Volunteer shows kindness through volunteer work at EIRMC

Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center’s Volunteer Program is recognizing Jim Pletscher as one of the winners of EIRMC ‘s Frist Humanitarian Award.

This is the first time that EIRMC has had anyone recognized at the division or national level.

The annual Frist Humanitarian Award is EIRMC’s highest honor and recognizes volunteer’s who have demonstrated that they above and beyond for patients.

Such acts include showing concern for the welfare and happiness of patients, performing extraordinary acts of kindness, having a positive effect on others and demonstrating a high level of commitment to the community.

Manager of Volunteer Services Marchelle Jensen said Pletscher goes above and beyond.

“Hes our superstar,” Jensen said.

Pletscher has been volunteering for more than four years, he’s contributed more than 500 hours of volunteer time.

He spends his day offering warm blankets, drinks, snacks, and most importantly friendly conversation to help ease the pain and stress patients and families are under.

“He’s been out in the parking lot when the drains have been clogged and helping people get their cars out and he will be leaving his shift for the day and notice that there is garbage and he picks that up,” Jensen said.

Pletscher also contributes compassion to the many people he meets on a day-to-day basis.

“Really makes me feel worth while, volunteering at the hospital is what I consider a privilege,” Pletscher said.

Pletscher was notified that he was selected from over 165 nominations as one of the two national finalists for the Volunteer Frist Award.

“When I’m done sometimes with a shift I go back to my car and say ‘Wow’ what a shift this was,” Pletscher said.

Pletscher said he likes to help people by using his humor.

“What I like to do sometimes is joke around sometimes with the patient or family members because I find it somewhat puts them at ease. So I kind of pull their leg so to speak,” Pletscher said.

EIRMC has 126 volunteers helping in 15 different areas, in 2015 they donated over 25,000 hours, which amounts to 12 full time employees.

“Emergency room I try to provide compassion and comfort to the patient and the family,” Pletscher said.

On a monthly average 2,100 hours are donated by volunteers.

Pletscher also volunteers at the Senior Center, helps elderly residents with home repairs they can’t do themselves, and assists downtown businesses with upkeep and repairs.