Talbot Hospice Volunteer Training is a comprehensive event covering a multitude of hospice topics.
Volunteer Training
Talbot Hospice Volunteer Training includes a comprehensive 16 hour training which addresses a variety of end-of-life issues, including bereavement, the dying process, hands-on patient care and advance directives. Additional topics covered are hospice philosophy, attitudes and fears about death, spirituality, listening skills, setting boundaries, family dynamics, and cultural diversity.
Contact Megan Murray to register for training: mmurray@talbothospice.org, 410-822-6681 ext. 113
New Volunteer Training
For volunteers who work directly with patients and their families, 16 hours of training are required. Volunteer roles that do not involve direct patient contact require less training.
The following topics are included in this training ,which are state requirements:
- The purpose and philosophy of hospice care
- The role of the volunteer in hospice
- Concepts of death and dying
- Communication skills
- Care and comfort measures
- The physical, psychosocial, and spiritual issues related to death and dying
- Patient rights
- Confidentiality
- Bereavement
- Infection control
- Safety
- Stress management
Continuing Volunteer Annual Requirements
Volunteers must complete annual requirements each year that they are up-to-date with policies mandated by the state and federal government. Volunteers must complete the forms and return them to the Volunteer Coordinator in a timely manner in order to continue as a volunteer for the coming year. All volunteers must provide a copy of their driver’s license and proof of auto insurance.
In-Service Training
All volunteers who work directly with patients and families (patient care, companions, Doulas, cooks, receptionists, bereavement) are required to complete a minimum of one educational in-service a year. The purpose of in-service training is to augment the understanding of hospice work and to enhance one's work experience with patients and families.
In-service training topics are related to care giving, end-of-life issues, elder care, healthcare and disease. Past in-service training topics have included:
- Mindfulness: The Gift of Presence (techniques to develop awareness in volunteering)
- End-of-Life Resources (legal advice and resources for patients and families)
- Back Safety (safe techniques for lifting and assisting patients)
- What to Say, What Not to Say (strategies for the difficult questions and conversations that arise around illness and death)
In-service programs are planned by the Volunteer Coordinator All current volunteers will receive notification of upcoming educational presentations in advance.
Other Requirements
Those who drive on behalf of Talbot Hospice must provide a copy of their auto insurance liability limits and be current with Motor Vehicle Association regulations.
