All About Attitude

Roger Westra has lived in the Pella area his whole life and worked at Vermeer for forty years. With his children now all grown, he still stays plenty busy with his seventeen (soon to be eighteen) grandkids. Roger also enjoys doing odd jobs, like cutting out tree stumps. And somehow, he manages to find time to volunteer at Pella Regional Health Center in the Surgery Waiting Room a couple mornings a week.

For about two years Roger has been bringing his smile and comfort to patients and their families. “I sit with the families, visit with them or help in any way I can…just try to make them feel comfortable.” He lets the nurses know when patients arrive and then takes them back when it’s time for the surgery.

Patients coming in for cataract surgery and ear tubes keep him the busiest, but regardless of the type of surgery, “There’s always some fear, no matter what age, coming in here.” Roger tries his best to alleviate that fear, whether that means praying with patients and families or playing peek-a-boo with a little one. “It’s neat to see prayers answered,” he says.

Advice Roger would give to people thinking about volunteering is, “Just be open to different opportunities…It’s more rewarding for you than it is for them.” He also emphasizes, “Your attitude can make a big difference.” 

Teamwork is also an important element to volunteering. “On the busy days, it’s like working as a unit. It’s everyone working together back here.” Roger enjoys helping out and working with the nursing staff, “We have a great group of nurses here to work with.” Thanks to volunteers like Roger, patients feel more comfortable and can rely on a friendly face.

Learn more about Volunteer opportunities at Pella Regional.