HCMC Held Junior Volunteer Program

Cutline – Pictured are several of the Junior Volunteers who participated in this year’s program at orientation.  This year, the 15 participants gave over 1,000 of service to HCMC.

 PARIS, TN –This summer 15 high school students volunteered 1,073.25 hours to Henry County Medical Center in HCMC’s Junior Volunteer Program. The program provides the youth of our community the opportunity for personal growth and development. The 2019 Summer Volunteer Program ran from June 3 – July 26.

Junior Volunteers may serve in many ways and in various departments throughout the organization.  Some of the areas our Junior Volunteers serve include:

  • Administration
  • Marketing/Public Relations
  • Registration
  • Plumley Rehab
  • Physical Therapy
  • Materials Management
  • Medical Records (Health Information Management)
  • Quality/Case Management
  • Outpatient Surgery
  • Nursing
  • Imaging
  • And more

Volunteers provide supplemental services throughout the hospital, while gaining personal satisfaction, personality development, maturity and the understanding of various health careers that a hospital environment offers them in planning their future.

This summer one volunteer was able to intern with Henry County Medical Center CEO, Lisa Casteel, as well as volunteer in other departments of the hospital. Henry County High School Senior, Ben McCormick volunteered 119 hours this summer in various areas of the hospital.

McCormick first became interested in the Junior Volunteer Program when he toured HCMC through Leadership Henry County. This summer McCormick was able to learn about the various healthcare administration roles that run Henry County Medical Center. He was able to accompany Lisa Casteel to KAWANIS meetings, sit in on interviews, assist with data entry, make rounds, and attend a board meeting where he shared about his experience.

McCormick was enthusiastic and motivated to learn about other areas as well. He volunteered in Marketing and Public Relations where he attended Rotary with Tory Daughrity, Director of Marketing and Public Relations and dressed up as Eddie the Eagle at Safe Kids Day.

McCormick explored other areas of the hospital by volunteering in Health Information Management, touring the pharmacy with Charles Dyer, Chief Business Development Officer; visiting clinics with Josh Roberts, Director of Physician Practice Management; observing Sonya Clark, Certified Wound, Ostomy, Continence Nurse, and sitting in on a hip replacement surgery with Dr. Mark Cutright.

“Being at the hospital introduced me to people and opportunities that I never would have had without the Junior Volunteer Program,” said McCormick. “It helped me narrow down and find something I enjoyed doing. I am starting my senior year of high school and this helped me to discover a career path I think I will really enjoy.”

Our Junior Volunteers have the opportunity to learn the importance of ethics and confidentiality, professional behavior and appearance, proper patient interaction, infection control, fire safety and more.  Junior Volunteers serve others while making new friends, developing self-esteem, and creating memories that are fulfilling and meaningful.  It is the energy and compassion of our teen volunteers that enrich the lives of patients, visitors and employees!

Additionally, Junior Volunteers at Henry County Medical Center have the opportunity to gain valuable insight into healthcare related fields as part of our seven Academy Sessions held at various times throughout the summer.  Speakers from various areas of the hospital present to the students and provide them with information related to education and training for their areas.

If you or your student would be interested in the Junior Volunteer Program, be sure to watch for announcements for the program in the spring on our website and in the media. The Junior Volunteer Program is offered every summer, requiring students to be at least 14 years of age with a GPA of “C.”  Additionally, participants must have a TB skin test, follow the dress code, and attend the parent meeting as well as orientation, submit an application, and agree to work at least one shift per week as well as attend academy sessions.

About Henry County Medical Center

Located in Paris, TN, Henry County Medical Center is a progressive, integrated healthcare organization committed to serving the healthcare needs of Henry County and the adjoining region.  Including a 142-bed hospital and other facilities, the medical center provides a variety of outpatient services, as well as inpatient care. Additionally, HCMC owns and operates 8 provider clinics in various specialties.  Henry County Medical Center is a county-owned and operated nonprofit institution. For more information: www.hcmc-tn.org.