News

Sandi Jochens
Volunteer - Meals on Wheels & Health
Healthpark Medical Office Building
The Importance of Caring - my journey into volunteering

Sandi Jochens was born on Christmas. While some people might call that unfortunate timing (you only have one day to celebrate two occasions!), Jochens has always considered it a call to action.

“I found it was a way to give to others,” she said. “When I worked on my holiday birthday, I always brought treats and cake to share with all those who were also working the Christmas holiday away from their families. I have always been a helper, and being a caregiver is just part of who I am.”

After serving others as a nurse at Columbus Community Hospital for 43 years, Jochens has now returned as a volunteer. And she’s loving the opportunity to make a difference.

She and her husband Lon have lived in Columbus since 1971. When she worked at the hospital, Jochens was mostly an emergency department nurse. However, she felt a special calling to administer chemotherapy and obtained a certification in oncology nursing so she could help cancer patients even more.

“Working in the ER meant that we were often the first exposure patients had to the hospital, and providing them with a good first impression was important,” she said. “I think working as a volunteer is very much the same. If we can show a patient, visitor or family member where they need to go, especially in a stressful time, it is huge at helping to relieve their stress and let them know we truly care about them. And we do! CCH is very proud of its volunteer program, and we are all very happy to be a part of it.”

Jochens started as a Meals on Wheels volunteer through her church. When the program became part of CCH’s volunteer and guest services, she found herself working for her old employer. And now, in addition to Meals on Wheels, she volunteers regularly at Healthpark Medical Office Building.

“I love healthcare,” she said, “and I love to advocate for people who need help accessing appropriate healthcare. In today’s world, that can be very difficult and very stressful. Anything I can do to help people on that journey and make it a little bit easier by walking with them, then I think I will volunteer to do just that.”

Away from the hospital, Jochens loves spending time with her family and attending their activities. She has two daughters, three granddaughters and two great-granddaughters who all live close by.

She and Lon are Husker fans, and they have been season ticket holders for Husker football and volleyball in past years. She has enjoyed playing golf, softball, tennis and volleyball over the years, and she likes bowling and skiing, too.

Jochen is active in bridge clubs, a book club and a women’s club, and has led a women’s Bible study at her church for more than 20 years. She has also served on the Columbus parks board, the American Heart Association board and the Transitional Living Center board.

“I believe it is important to support, become active and give back to the community,” she said. “Even though it has been almost 11 years since I retired from nursing in the emergency department, I agree with those who say, ‘Once a nurse, always a nurse.’ The caring mindset never goes away. People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”

To learn more about volunteer opportunities available at the hospital, visit columbushosp.org.