How Can I Volunteer? 

What kind of training do Hospice volunteers receive?

Training for Hospice volunteers is offered twice a year, and is required for all volunteers before assignments are made. It is an 18-hour class over six weeks. Daytime and evening sessions are available. This training involves a lot of discussion and valuable information that can be used in your work as a Hospice volunteer, as well as your personal life.

In fact, we encourage anyone interested in Hospice to take this class, even if you're undecided about committing to be a volunteer, because it is a good education on hospice issues.

Topics include:

• Hospice philosophy
• Attitudes toward death
• Communication skills
• Preparing for death at home
• Role of physicians
• Role of nurses
• Role of family services
• Role of spiritual care
• Role of volunteers
• Grief and bereavement

We ask our volunteers to:

• Make a commitment
• Attend training and monthly meetings
• Give at least one hour a week
• Be a good listener who is able to maintain confidentiality
• Be comfortable with diverse spiritual beliefs and lifestyles
• Have transportation available
• Not have experienced the death of a family member, or loss through divorce or separation, within the past year

Contact:

Hospice of Mercy Volunteer Program
Phone: (319) 398-6628
Email: tyouells@mercycare.org