Dignity Health | Be well | Spring 2018

MENTORING A real-world experience At 18 yearsold, when many college students are still try- ing to figure out a clear career path, Angela Diaz already knows exactly where she’s headed. A freshman in the pre-nursing program at Cali- fornia State University, Chico, Diaz is intent on becoming a labor and delivery nurse. How did she get so focused at such a young age? Diaz credits the Summer Volunteen Program at St. Elizabeth Community Hospital (SECH). “I always knew I wanted to be a nurse,” Diaz says. “But I didn’t know what kind. The Volunteen Program gave me a head start, career-wise.” An insider’s view Kicked off this past June, the Summer Volunteen Program is a partnership between SECH and Corning Union High School. “The goal of the program is to open young people’s eyes to the potential of health care careers,” says Phillip Moller, Volunteer Coordinator at SECH. He launched the program after learning about a similar one at a sister Dignity Health hospital in Arizona. Every morning for eight weeks during the summer, students rotate through a mix of volunteer jobs at the hospital. Last summer, they helped out everywhere from the Family Birth Center and the emer- gency department to the front desk and the Imaging Center. They also attend one-hour lectures by a different SECH professional every week—and not just health care providers. Volunteens are also introduced to areas like hospital marketing and strategic planning. “Students learn about a hospital from top to bottom,” Moller says. “And they get an insider’s view. With this program, we’re helping grow a wide range of future profes- sionals in health care.” This kind of recruitment is crucial in rural areas, where health care professionals are often in short supply. “There are lots of winners with a program like this—for both the students and our community,” Moller says. Great expectations All told, 10 teens interviewed for the program’s first year, and five were selected. All had grade point averages of at least 3.5 and high school resumes brimming with accomplishments. “They blew me away—they had so much going for them,” Moller says. Some were only freshmen. Teens as young as 14 can apply. Moller has high expectations for all the Volunteen students. Summer Volunteen Program introduces teens to health care careers INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEEN 2018? Call for details on how to apply. 530.529.8269 10