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Our volunteers provide an array of important services, from designing new technology to inspiring the next generation of health-care workers. Whatever their role, all of our volunteers are working to enhance the quality of care for patients and their families. In honour of this year’s National Volunteer Week, we’re spotlighting some of our volunteers who have given us the invaluable gift of their time and dedication.

For Jocelyn Niven, volunteering is a way of life. “It’s the way I was brought up,” she explains. “I come from an army family. My mum volunteered us for everything as far back as I remember.”

Now a military veteran herself, Jocelyn volunteered at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute for 15 years before joining The Ottawa Hospital, beginning her volunteering career with us in the Cancer Centre. Now she is moderator of the hospital’s high school co-op program.

Each week, a new health-care provider shares their career experiences with students via an interactive one-hour informal conversation. These guest speakers come from all across the hospital, ranging from nurses to physiotherapists to social workers. As moderator, Jocelyn asks the presenters about their careers and guides group discussions. Her first question is always, “When you were in grade 11, what were your career plans?”

For Jocelyn, the most rewarding part about her role is giving students an experience they might not get in school. “I love to see the lights go on, to see them get really interested and excited because they can connect with somebody whose brain they can pick, who has a career similar to the one they want to pursue.”

Feeling inspired?

We are re-building our volunteer services slowly and will open a few opportunities every few months, so please check the website regularly for updates. We look forward to welcoming our community back into the hospital to help improve the patient experience! Visit our volunteer page for more information.

Meet more of our inspiring volunteers

• Med school hopeful Anne-Marie helps patients navigate hospital COVID protocols
• A busy nursing schedule hasn’t stopped Bao-Anh from volunteering
• Claude serves coffee and companionship at the Rehabilitation Centre
• Joanna helps guide chemotherapy patients through uncertain times
• ‘I got discharged, and I never really left’: Former patient Maxime volunteers his coding skills

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