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VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT
spotlight
Look! Up in the Sky – it is Hurley’s Director of Spiritual Care, Don Cox, a true volunteer superhero!
Hurley’s Spiritual Care Department is made up of six volunteers. They are often called in emergencies and swoop in to get patients, families and staff through unimaginably tough times.
Superman Don was recently spotted a little closer to heaven, up on the Hurley roof, but he soon grounded himself, making the rounds in Peds and many other units. Don and his team, through Hurley’s Volunteer Services, are available at patient request. They can bring great comfort to grieving families and hope when families need some. They come from a variety of different religious backgrounds and respect the diversity of our region’s many religious beliefs.
When staff need crisis intervention or comfort from a death or difficult case, they can have their manager call a Code Lavender. Pioneered by Cleveland Clinic, Code Lavender was developed to prevent nurses from experiencing long term mental and emotional trauma. Employees are encouraged to request a Code Lavender through their manager. When a request is made, the team, along with support staff, such as the chaplain, doctors and other medical staff will gather in a room to offer support. It is similar to a debriefing, allowing an opportunity for discussion and support. It is not meant for burnout, but for emotional healing.
Spiritual Care wants all staff to know their services are available. They are available to help Team Hurley, patients and families who need them. They may dress like superheroes sometimes, but their superpower for compassion is available every day of the year.
Managers can contact the Spiritual Care Office at 2-9517 to schedule. “I strongly encourage caregivers to utilize this service. Code Lavender is an opportunity for Hurley to provide emotional healing during a time of loss or crisis,” says volunteer Don Cox, Director of Spiritual Care. “I want the Hurley team to know we have a vibrant Spiritual Care Department here at Hurley. We are thankful for the support, grateful for the harmony in the hospital. Everyone responds to the harmony of togetherness.”
