National Volunteer Appreciation Week, celebrated from April 19th – April 25th, is a time to recognize the 198 individuals who compromise our Blue Coat Brigade. Mount Nittany Health is proud to have a number of young professionals in our volunteer program, eager to make a difference in our community.
As we grow as a health system, there are a number of volunteers who have grown alongside us. Currently a senior at Penn State, Hamna Ahmad first started to volunteer at Mount Nittany Health 8 years ago, when the Gift Shop/Grill had a high school volunteer program. “It was a really rewarding experience,” she shared.
From State College, Pa., Hamna was interested in healthcare from an early age. Through volunteering at the Gift Shop and Grill, Hamna got to see “the wide range of people that make up a hospital,” helping visitors pick out stuffed animals from the gift shop, ensuring staff members had food prior to their shifts, and assisting patient families. Those small interactions helped her learn how to approach a wide array of people while providing a positive visitor experience.
She remained in this role until 2020 when the volunteer program was temporarily suspended for pandemic precautions. Hamna returned to the volunteer program two years later as a freshman at Penn State. She volunteered in the Emergency Room for a few months, noting that it was interesting to see the continuation of patient care after working as an EMT.
She especially enjoyed bringing young patients Jared Boxes, which are age-appropriate boxes full of toys and fun activities for children. “It was nice to see their eyes light up,” she said. “One thing I like about volunteering — whether it’s the Emergency Room, the Patient Floors, the Gift Shop — is you can see the impact to the patients in real time. You can see the impact to their families. Even if you don’t, you’re leaving with a sense of comfort. You tried your best to help people in a time of need.”
In 2023, Hamna became a Lead Patient Floor Volunteer. She selected the fourth floor, the Labor and Delivery Unit. The experience has given her valuable insight. While transporting new mothers after discharge, Hamna said that finding a way to reassure them as they’re preparing to return home is something that has stuck with her. She also appreciates the “behind-the-scenes” work of helping staff members, including transporting samples and experiencing the quiet joy on the unit.
“Not every shift is the same,” Hamna said. She’s had shifts where, if she notices someone in the waiting room alone, she’ll spend time with them, recognizing they may feel vulnerable or scared. Hamna trains many of the new volunteers, walking them through the hospital and their day-to-day responsibilities. Additionally, she assists Pet Therapy Volunteers like Jennifer and her dog, Murray —a goldendoodle known for his signature green Mohawk — who can be found alongside Hamna on alternating shifts.
For anyone who’s considering volunteering at Mount Nittany Medical Center, Hamna encourages individuals to be observant and find a way to connect with others. Asking patients questions about themselves, asking them reassuring questions, or simply checking in on them can make a world of difference.
In addition to volunteering at Mount Nittany Health, Hamna volunteers with the LION Mobile Clinic at Penn State, which provides free health resources to underserved communities in Pennsylvania. She also volunteers at LifeLink, a secondary transition program that pairs special education students with a mentor. Through her many pursuits, Hamna continues to focus on academics and looks forward to a future in healthcare and medicine.
Please join us in thanking Hamna, and all of our incredible volunteers, for their service and dedication to our community.
If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a volunteer, visit mountnittany.org/volunteer. Questions can be directed to Monique Behrer, Volunteer Resources Supervisor, at mtb0523@mountnittany.org.