Volunteers - Volunteers that provide patient care and support services according

Volunteers - Volunteers that provide patient care and support services according to their experience and training must be in compliance with agency policies, and under the supervision of a designated hospice employee. 1. Qualifications – Volunteers who are qualified to provide professional services must meet all standards associated with their specialty area. 2. Responsibilities - The volunteer shall: a. Provide assistance to the hospice program, and/or patient/family in accordance with designated assignments; b. Provide input into the plan of care and interdisciplinary group meetings, as appropriate; c. Document services provided as trained and instructed by the hospice agency; d. Maintain strict patient/family confidentiality; and e. Communicate any changes or observations to the assigned supervisor. 3. Training – The volunteers must receive appropriate documented training which shall include at a minimum: a. An introduction to hospice; b. The role of the volunteer in hospice; c. Concepts of death and dying; d. Communication skills; e. Care and comfort measures; f. Diseases and medical conditions; g. Psychosocial and spiritual issues related to death and dying; h. The concept of the hospice family; i. Stress management; j. Bereavement; k. Infection control; l. Safety; m. Confidentiality; n. Patient rights; o. The role of the IDT; and p. Additional supplemental training for volunteers working in specialized program (i.e. Nursing homes, AIDS facilities).