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Patient Support Volunteers work directly with the paid staff in
providing patient care. They are a vital part of the
interdisciplinary approach that hospice care provides. Patient
support volunteers are special people who assist staff in meeting the
needs of our patients and their families. The volunteer's role is
generally that of a listener, but they may also spend time visiting,
reading to the patient, running errands, writing letters or helping in
any way which is mutually agreeable. A typical time commitment is
about 2-4 hours a week, but the actual amount can vary depending on the
needs of the patient and family.
Patient Support Volunteers are required to
undergo an five week training program before they begin working with
patients. Classes are held once a week and each class is three hours long. The series
includes instruction in hospice philosophy, concepts of death and dying,
communication, the dying process, AIDS/HIV and universal precautions,
and grief and bereavement. Individuals completing the course will have
the opportunity to serve WWCH as a Patient Support Volunteer, although a
commitment to volunteer is not required to participate in the
class. Advance application and registration is required.
Volunteer training is usually held twice per year.
Volunteer Training
September 22, 29, October 6, 20, 27, 2008
5:30 - 8:30 pm
Required course for anyone wishing to be a patient care volunteer.
Walla Walla Community Hospice Office
1067 E. Isaacs
Advance application and registration is required.
Call 525-5561 or email to phyllis@wwhospice.org.
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