Piedmont NEWNAN Piedmont Newnan Recruiting New Hospital Volunteers

Hospital volunteers help in almost every area of a healthcare facility like Piedmont Newnan Hospital. From inpatient services to the Thomas F. Chapman Cancer Wellness Center, these volunteers share their time with the hospital and give back to their local community.

“Our hospital volunteers play a significant role in caring for our patients, visitors and guests, as well as assisting the staff members, nurses and physicians at the hospital,” said Jeannie Johns, Volunteer Services Specialist at Piedmont Newnan. “The work they do every day makes the high-quality, patient-centered care that Piedmont Newnan delivers possible.”

Currently, volunteers are needed in many different departments, and shifts are available every day of the week. There is, however, a specific need for volunteers in the following areas – Breast Health Center, greeters at the Medical Plazas, Infusion Center, Surgical Services, and Cardiac Rehab. At the Breast Health Center, located inside the Medical Plaza adjacent to the hospital, volunteers provide support and comfort to women being seen. The surgical services team provides support for families of our patients in surgery. They provide directions as well as ensure that loved ones in the waiting room are updated accordingly and comfortable while they wait. Greeters, and those at the Infusion Center and Cardiac Rehab, provide a warm welcome for our patients and provide directions to offices and assist patients in getting to the right place.

“Our purpose at Piedmont is to make a positive difference in every life we touch,” said Johns. “The dedication of our excellent volunteers, and the work they do every day, helps make achieving that purpose possible.”

Volunteer services is open to adults, ages 18 and older, and as a way to say thank you, they receive a free meal in the Bistro cafeteria each shift. Over the years, the volunteers have contributed to various hospital needs including scholarships for dependents of staff members and the star atop the hospital that is lit every November and December as part of the hospital’s annual Starry Night event.

“Our volunteers are so selfless, giving, kind and funny,” said Johns. “They come from all walks of life – some are pickleball players, lead singers in a band, golfers, quilters, world travelers and Sunday school teachers. Some have retired from the military, the school system, government roles, and the airlines. One thing they all have in common is that they will help wherever there is a need and want to ensure our patients have a positive experience from the moment they enter our parking lot.”

Applicants interested in volunteering at Piedmont Newnan should have a genuine interest in giving back to the community. Those with an interest or a background in the health care industry make for ideal candidates, but it is not a requirement.

“People who have retired, or work from home, or those whose children are now in school or out of the house, may find themselves having more time and a need to make personal connections and help those in need,” said Johns. “Being a hospital volunteer is the perfect way to give back your time.”

If you are interested in joining Volunteer Services at Piedmont Newnan, call 770.400.2382 or visit piedmont.org/volunteers for more information.

Volunteer Appreciation Week is April 16-22, and Piedmont Newnan would like to spotlight a few of our hospital volunteers. We thank all of our volunteers for all they do to make a positive difference in every life they touch, especially the lives of our employees, physicians, patients and visitors.

Craig Shannon

Courtesy Cart/ PMP 2

Main Entrance

Started volunteering in 2022

Being new to Newnan, Craig Shannon was looking for a way to serve his community when he discovered the volunteer opportunities at Piedmont Newnan Hospital. A retired Army drill sergeant, Shannon is married to a nurse and both of his children are serving in the military. He has been volunteering twice a week for almost a year, one day a week as a Courtesy Cart driver in our parking lots and the other day as a greeter in our Medical Plaza assisting patients however needed. “I enjoy interacting with people, helping people and being a servant,” said Shannon.

RUSTY KNORR Hospital Front Desk

Started volunteering in 2014

Rusty Knorr has been a volunteer at the main hospital front desk at Piedmont Newnan for nine years, assisting patients, visitors, and staff. Prior to retiring, he served as a teacher, principal, Director of Operations, Central Office Administrator and Assistant Superintendent in public K-12 education for 43 years (33 in Alabama and 10 in Georgia). He grew up in Montgomery, Alabama, and has lived in Troy, AL, Opelika, AL, Eufaula, AL and Newnan, GA. His latest obsession is pickleball. “My favorite part about being a hospital volunteer is meeting people and giving back to the community and our hospital,” said Knorr.

“Our hospital volunteers play a significant role in caring for our patients, visitors and guests, as well as assisting the staff members, nurses and physicians at the hospital,” said Jeannie Johns, Volunteer Services Specialist at Piedmont Newnan.

“The work they do every day makes the high-quality, patient-centered care that Piedmont Newnan delivers possible.”

CAROLYN MARTIN

Summit Outpatient Clinic

Started volunteering in 2015

Carolyn Martin has volunteered at Piedmont Newnan’s Summit Outpatient Clinic for eight years, and volunteers there two days a week. When she is not volunteering, she loves to travel. She has two sons who both live outside of the United States, and is fortunate enough to be able to visit both of them often and has loved each and every experience she’s had abroad. “It is a joy to assist patients as they come in for their appointments,” said Martin.

OLIVER, Pet Therapy Dog

Started Volunteering in 2022

Oliver was born 2019 in Waterford, Ireland and is a pure-bred Golden Retriever. Dave and Pam Thomas adopted him when he was eight weeks old in Jefferson, GA. Oliver is certified as a Therapy Dog through Alliance of Therapy Dogs. Additionally, he has many certificates including HOPE Animal Assisted Crisis Response Dog and First Responders Therapy Dog.

Oliver and his handlers enjoy visiting the Piedmont Newnan Hospital staff. Oliver also visits Coweta County 911 call center, Coweta County Fire/ Rescue, Pathways, Nursing homes, Coweta County Powell Library, Encompass Rehabilitation and Juvenile Court. He has the best job in the world.

Oliver typically visits Piedmont Newnan Hospital once a week, rotating between day and night shifts, and providing comfort to the staff. “Tuesdays are exciting for me because I know Oliver is coming,” said Kayla, who works in the ICU. “Oliver is just what I need to boost me up. When I get a few minutes of snuggle time with Oliver, it just makes me smile. He is the best!”