Hospice InternAt — VNAcare Hospice
The intern will be matched with hospice patients to provide services/interventions such as: socialization, companionship, support and the opportunity for life review. Intern can also help with various administrative tasks (e.g., phone calls, scanning). Intern can help coordinator the launch of the Remembrance Bear program (volunteers who sew will be recruited and trained to create teddy bears and pillows for family members from their deceased loved ones' articles of clothing. Knitters will also be recruited to create fidget blankets for our patients who have dementia). They can also assist in our Bereavement Department (updating our resource lists, assisting with support groups, etc.) This is an enriching opportunity for anyone interested in a career in social services, healthcare, mental health, etc. It also provides one with valuable insight and education regarding the end of life, and the various ways it impacts individuals and families.
Students who intern with our hospice gain a greater understanding of what patients, family members and caregivers experience during this sacred time in an individual's life. They hone their skills in active listening, conveying empathy and engaging individuals with various interests and character. They also learn about dementia, and ways to interact with and comfort people with various levels of cognitive decline. They will also gain an understanding of the various challenges faced by caregivers. They will learn about grief and bereavement, and various ways to support people as they anticipate the end of life, or that of their loved one. They will learn how to validate patients' and family members' feelings, and provide them with an opportunity for valuable life review. If they work on the Remembrance Bear program they will gain experience in launching a program within an organization.
Volunteer Coordinator will provide onboarding as well as ongoing training.
The students will be trained regarding infection control (e.g. handwashing protocols).
They will meet with the Volunteer Coordinator for an in-person interview, and will complete onboarding paperwork. They will be asked for copies of their driver's license and auto insurance. They will speak on the phone with a nurse practitioner for their health evaluation, and will be sent to a clinic in their area for a PPD (TB) test. VNA will run a background check.
| Hours | Duration |
|---|---|
| 40+ | hours per placement |