Discovering The Mature Lifestyle Edina woman opts to work with children after 30 years in ministry. Page 4
Volunteerism
July 16, 2015
July Issue
Plymouth woman finds hospital volunteering is rewarding BY SUE WEBBER CONTRIBUTING WRITER Inez Bugman had never been in the hospital until 1991, when she had heart surgery. “You hear all those terrible stories about hospitals, but it was such a positive experience for me that I decided when I felt better I would like to give back a little bit,” Bugman said. “It really struck me after I was in the hospital that everyone was so helpful. When I needed something, someone was always there. But the nurses are spread kind of thin sometimes.” In 1994, the Plymouth woman began volunteering at Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park, and she’s been a regular at the hospital ever since. In May, she received the Earl Dresser Quality of Service Volunteer award from Park Nicollet Health Services in recognition of her years of volunteer service. “I was surprised and real excited about that,” Bugman said. According to Amy Homstad, manager of Volunteer Services at Park Nicollet Health Services, Bugman was this year’s only recipient of the Earl Dresser Award. “The award has been given annually since 1987 to between one and three volunteers,” Homstad said. Bugman was nominated for the award by the hospital staff on the fifth floor with whom she works, Homstad said. Bugman works on the fifth-floor surgical unit each Thursday morning. In the afternoon, she talks to recovering heart patients, as part of the Mended Hearts program. “I always tell heart patients and their families that their doctors can fix them, but we know how they feel,” she said. “It gives them kind of a lift to know that they will get out of that bed. It’s as rewarding for me as it is for them.” “The volunteers are treated with such professionalism from the doctors, the nurses and the whole staff,” Bugman said. “Being able to assist and know that you are helping is so rewarding. Sometimes it’s as simple as helping someone
Inez Bugman (left) is shown with Amy Homstad (right), manager of Volunteer Services at Park Nicollet Health Services, after Bugman received the Earl Dresser Quality of Service Volunteer award this year.
who needs a nail file. People really appreciate what we’re doing.” She’s found the volunteer work also is a social outlet. “Most of us volunteers are right up there in age, and we get together during breaks and at lunch time,” Bugman said.
She also has found another way to extend comfort to people. When Bugman lost her son to a heart attack 10 years ago, she was given a prayer shawl. “It was such BUGMAN - TO PAGE 3