How Volunteers Support Pediatric Patients and their Families

Jullian Cockerell, a recent biomedical engineering graduate from the University of Miami in Coral Gables, FL, presented two research papers at the national conference of the North American Neuromodulation Society. Outside of his work with clinical research, Jullian Cockerell is an active volunteer with the Florida Hospital department of pediatrics.

One of the most critical areas of hospital volunteering is working with young patients undergoing treatment for chronic or life-threatening illnesses. Many pediatric centers and children’s hospitals recruit volunteers to spend several hours a week with the children and their families. Their service helps families in a number of ways:

Emotional support - Extended hospital stays can be a lonely and isolating experience for children. Many volunteers are trained in social services or youth therapy and can be a great resource for activities that help patients and their families manage their emotions.

Sense of normalcy - Volunteers are often asked to play games, read books, and have upbeat interactions with patients. This helps children build social skills and creates opportunities for them to interact with others in a playful manner.

Practical support - Some volunteers help families with their daily obligations. For example, volunteers may help with routine errands or watch siblings while parents talk to their child’s physician.