COLUMBUS, Neb. -- The Columbus Community Hospital (CCH) announced a new patient care ambassador program to help those who come in feel at ease. 

CCH said patient care ambassadors are volunteers who serve as an extension of the hospital’s patient care team. The designated volunteers visit newly admitted patients, welcome them to the hospital and help them feel at ease during their stay. 

The hospital said that ultimately the hope is that the program humanizes the hospital experience for patients and their families by offering assurance of the care and support they can expect during their stay.

“We already know our staff provides excellent care to all patients, but we also want to ensure high-quality hospitality,” said Angie Ramaekers, volunteer and guest services director. “We want to meet the requests of our patients right away to give them the best experience possible. This new program will provide an additional avenue for patients and family members to voice their needs, questions and concerns in a comfortable environment without feeling like a bother to the nursing staff.”

CCH said the program currently has four hospital volunteers with various skills, talents and experiences.

Ramaekers said leaders are intentionally keeping the number of program volunteers small to ensure connections between hospital staff and volunteers remain strong.

The volunteer and guest services department has worked with various hospital leaders for the past three months to design the new program and train the volunteers. Each hospital volunteer underwent an application and interview process, background check, orientation and confidentiality training. In addition to the routine volunteer training, the volunteers received additional training focused on infection control, technology and department-specific practices.

Program volunteer Vikki Mihulka worked as a nurse in the hospital’s acute care unit for 38 years before retiring in June 2020. This type of program is one she had always thought would benefit the patient and nursing staff, she said.

“I’m excited to be part of the program and work with patients again,” she said. “This program will greatly benefit many, and if I can positively impact just one person a day, it’ll all be worth it.”

The program will officially begin in December with volunteers visiting patients in the hospital’s acute care and intensive care unit during the morning hours on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

“The acute care and intensive care unit is excited to welcome the patient care ambassadors to help further our mission of providing patient-centered, compassionate care,” said Lisa Perrin, acute care and intensive care unit director. “The caring ambassador will be a great bridge builder to further identify and communicate our patients’ needs to our team during their stay.”