| About the Position | |
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| Position # | 4821 |
| Organization | Guelph General Hospital |
| Position | Hospital Elder Life Program Volunteer (HELP) |
| Location | 115 Delhi St |
| Impact Statement | Thank you for your interest in volunteering at Guelph General Hospital (GGH). Please plan ahead and apply several months before you hope to begin volunteering. The process to become a volunteer has several steps, which take approximately 6-8 weeks to complete after a successful interview. These steps are in place to ensure that each volunteer is safe to be in a hospital environment and has the appropriate training for each volunteer role. |
| Description |
Purpose of Volunteer Role: Most of the people at the hospital are experiencing stress as a result of their own or a loved one’s injury or illness. The primary purpose of the HELP volunteer is to do his/her best to provide a positive experience for patients while they are enrolled in the HELP program. The most effective way to do this is by focusing on the patient and completing the responsibilities outlined in the volunteer position description. Requirements to Volunteer: o Complete interview o Provide two written references o Applicants 19 years of age and older must submit a current (dated within 6 months of application) Vulnerable Sector Check after a successful interview o Updated immunization information and 2 step TB test o Purchase uniform and obtain ID badge o Sign and agree to uphold the confidentiality policy of Guelph General Hospital o Complete orientation and training o Attend HELP specific training and clinical shadowing Physical Requirements: o Strength to assist pushing a wheelchair. o Endurance to do lots of walking within department and hospital wide. o Ability to bend and preform minimal lifting Emotional Requirements: o Emotionally mature o Ability to focus on the needs of the patients/family/friends and to be empathetic o Ability to display tact and discretion o Able to stay calm when dealing with anxious patients/family members Qualifications o Excellent customer service skills and positive attitude o Excellent communication skills, including verbal and written English o Outgoing, friendly and perceptive personality o Willing to take the initiative to get things done, yet able to follow instructions o Caring and compassionate o Previous healthcare provider preferred o Minimum age - 18 Commitment: o one shift a week for 3 hours o minimum commitment of one year or Sept-April for post-secondary students. o follow the instructions on the schedule if you if you are not able to come in for your scheduled shift. o If you are going to be away for more than 4 weeks, apply to the Director, Volunteer Resources for a leave of absence. o Volunteers are not required to come in on any statutory holidays o After 4 missed shifts commitment level will be reviewed Responsibilities: o Sign in and out on Volunteer Touch Screen Sign in System. This is for health and safety/information purposes. Read all notices on the bulletin boards in the volunteer sign in room o Go to the HELP Resource room and review your shift assignment o Wash your hands upon entering patient room, and assist patient in washing their hands before and after any activity o Familiarize yourself with the activity assigned, get needed supplies and present the activity enthusiastically. Encourage participation; be positive. o Engage patient in their therapeutic activity for at least 10 minutes each shift. Offer them every opportunity to show you how to perform the activity. o Volunteers will create a friendly environment by providing support, encouragement and companionship, but also provide specific assistance in 5 volunteer interventions - Orientation- Reorienting patient to time, date and place as assigned - Feeding Assistance- meal assistance and companionship - Early Mobilization- assistance with walking and simple exercises - Therapeutic Activities- activities to keep patients mentally stimulated during hospital stay - Relaxation/Sleep Enhancement- provide a variety of relaxation exercises to promote sleep o Record observations on Volunteer Assignment sheet o Inform Elder Life Specialist or Nursing staff of any concerns or changes in patients condition Benefits: o Assisting older adults in their recovery/treatment process o Great resume experience o Free parking o Free beverage on your shift o Opportunity for ongoing educational/training sessions Safety Responsibilities All employees and volunteers are responsible for demonstrating their responsibility and commitment to patient and staff safety by complying with all Guelph General Hospital policies and procedures related to staff and patient safety, including the identification of near misses or actual incidents where patient or staff safety are at risk. Examples include, but are not limited to: Incident reporting of all workplace injuries, occupational illness and/or exposures to your Director and Employee Health Services Actively following Infection Control and Practice guidelines, including hand hygiene practices, routine practices i.e. utilizing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) Practicing WHMIS safety guidelines Adhering to the professional standards of your applicable college/licensing body/registration or professional association Familiarity with the Health and Safety policies such as Safe Footwear Policy, Fingernail Policy, Latex Policy, Scent Reduction Policy and Smart Moves policies Completing all mandatory eLearning Complying with Respirator Mast Fit regulation Volunteer Association Mission Statement Guelph General Hospital Volunteers are dedicated to patient centered care by providing non-medical support and services for patients, staff, and visitors in a positive environment. We will ensure all of our activities and interactions are done with a spirit of compassion, cooperation, teamwork and respect. Volunteer Association Vision Statement We will be recognized as people helping people, making a difference to those around us. For Health and Safety Reasons, regardless of past experiences or comfort levels, volunteers: o Do not do any task that is not listed in the volunteer position description o Do not assist any patient who is in a medical or physical crisis. Get a staff member immediately. o Do not touch used sharps (ie: needles, scissors, scalpels etc.) – it is the staff’s responsibility to dispose of these o Do not clean dirty suture trays – this is a health and safety risk to you o Do not remove soiled (i.e.: bodily fluids) linen from stretchers o Do not handle blood or any bodily fluids o Do not move, transfer or lift patients o Do not perform CPR or any other medical procedures o Do not clean up after patients or clean equipment o Do not move a patient’s car |
| Required Information | References Required |
| Training Details | Training and orientation provided by GGH staff |
| Working Conditions |
Responsibilities: o Sign in and out on Volunteer Touch Screen Sign in System. This is for health and safety/information purposes. Read all notices on the bulletin boards in the volunteer sign in room o Go to the HELP Resource room and review your shift assignment o Wash your hands upon entering patient room, and assist patient in washing their hands before and after any activity o Familiarize yourself with the activity assigned, get needed supplies and present the activity enthusiastically. Encourage participation; be positive. o Engage patient in their therapeutic activity for at least 10 minutes each shift. Offer them every opportunity to show you how to perform the activity. o Volunteers will create a friendly environment by providing support, encouragement and companionship, but also provide specific assistance in 5 volunteer interventions - Orientation- Reorienting patient to time, date and place as assigned - Feeding Assistance- meal assistance and companionship - Early Mobilization- assistance with walking and simple exercises - Therapeutic Activities- activities to keep patients mentally stimulated during hospital stay - Relaxation/Sleep Enhancement- provide a variety of relaxation exercises to promote sleep o Record observations on Volunteer Assignment sheet o Inform Elder Life Specialist or Nursing staff of any concerns or changes in patients condition |
| Minimum Duration | More than 1 year |
| Timing | Weekday - Daytime, Weekday - Evening, Weekend - Daytime, Weekend - Evening |
| Time Detail | Monday – Sunday (10-1pm, 1-4pm, 4-7pm) |
| Age | 18+ |
| Ideal for | An Individual, Older Adults/Seniors, Couples |
| Transportation | Car required |
| Accessibility | Wheelchair accessible entrance, Wheelchair accessible washroom, Designated accessible parking space |
| Area(s) of Interest | Caring Support, Healthcare , Life Skills and Accessibility |
| Skill(s) | Interpersonal Communication, Written Communication, Verbal Communication, Motivate Others, Accountability, Empathy |
| How to Apply | |
| Website | http://www.gghorg.ca |
| Application File: | |
| Send an Email Message | |
| Contact | Britt Vandriel |
| Phone | P: 519-837-6440 Ext. 2398 |
| Address | 115 Delhi St Guelph, N1E 4J4 |