Karen Nolan: A WakeMed Volunteer Story

Young, ambitious and determined to succeed, Karen Nolan began volunteering at WakeMed in high school. She felt the role had prestige — a large hospital system, a position working directly with patients. She was confident it would make her a standout applicant to college admissions boards.

"I was a junior volunteer with the 'Friendly Face Cart,' visiting patients, handing out gifts and aiming to brighten their day."

The Stressors of Youth

At first, she found volunteerism yet another stressor in her young life, but she kept visiting patients, resolute to do the job well. 

Karen's smile, however, hid her true feelings. Behind her tranquil disguise, she was a bundle of nerves, overwhelmed by the pressures of being a high school senior.

I often wondered what I was going to do with my life. What career spoke to me? I also had daily concerns, including 'If I would pass my upcoming calculus test.'"

Navigating the terrain of teen and young adult angst — high school graduation, college, clinicals and licensing exams — Karen met each stressor with an unrelenting drive to succeed, finding her purpose, learning a lot and even making great memories along the way. 

"I couldn't tell you anything about calculus anymore," Karen laughs. "Worries of college admissions are a distant memory. But, if I could ease any of the numerous anxieties of the me from back then, I would tell her not to worry about figuring out a career. I would tell her she was set up for success by the incredible opportunity to volunteer at WakeMed."

More Than Just a Volunteer Role

Initially, Karen saw her junior volunteer role as simply delivering handcrafted items. Soon, she discovered what patients truly craved — a vulnerable, authentic human connection. 

"People wanted someone to stop, sit for while and be emotionally present."

Karen found that instead of spending a couple of minutes in a patient room to do a quick drop off, she lingered as they shared about their day, their lives, their worries — or even the cafeteria food. Slowly, her own shield of perfection dropped as she entered a space of safe vulnerability.

"I began to notice something," Karen reflects. "Even a short visit could completely change the tone of someone’s day. It turned out the "friendly face cart" wasn’t really about the cart of items at all. It was about the friendly face. That experience stuck with me."

These interactions transformed how Karen saw health care. She understood that medicine was not just diagnosing and treating physical problems; it was also being present for people during hard times. That realization played a huge role in her decision to become a surgical services operating room nurse.

A Career Built on Compassion

"My day-to-day looks different now. Instead of pushing around the friendly face cart, I'm pushing case carts full of sterile equipment or pushing the multi-million dollar Da Vinci surgical robot, so I drive a little more carefully," Karen chuckles. "Plus, instead of discussing the cafeteria menu, I help prepare patients for surgery — no food allowed."

Her college education equipped her to do her job. Her volunteer role prepared her to do it with compassion. 

"My training as a volunteer remains with me every single day." 

In the hustle, bustle and sterile environment of the operating room, she remembers that human moments matter. Answering a question or providing reassurance before anesthesia — make a huge difference during a scary and vulnerable time.

That is the reason WakeMed onboards so many volunteers. Volunteers do more than fill roles — they provide patients comfort and reassurance. They step into rooms where people are experiencing one of the hardest days of their lives and bring normalcy, kindness, comfort, warmth and smiles — not because they have to interact with patients but because they want to.

"The human connection is just as powerful as anything we do clinically," Karen offers. "Looking back, I can say with confidence that volunteering changed the direction of my life. It showed me what health care looks like beyond textbooks and TV shows. It gave me confidence, perspective and purpose."

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About Volunteer Services

It takes a special person to be a volunteer, and we're glad that you've chosen to share your time and talents with the patients and staff at WakeMed. The time you spend here as a volunteer benefits the entire community. As a volunteer, your role is one of ambassador, liaison and educator for patients, families, visitors and the public. WakeMed and its patients have been fortunate to have strong volunteer support from the community since 1961, and we believe that volunteers are a vital element in our effort to provide quality care for our patients. Countless hours as well as dollars have been contributed by dedicated volunteers and their families over the years. We have room for you too to give back to the hospital, patients and your community. We will work with you so that your service to the community through the Volunteer Services department is a fulfilling, rewarding and enjoyable experience.