Volunteering as a candy striper with the Hospitals Auxiliary of Bermuda is not only a rewarding way for young Bermudians to give back to their community – it’s also an incredible steppingstone toward a future career in Bermuda.
For those inspired to pursue a career in healthcare, volunteering at the hospital would seem an obvious fit, but there are many other reasons why any young person might benefit from participating in this programme regardless of their career interests.
Jane Wright, assistant general manager at the Hospitals Auxiliary of Bermuda, said: “The programme, which was established in the 1960s, is currently so popular that there is a waiting list extending all the way to 2037.
“Ideally, a student should apply for acceptance into the programme when they are 11, but you need to be at least 14 to become a volunteer.
“Some parents are so keen for their children to participate that they register them at birth!”
EXPECTATIONS AND BENEFITS OF BEING A CANDY STRIPER
Participants in the Candy Stripers Programme gain hands-on experience, develop valuable life skills like maturity, responsibility and leadership, and perform vital roles assisting in departments all over the hospital.
“Regardless of when they apply, it’s very important that the students who are accepted into the programme actually want to volunteer at the hospital and take the opportunity seriously,” Mrs Wright said.
“Signing up simply to acquire community service credit is a mistake.
“We expect our volunteers to put their phones away and focus on their assigned duties for the duration of each 3.5-hour shift. When a student is not engaged or uncooperative in a clinical environment, such as a hospital, it is the patients who ultimately suffer.”
Each new group of volunteers receives two weeks of training and before the managers try to match their assignments with their interests and career aspirations.
“The Bermuda Hospitals Board offers exposure to a vast number of career paths,” Mrs Wright said.
“In addition to the emergency department and the wards, there are opportunities for candy stripers to assist in the pharmacy, the chronic care unit, the dialysis unit, laundry, Pinks Café, The Barn and administrative departments such as human resources and public relations.”
Volunteering as a candy striper is a two-year commitment and, to meet the community service component of the programme, a student must complete a minimum of ten shifts each summer and ten shifts each school year, but the most engaged participants will manage to contribute more than 200 hours of their time.
Beyond simply providing community service, students participating in the programme learn what it is like to handle responsibility and honour their commitments. They also have the opportunity to interact and begin to forge relationships with fulltime staff members which can prove to be invaluable as they progress through their education and begin their careers.
“For the right student, and particularly if a child is shy, serving as a candy striper can help them develop much needed self-confidence,” Mrs Wright said.
“We even have service awards for the students who log the most hours and show true dedication to the programme.”
THE HOSPITALS AUXILIARY SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME
The Hospitals Auxiliary of Bermuda Scholarship Programme supports Bermudian students pursuing careers in healthcare, demonstrating the organisation’s commitment to fostering the next generation of medical professionals.
By providing financial assistance, mentorship opportunities and connections to the Bermuda Hospitals Board, the programme helps recipients ease the financial burden of education while gaining invaluable experience through summer programs and mentorships.
This initiative inspires and prepares students for careers in medicine, nursing, allied health and healthcare administration, contributing to Bermuda’s healthcare sector. Together with programmes like Candy Stripers, the HAB Scholarship Programme plays a vital role in nurturing a skilled and dedicated healthcare workforce to ensure the long-term well-being of Bermuda’s population.
ELIGIBILITY AND PREREQUISITES
To be eligible to receive an award, an applicant must be a Bermudian student who has completed at least two years of college or university and obtained a minimum grade point average of at least 3.0. They must also demonstrate a commitment to pursuing a career in healthcare or a related field.
To be considered, students must complete the online form on the BermudaScholarships.com website (and submit all required documentation). Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
Funding is available for a maximum of four years and recipients are required to work for the Bermuda Hospitals Board for two years for every year that they receive a scholarship award. In keeping with the BHB’s commitment to a drug-free workplace, substance abuse screening is mandatory for all successful scholarship recipients.
This year, there are two scholarships valued at up to $10,000 per annum available to outstanding students.
Volunteering as a candy striper with the Hospitals Auxiliary of Bermuda is a transformative experience that offers young Bermudians a unique opportunity to grow personally and professionally while making a meaningful contribution to their community.
By combining hands-on experience, mentorship and financial support, the Hospitals Auxiliary of Bermuda’s Candy Striper Programme ensures that today’s youth are empowered to build a brighter future for themselves and for the island’s healthcare system.
For more information on the Candy Stripers Programme, visit https://bermudahospitals.bm/volunteers/hospitals-auxiliary-of-bermuda-hab/
To apply for the HAB Scholarship Programme, visit https://www.BermudaScholarships.com
