Hospital Volunteer Leadership Shines Across The State

Columbus Community Hospital has more than 300 volunteers who provide high-quality service to patients, families, visitors and medical staff.

These dedicated individuals are an extension of the health care team and develop fundraising strategies to support medical equipment purchases and program advancements for the hospital.

But the health care environment is always changing, which means there are always different needs for volunteer services. That's why Columbus Community Hospital's volunteer and guest services department helped start the Nebraska Volunteer Managers Network.

The network includes volunteer and gift shop managers from across Nebraska who come together quarterly for networking, idea sharing and camaraderie.

"When I started in my role almost 15 years ago, I felt like I had to figure things out on my own," said Angie Ramaekers, director of volunteer and guest services for the hospital. "At the time, a group of volunteer managers met regularly and served as a network for me. I learned so much from the group; it gave me people I could contact with ideas or questions."

Over time, the networking group met less frequently, until it eventually stopped altogether. About four years ago, Ramaekers found herself reminiscing about the value this group provided in her early years of volunteer management. After a recommendation, she helped reinstate the networking group.

"The importance in having the network is knowing you are not alone in the work you are doing, and also knowing how to reach someone if you need them," Ramaekers said.

The hospital's volunteer and guest services department serves as the main network contact by coordinating meetings, maintaining the contact roster and ensuring the group continues.

To learn more about Columbus Community Hospital's volunteer and guest services department, visit columbushosp.org.