Impacting a Community: Tanner Powley Volunteers at Phelps Health

Tanner Powley began volunteering at Phelps Health two semesters ago as a member of the Auxiliary and Volunteer Services’ Safe Send-Off Program.

A junior biochemical engineering student at Missouri University of Science and Technology in Rolla, MO, he wanted to find a way to make a meaningful contribution to the local community and gain technical experience in a hospital setting.

Under the general supervision of the director of Auxiliary and Volunteer Services, and in collaboration with the Phelps Health Nursing Administration Office, volunteers of the Safe Send-Off Program provide non-nursing assistance to Phelps Health patients who are discharged.

Volunteers like Powley are trained on proper wheelchair procedures to provide quality care. They work shifts that last three to four hours. During shifts, they assist staff by escorting patients throughout the hospital.

“Volunteering is one of the greatest ways that I have found to give back,” said Powley. “So many of the people who I’ve met at Phelps Health are motivated and want to learn how to improve the patient experience.”

One of Powley’s favorite areas to work in has been Transportation Services because of the wide array of patients who he has met. He also enjoys working with nurses at Phelps Health because they have taught him processes and procedures for interacting with and caring for patients who have a variety of different needs.

Powley is one of the many volunteers whose life has been positively impacted by giving his time and resources to help others in the community.

Volunteering at Phelps Health has helped him view healthcare as a way to serve others and see patients in a new light. “When it comes to patients,” Powley said, “I see each one as an opportunity to make a difference.”

Each day at Phelps Health, Powley witnesses different parts of the patient experience, from admission at the main entrance through post-operation, that prove invaluable to his career aspirations of providing healthcare in rural communities.

“I’ve seen a disparity in physicians who practice in rural communities, and I want to help fill that gap,” said Powley. “There are many cases of repeated illnesses seen in rural communities. I want to be able to meet with those patients and help transform the quality of care they receive to improve their lives.”

Growing up, Powley first experienced the joy of volunteering with his mother, an occupational therapist who would take Powley and his siblings to volunteer at nursing homes in their hometown of Nixa, MO.

Being a volunteer has played a major role throughout Powley’s life and has grounded him as an individual. “I believe that if you can give a resource without consuming one, you should,” said Powley.

In his spare time, Powley is part of Missouri S&T’s Symphonic Band and SCRUBS Club. He serves as a resident assistant on campus and also enjoys outdoor activities, such as hunting and fishing.