Second-year medical sciences student Yanny Cai is one of the many incredible volunteers we have on hand to support staff and patients at QEII Hospital.
After signing up to volunteer with the CAREPACT program in October last year to satisfy requirements of a 50-hour Griffith University community internship, Yanny found she enjoyed the experience so much she ended up staying on.
"It has been really good," she said. "It has been so nice having an experience in the hospital, meeting new people and patients."
Every Thursday, Yanny checks in with the CAREPACT nurses before spending time with patients across the hospital. Whether it's offering food or drink, sharing a conversation or helping the Assistant in Nursing (AIN) with ward tasks, she enjoys finding small ways to make a difference.
She says having conversations with patients has become the most rewarding part of her volunteering journey.
"I love hearing people's stories and want to keep improving how I communicate and support patients to help make their hospital experience better," she said.
The experience has also strengthened her ambition to pursue a career in medicine.
"I want to be a doctor. Maybe I'll end up doing something in Emergency,” she said.
“I really like the environment. It's supportive and I see a lot of teamwork happening. I've liked my experience so far."
She says the supportive atmosphere also extends beyond the clinical teams.
"The other volunteers here are really lovely too," she said.
Outside the hospital, Yanny enjoys running, playing soccer and spending time at the piano, a talent she has been cultivating since the age of five.
QEII Volunteer Coordinator Amanda Spann says Yanny has become an invaluable member of the CAREPACT team, bringing warmth, enthusiasm and genuine compassion to every shift.
“Yanny is an absolute delight. We’re all so glad to have her on the team!”
Interested in joining the QEII volunteer team? Visit the QEII volunteer webpage to learn more about available opportunities and how to apply.