A Passion for Mondays
Volunteer Edna Lucas looks forward to her shift each week
Everybody’s working for the weekend, or so the song goes. But Edna Lucas is passionate about Mondays. It’s the day she helps patients and visitors at LVH–Cedar Crest.
“I’ve looked forward to Mondays for the past 18 years,” says the volunteer who staffs the information desk outside the John and Dorothy Morgan Cancer Center. “The strength and spirit of patients and their families are amazing to me, and I’m honored to be a small part of their hospital experience.”
She’s modest, of course. Some visitors are visibly ill, frazzled and upset when they approach her for directions or with questions. Others are in a rush to find their loved ones.
To help everyone as quickly as possible, she put together a hospital directory book for volunteers. Originally created six years ago and updated by Lucas every month since then, the book lists the locations of and directions to all physicians, practices and services on the campus.
“Sometimes updating it requires a little detective work,” she says. “But it’s definitely worth it.” In fact, it’s so helpful other volunteers call it the “Hospital Bible.” With this and other resources like campus maps and volunteer escorts, Lucas offers help to patients and visitors.
“When people are confused or lost, they just want a friendly face to help them find where they need to go fast,” she says. “It’s a privilege to be that face.”
The mother of four grown daughters and the wife of a Navy man, Lucas learned long ago that a smile goes a long way. After moving 25 times in 17 years, she developed a knack for connecting with people quickly. She uses the skill to make people at the hospital feel comfortable and welcome.
Lucas was working in the volunteer office when construction on the Cancer Center began. Betty Anton, director, volunteer services, recognized Lucas’ quick connection with people and knew she would be a perfect fit for the new information desk.
“I’ve enjoyed every minute at the desk,” Lucas says. “And I can’t wait for Monday to roll around week after week.”
—Amy Satkofsky
A passion for patients
“Meeting patients is the greatest part of my job. I try to make them smile because I believe it helps them. I never walk past a patient without asking how he or she is doing. If someone says, ‘Not so good,’ I stop to see if there’s anything I can do.”
Bob Gellock
Electrician
This page last updated 10/12/08 09:14 PM
