“Not only was I able to help my clients but, through me, they were able to help other people in their lives.”
It was during the teaching of nutrition classes that I realized how much my service was making a difference in the lives of others.
Throughout the year my clients were frequently in awe about learning new thingsthat had never been taught to them.
They were constantly telling me how much they had learned and had been able to put their knowledge to use not only in their own lives but in those of their parents, spouses, children and grandchildren.
Not only was I able to help my clients but through me they were able to help other people in their lives.
~ Nicole, graduate of the College of St. Benedict, BSVM volunteer 2007-08. After serving as a Bon Secours Volunteer at the
Tele-Heart program, Nicole pursued a career in health care.
“Not only was I able to help my clients but, through me, they were able to help other people in their lives.”
As a patient advocate at the Bon Secours Baltimore Hospital Emergency Department, I had the unique opportunity to listen to my patients and to observe how they were being treated. This was helpful because the physicians and nurses served a high volume of patients and had a limited amount of time that they could spend with each patient. I was able to recognize patient needs and voice these needs to the nursing staff.
As I look forward to becoming a physician, I will always remember the importance of listening and being attentive to patients.
~ Laura, graduate of Ohio Wesleyan University, BSVM volunteer 2009-2010. Laura ministered in the Emergency Department at Bon Secours Baltimore Hospital
and she looks forward to attending medical school
Easing Patients' Nerves
Although I carried out fairly simple tasks such as checking on patients, taking their vitalssigns,running EKGs, or checking bloodsugar levels, my real job was to ease patient nerves. I would welcome them with a friendly smile, joke withthem and listen to the complaints they would later reveal to their doctors. In just a few weeks, patients were familiar with me and let me know that they appreciated my kind and helpful bedside manner.
~ Kim, graduate of Washington University, BSVM volunteer
2003-04. After serving full-time at the Bon Secours Washington Village clinic, Kim began medical school.
“I have learned way more from the children than I ever expected and I owe them and their parents so much for everything they have given me.”
I have enjoyed immensely the privilege of getting to know both the parents and their children. The kids have moved me more than I can say with their curiosity, intelligence, affection, and trust. I have learned way more from them than I ever expected and I owe them and their parents so much for everything they have given me.
One experience I will definitely carry with me is the relationship I developed with one of my kids, Valerie. When she first came to the Center I was really tickled to find thatValerie, at 1 yr 4months, could sing “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” along with me. Although Valerie babbled, she could not fully articulate words. I began teaching her the “ThreeLittle Ducks” song. Adorably, Valerie picked up the words and hand motions so quickly that when she saw me coming would use her hand to demonstrate a duck quacking.
It was so neat to see her learn something concrete and to know that I had been a part of it.
~ Stephanie, graduate of University of Notre Dame, BSVM 2007-08. After serving at the BonSecours Family Support Center, Stephanie began graduate school at Rutgers University where she is pursuing a Masters in English.
“Not only was I able to help my clients but, through me, they were able to help other people in their lives.” 
It was during the teaching of nutrition classes that I realized how much my service was making a difference in the lives of others. 
