Hospice CompanionAt — Graceland Hospice Care

Position Overview: We are currently seeking compassionate and empathetic interns to join our team as Hospice Companion Intern. As a Hospice Companion Intern, you will have the unique opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our patients and their families by offering companionship, emotional support, and a comforting presence during their end-of-life journey.

Responsibilities:

• Visit assigned hospice patients in the hospice centers, or healthcare facilities on a regular basis.
• Engage in heartfelt conversations and provide active listening to patients, creating a supportive and empathetic environment.
• Offer companionship, read books, play music, or engage in activities that bring comfort and joy to the patient.
• Respect and honor the patient's beliefs, values, and cultural preferences, ensuring sensitivity and inclusivity.
• Work closely with the hospice care team, including nurses and social workers, to coordinate support for the patient and their family.
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to all HIPAA guidelines while interacting with patients and their families.
• Attend periodic training sessions to enhance your skills in end-of-life care and bereavement support.

Qualifications:

• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Possess genuine compassion, empathy, and a sincere desire to make a positive impact on the lives of others.
• Excellent communication and active listening skills.
• Respectful, patient, and understanding of the unique challenges faced by hospice patients and their families.
• Ability to maintain emotional boundaries and cope with difficult emotions in a healthy manner.
• Reliable and committed to fulfilling internship responsibilities.

Time Commitment: Internship schedules are flexible and can be tailored to fit individual availability. 

Benefits:

• Fulfillment from making a meaningful difference in the lives of hospice patients and their families.
• Training and ongoing support in end-of-life care and bereavement support.
• The opportunity to be part of a compassionate team of healthcare professionals and volunteers.
• Letters of recommendation and recognition for your valuable contribution to the community.
• Earn Internship hours

Tasks:

Work closely with the hospice care team, including nurses and social workers, to coordinate support for the patient and their family.
Visit assigned hospice patients in the hospice centers, or healthcare facilities on a regular basis.
Engage in heartfelt conversations and provide active listening to patients, creating a supportive and empathetic environment.
Offer companionship, read books, play music, or engage in activities that bring comfort and joy to the patient.
Respect and honor the patient's beliefs, values, and cultural preferences, ensuring sensitivity and inclusivity.

Training:

Graceland Internship Orientation
One on One Scheduled mentor meetings
Job Shadowing

Learning outcomes:

Empathy and Active Listening Skills: Develop the ability to empathize with hospice patients and their families, actively listening to their emotions, fears, and concerns with sensitivity and compassion. Learn how to provide a supportive presence, validating their feelings, and creating a safe space for open communication.

Cultural Competence in End-of-Life Care: Gain an understanding of the diverse cultural, religious, and spiritual backgrounds of hospice patients and how to respect and honor their beliefs and practices. Learn to provide culturally competent care and support that meets the individual needs and preferences of each patient.

Emotional Resilience and Coping Strategies: Develop emotional resilience and coping strategies to navigate the emotional challenges that may arise while providing companionship and support to individuals in hospice care. Learn self-care techniques to manage emotional stress and maintain well-being.