Junior Volunteer Program Inspires Confidence Among Youth

Have you seen some young, smiling faces around CCMH this week? I have and I think it's great!

The CCMH Junior Volunteer program started this week, with 51 young people volunteering throughout our healthcare system. They range in age from 12 to 17 years old, and each had to participate in an interview with Volunteer Coordinator Lacey Henningsen before they were accepted into the program. Volunteering gives kids the experience of working in a healthcare environment and other valuable life skills, like applying for a job and being on time.

One of the most important skills they learn is how to approach employees, patients and visitors they encounter when they are with us. We're hardwiring this skill, called AIDET, across the whole organization as a result of our partnership with the Studer Group. AIDET stands for:

• Acknowledge
• Introduce
• Duration
• Explanation
• and Thank You

We want every encounter with patients and visitors to include this important skill, so AIDET was included the orientation program for the junior volunteers. They learn to say hello, introduce themselves and what they are doing, tell how long the task will take and say thank you. Several of the junior volunteers have already told Lacey that they feel more confident saying hello to someone they haven't met before.

If you happen to see one of the junior volunteers in their bright blue shirts, I hope you'll thank them for volunteering to help others. Remember also that as adults, we are their role models. Who knows, you might be the person who inspires them to seek a career in health care!