As the first volunteer in a physician’s office at NCH Marco Island, Jean Kramer is helping create a new model for community support.
A Sign at the Right Time
When Jean Kramer walked into the new NCH facility on Marco Island with her husband last fall, she was hoping to see the campus that had recently opened in their new hometown. She left with something more: an opportunity to serve.
Jean and her husband had recently become full-time Marco Island residents after living in Fulton, Illinois. For some time, she had felt drawn to volunteer, although she did not yet know where or how.
“In my heart, I had been thinking about volunteering with something,” Jean recalled.
Then she met Sandy Monson, volunteer coordinator for NCH Marco Island, near the entrance of the facility.
Jean saw the encounter as a sign. She was ready to give her time, and Sandy was ready to help her find the right place to do it.
Rather than arriving with a specific position in mind, Jean remained open to where she was most needed. Her professional background included work as both a computer programmer and a hairdresser, two roles that drew on very different strengths. She was comfortable with technology and office work, but she also knew how to listen and connect with people.
Creating a New Volunteer Role
Those skills made her a natural fit for an emerging volunteer opportunity in the office of Dr. Babbo.
Jean became the first volunteer at NCH Marco Island to complete Epic training and serve inside a physician’s office. After completing training, she began volunteering on Wednesday afternoons, calling patients with friendly reminders about their upcoming appointments.
The task may sound simple, but each call can make a meaningful difference. Appointment reminders help patients stay connected to their care while allowing office staff to focus on other clinical and administrative responsibilities. Sometimes, Jean also finds that the person on the other end of the phone needs a moment to talk.
“Sometimes, somebody just needs to visit a little bit,” she said. “I’m there. It’s knowing that you can listen and not talk.”
Helping Healthcare Grow on Marco Island
The new role reflects the evolving needs of healthcare on Marco Island. According to Sandy, physician practices can be especially busy during season, and volunteers can provide valuable support within clearly defined, nonclinical responsibilities. Her goal is eventually to place volunteers in the office during both morning and afternoon shifts, five days a week.
Volunteers could assist with office tasks, welcome patients, and offer a reassuring presence in the waiting room. Even a greeting, a smile or help finding the right person can shape someone’s experience.
As the first person to step into the role, Jean is also helping build a path for those who follow. Two additional volunteers are preparing for training, and once they are ready, Jean will help introduce them to the role and share what she has learned.
Answering the Call
For Jean, volunteering is about more than filling an operational need. After making Marco Island her full-time home, she wanted to contribute to the community and support the healthcare services on which every resident depends. When she saw a need, she found a place where her time, experience, and willingness to help could make a difference.
Her service allows her to participate in the continued growth of healthcare on the island while helping her neighbors feel supported and cared for along the way.
“It gives you a sense of satisfaction that you’re helping your community,” she said. “To think that you’re a part of helping healthcare grow is pretty incredible.”
It is also a source of purpose in a place Jean now calls home. As she sees it, meaningful service can begin simply by noticing where help is needed and offering what you can.
“If you’re feeling that need or a call in your heart, answer it,” she said. “It’s a good place to start here.”