HOSPITAL RETIREE RETURNS TO THE JOB AS DEDICATED VOLUNTEER

When most people retire from a job, they're glad to sit back and take it easy. No so with Betty Heuring of Scott City.

After working 30 years as a nurse assistant at Southeast Missouri Hospital, Heuring returned the very next week as a volunteer.

Since her retirement in 1995, she has contributed more than 1,300 hours to the hospital.

"She's just a very versatile and valued volunteer," said Charlotte Sargent, director of volunteer services at Southeast. "She's just wonderful."

In addition to regular hours that she's scheduled to volunteer each week, Heuring often substitutes at the last minute. She typically works at least three nights a week as a volunteer.

Her knowledge of the hospital proves most valuable when she works the information desk in the hospital lobby.

"She's very helpful to people, and she'll go the extra mile," said Sargent. "When someone asks directions, she doesn't just point. She'll take people there."

Heuring also works with the pastoral care department and volunteers each month at the day-long Congenital Heart Defect Clinic.

About 20 to 30 people typically retire from the hospital each year, but it's rare that an employee returns to volunteer so many hours, Sargent said.

For Heuring, the reason is simple.

"I raised my children, and working at the hospital became a second family to me," she said. "It was hard to retire, and volunteering seemed a natural changeover."

In her spare time she enjoys crocheting, but she doesn't keep many of her works. Most of the doilies and afghans are donated to friends or fund raisers.

Heuring worked as a nurse assistant in the cancer center for many years.

In fact, one of her first volunteering jobs was to fill in for the person who had taken her job.

Heuring would recommend volunteering to others and often does.

"I just like giving my time," she said. "I really enjoy working with people. I know how I'd like to be treated if I were coming in, and I try to treat visitors the same way."

It's an attitude that visitors appreciate.

"Betty is a very conscientious person, dependable and sensitive," said Sargent. "Her presence is a fine example to employees of 'giving back' to the institution and community."