Volunteer Internships

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Title: Hospice Intern/volunteer Reports

To: Volunteer Coordinator (Dusty Wadkins)

Job Summary: Hospice volunteers play a vital role in the overall operation of Bristol Hospice.

Volunteers provide assistance not only to patients and their families but to the Hospice team as well. The most important requirement for hospice volunteering is a willingness to help.

The volunteer coordinator can work with the volunteers to find opportunities best suited to their interests and skills. Volunteers may work closely with hospice patients, however, volunteers do not administer medications or perform any nursing duties.

Qualifications:

1. An understanding of the operations and history of hospice.

2. A willingness to connect with and assist people who are terminally ill as well as their families.

3. The ability to keep an open line of communication with the volunteer coordinator.

4. The ability to be an active and engaged listener.

5. Dependability

6. Having care and concern for others

7. The ability to cast judgment aside and keep an open mind.

8. The desire to be a part of a team.

Responsibilities and Duties: Attend the following trainings:

1. Attend orientation Hospice 101: what makes a care team and how you fit.

2. Attend individualized meetings to set goals/define your experiences.

3. Understanding ethical documentation. Direct Patient Care Volunteer

Position Duties:

1. Assist patients with errands or household tasks using empathy and compassion

2. Share interests or hobbies, prioritize human connection.

3. Provide companionship to the patient or the patient’s family.

4. Provide respite to the caregiver by staying with the patient.

5. Provide indirect support to the patient and the families.

6. Document accurate volunteer hours and descriptions.

7. Resident engagement and staff support

8. Creating patient resources

9. Reflect and discuss with the care team full spectrum observations regarding psycho-social support experiences.

Administrative Support Volunteer Duties:

1. Perform clerical duties in the hospice office.

2. Complete special projects as assigned to include research, outreach, communication, accountability to commitments, brainstorming, setting goals, creating action plans, and following through.

3. Assist with the bereavement program by mailing letters/cards, and making phone calls.

4. Assist volunteer coordinator or hospice office team with general tasks.

5. Creating and utilizing public relation materials.

Examples of Possible Volunteer Tasks or Activities:

1. Answering phone calls.

2. Filing.

3. Data entry.

4. Assisting with patient and family mailings.

5. Completing projects assigned by the volunteer coordinator.

6. Reading to patients.

7. Preparing simple meals.

8. Taking care of a patient's pet.

9. Running Bingo games.

10. Assisting patients with technology.

11. Playing board or card games with patients.

12. Creating patient resources and resource planning

Volunteer Requirements:

1. Completion of Bristol Hospice Volunteer Orientation.

2. Practice safety and good hygiene.

3. When in doubt, call hospice.

4. Submit volunteer notes for each activity done, with accurate mileage and volunteer descriptions.

5. Must be able to comply with HIPAA regulations and requirements, especially regarding patient information.

6. Must provide Bristol Hospice with a valid driver’s license and insurance if driving to opportunities.

7. Punctuality to both direct patient care and administrative opportunities.

Work Environment:

1. Volunteer opportunities may take place in a patient’s residence, a nursing or assisted living home, a hospital, or the Hospice office.

For any questions or concerns, contact Volunteer Coordinator

Dusty Wadkins at (541)303-4928.