PURPOSE / ACTIVITY SUMMARY:
Individual volunteers will visit patients in the hospital as identified by staff and coordinators. Visits are casual in nature, offering companionship, emotional support and assistance.
SKILLS REQUIRED:
Volunteers require good listening skills, patience, compassion, and to have completed the training required for this position.
POSITION PARAMETERS:
• Public relations are everyone’s responsibility. Always smile and greet patients, residents, visitors and staff.
• Hand washing is the most effective means to stop the spread of illness. Wash your hands before starting your service and after you have finished.
• If symptomatic of any illness please do not visit the hospital.
• Volunteers should not engage in or advise on any medical treatments or procedures. Also, patients should not be moved without approval of nursing staff. Volunteers are not to engage in conversations surrounding politics, religion, or MAID.
• Time commitment could range from 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the patient.
DUTIES:
Duties vary depending on the situation, and can include reading to the patient, showing pictures, playing cards, listening to stories, telling stories, playing music, listening to music and any other activity that facilitates a pleasant visit.
Volunteers are required to report their volunteering hours to Wendy at the Hospice office each month.
Volunteers are encouraged to communicate with coordinators regarding questions or concerns regarding visits.
