Hospice Volunteer Training Course Checklist for Volunteer Managers

Checklist for Volunteer Managers

◻ Online Learning Module #1: Hospice History, Philosophy, Goals and Services

◻ Online Learning Module #2: Dying, Death, Grief and Loss

◻ Online Learning Module #3: Understanding Families, Family Systems and Family Dynamics

◻ Online Learning Module #4: Communication, Active Listening and Honoring Diversity

◻ Online Learning Module #5: The Nuts and Bolts of Hospice Volunteering

Topics and Materials to Review/Discuss with New Volunteers

◻ Mission and vision statements

◻ Agency specific philosophy of care and values

◻ Marketing materials: website, brochures, etc.

◻ Key messages used in outreach encounters, community activities and events

◻ Volunteer role in marketing and outreach

◻ Forms used for advance directives: Living Will, Health Care Surrogate/Proxy, Do Not Resuscitate

◻ Organizational chart, pointing out the lines of communication available to volunteers

◻ Volunteer program policies and procedures

◻ Additional agency policies and procedures that apply to volunteer duties and responsibilities

◻ Volunteer documentation forms, processes and requirements

◻ Additional agency learning resources: mentors, books, videos, support groups, inservice schedules, etc.

◻ Agency specific policies regarding procedures for volunteers to follow in an emergency and following the death of the patient

◻ Position descriptions with volunteer duties and responsibilities

◻ List and explain the components of your agency’s IDT meeting

◻ Volunteer role and responsibilities in care planning process

Suggested Additional Learning Activities for New Volunteers

◻ Role-play a conversation about end-of-life care with someone who does not know about hospice. Volunteer might first take on the role of the volunteer and the volunteer will play the role of a person who is unfamiliar with hospice. Then reverse roles in order to give the volunteer the opportunity to practice

◻ Arrange for the volunteer to Interview two IDT members and to learn various ways to maintain a healthy balance while working for hospice

◻ Arrange for the volunteer to attend an IDT meeting in order to for examples of how the IDT supports patient/family choices and resolves “problems” as they occur and to observe interactions roles, interactions and collaboration between team members

◻ Provide volunteer with practice scenarios regarding when and how to share important information with the team

◻ Tour hospice service sites

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