After a six-year hiatus due to COVID-19, Strive, the popular teen volunteer program introduced in 2009, returns to Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt this summer.
More than 400 youth between 16 and 18 years old have participated in the service-learning program that offers a unique opportunity to experience multiple areas of a hospital and interact with patients, siblings and family members.
For former participants, the program left an undeniable impression — impacting not only individual development, but also career decisions.
“It was a formative experience for me that strengthened my confidence, deepened my empathy, gave me lifelong friendships and ultimately sparked my passion for pediatric nursing,” said Annie Timmerberg, BSN, RN, Pediatric Intensive Care nurse at Monroe Carell.
“I learned how meaningful connection, play and presence can bring a sense of normalcy and comfort to children during what is often a stressful hospital experience,” she added.
According to Stephanie VanDyke, CCLS, director of Child Life and Volunteer Services at Monroe Carell, volunteers provide play opportunities that promote normalization, coping and comfort during hospital stays. The program fosters a commitment to volunteering, a sense of leadership, initiative and confidence in participants and offers valuable insight into a variety of healthcare professions.
“Strive is an acronym for striving to help others, striving to learn and striving to be a leader. We are looking for volunteers who have had some experience with children, have a passion for helping and serving others, exhibit professionalism and have strong communication skills,” said VanDyke.
The teen volunteers work with mentors to plan, implement, and evaluate age-appropriate activities for patients and siblings in pediatric playrooms and waiting rooms. They assist with cleaning toys, circulating the book and comfort carts, and conducting science experiments with patients.
“Through play, volunteers are able to provide age-appropriate activities that help to reduce stress associated with hospitalization while also helping to meet developmental needs of children,” VanDyke added.
During the three-week volunteer sessions, Strive participants will meet with Strive interns, participate in team-building activities, volunteer with patients and families, and attend educational sessions called Lunch and Learns.
It was through one of the educational sessions, designed to highlight healthcare careers, that Claci Ayers, MD, assistant professor of Clinical Pediatrics, Emergency Medicine at Monroe Carell, was introduced to pediatric emergency medicine.
“Strive taught me how to truly care for children with a patient-centered approach,” said Ayers. “This program is an opportunity for more than just volunteering but to learn a skill set in taking care of pediatric patients and learn about the many different team members that help provide excellent care at Monroe Carell.”
Mary Harrell, Certified Child Life Specialist at Monroe Carell, was one of the first program participants in 2009. It was her first exposure to healthcare.
“I remember feeling so honored to get to be a part of this program, like I had such a big responsibility, and I took that very seriously even as a teenager,” said Harrell, who works as needed. “I still feel this sense of honor and responsibility today as I get to walk with families through vulnerable periods of their lives in my career as a child life specialist.”
