make a genuine difference for the many lives they touch.

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer assignments consider the individual interests, skills and abilities of each volunteer. In addition to the satisfaction of comforting patients, learning new skills, and supporting the healthcare environment, volunteers develop friendships and have the opportunity to participate in many employee-benefit activities, such as the Ice Cream Social and the annual Health Fair at which free flu shots are provided.

Volunteers complete employee orientation and receive additional training as needed. Some of the many services performed by volunteers include:

• Visiting with patients and circulating books, magazines, videos, playing cards and puzzles to patients and waiting areas.
• Providing a warm welcome and assisting as patients are discharged.
• Delivering e-mail, mail and flowers to patients and staff, as well as medical charts, equipment, and supplies within the hospital.
• Assisting staff and patients with special tasks.
• Assisting staff with clerical duties.

Renown Health also offers more specialized assignments, including:

• Assisting as a patient liaison and with general volunteer responsibilities in the hospital's emergency room.
• Holding premature babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
• Assisting the hospital's Child Life Specialists with therapeutic and recreational activities for pediatric patients.  
• Assisting at Information and Reception Desks.

The minimum age for volunteers is 18. Some prerequisites apply in various settings. For example, at Renown volunteers and employees must have a TB test before beginning work and each year thereafter. TB tests are provided free. The initial screening for new volunteers at all hospitals or facilities may include fingerprints, health clearance, interviews and reference checks before beginning work. Fingerprint and health clearances are provided free. Additional specific guidelines or qualifications may apply for some duties. The Volunteer Resources office at Renown is ready to assist each volunteer with understanding and completing these requirements.

For more information about volunteering at any Renown Health hospital or facility, please contact Judith Frazier at 775-982-4755.

Renown Health Auxiliary

Since its inception in 1950, Renown Health Auxiliary has been an invaluable resource for Renown. Members of the Auxiliary serve as hospital volunteers and manage the hospital's gift shop. Through annual fundraising events and other activities, the Auxiliary has raised and donated more than $5 million. These funds have supported everything from car seats for newborn babies to heart pillows for cardiac surgery patients to scholarships for nursing students. Every area within Renown has benefited from the Auxiliary's dedication and involvement. And, with membership luncheons, card parties and other social events, members of the Auxiliary have fun and make new friends as well.

Auxiliary membership is inexpensive:

• Annual dues $15
• Seniors and full-time students $10
• Associate Membership $50
• Life Membership $200
• Annual Sponsor $150

To join the Auxiliary or for more information, contact:

Renown Health Auxiliary
1155 Mill St
Reno, NV 89502-1474
Phone: 775-982-4166

Pet Therapy Programs

The love and devotion of a pet therapy dog can be a precious gift, particularly for those in a hospital or skilled nursing facility. Pet therapy programs provide a wonderful complement to patient care. For many patients, a visit from a gentle, loving pet can brighten the day, elicit fond memories and have an important calming effect.

At Renown Regional Medical Center and Renown South Meadows Medical Center, certified pet-therapy dogs visit patients throughout of the week. The program complies with hospital guidelines and policies to ensure the protection of patients, staff and the care environment.