Lexington Medical Center has launched a new volunteer program for retired nurses.
Nightingales is a volunteer opportunity for retired nurses designed to improve patient safety by reducing falls, and to increase patient and staff satisfaction. This program is open to retirees from all fields of nursing. They help check clinical supplies throughout nursing units, assemble admission kits, keep stock of rooms to meet patient needs and spend time with patients.
“Nightingale volunteers are important members of our network of care,” said Ludmila Tsyplakova, DNP, RN, OCN, assistant director of Nursing. “They help our staff better serve patients and allow retired nurses to stay active in their communities while putting their valuable clinical experience to use.”
The program has proven to reduce patient falls and increase patient satisfaction since it piloted in early fall 2024. The number of falls on units decreased by half because of the Nightingales volunteer program, proving that these types of volunteers are important to prevent falls in high-risk patients.
“I love going the extra mile for patients — it feels like we really make a difference in the community we serve,” said Kim Oakley Masters, retired nurse practitioner and Nightingale volunteer.
LMC is currently looking for volunteers for this program. To serve as a Nightingale, contact Volunteer Services department at (803) 791-2573.
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