In my last post, I said I’d follow up on what the Hosparus/Hospice training was like. Hospice offers two types of training based on the role you wish to assume. The first type is a more specialized daylong training session provided to those volunteers who will be working directly with patients and their families. You’re instructed on the rules and procedures with assisting with patient care and some of the more common situations you should expect.
Since my grandfather passed earlier in the year, I’m not able to interact directly with patient care so it was part of the more abbreviated half-day session for me. This is the second type of training in which the director thoroughly explains the rules of confidentiality and respect, and sets the expectations of volunteering for the organization.
We reviewed several forms and went through the volunteer handbook. All of this was done in a very thoughtful professional way, including a very well done and thought provoking video of how Hosparus/Hospice assists patients. The video had several interviews with former patients discussing what Hospice meant to them.
It was definitely not a feel good video, but it left you feeling very proud of what each volunteer brings to the team and appreciating what a huge impact they have with helping patients finish their lives with care and dignity. There’s no way you could watch this video and not identify with the importance of the program. I found myself feeling very fortunate for what I have and the life I live.
One of the interesting things the director mentioned was the longevity of the volunteers supporting the program. Several folks have been helping out from five to 10 years. They often transition into multiple roles as their interests change. This is very unusual for a volunteer organization since charities usually experience high turnover and limited flexibility of choices in supporting roles. I was glad to hear this since I tend to like variety and different challenges and I’m pretty open to help out where I can.
I finished my training and left the office feeling good knowing I had made the right decision to volunteer. I’m waiting to be contacted for volunteer opportunities, but I’ll probably help out with event planning, the thrift store or public speaking. I think I can add the most value in one of these areas, but we’ll see what comes up. I’ll cover that in my next post.
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DISCLAIMER ALERT: The ideas expressed in this post came out of my own head, were researched by my own eyes and were expressed by my own hands. They are not intended to serve as medical advice in any way, shape or form. And they do not reflect the views of Humana Inc. or any of its subsidiaries. I take full responsibility if you think this post is awesome or not awesome.
In my last post, I had taken my first step in volunteering for Hosparus and had scheduled my interview and training session. I have to admit that when my appointment came around I experienced a mix of apprehension and excitement. On one hand, I was really excited to have the opportunity to help out, but I also had mixed feelings thinking back to the times in my life when Hosparus helped my dad and grandfather.
I couldn’t help but think of those things as I was sitting in my car getting ready to go in and try to make a good first impression. I probably sat in front of the building for 10 minutes or so collecting my thoughts and just having one of those self-reflective moments we have prior to doing something worth doing.
The Hosparus group is housed in a well-maintained building from the early 1900s. When I entered the building, I was greeted by a friendly staff working away on older equipment. I hate to see such good work being done on older equipment, but it also let me immediately know the funds and monies raised were going to where they do the most good. It helped affirm my decision to help out.
My initial interview went well and I submitted all my information for the necessary background check, etc. The director was extremely nice and we had a pleasant discussion about all the opportunities for me to assist. Since my grandfather passed earlier in the year I’m not able to interact directly with patient care, but I’m OK with that for now. There are several open spots I can help out in such as administrative work, the thrift store, special event planning and even public speaking.
In my next post, I’ll go over the training and tell a little more about the process of determining which volunteer role to pursue.
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DISCLAIMER ALERT: The ideas expressed in this post came out of my own head, were researched by my own eyes and were expressed by my own hands. They are not intended to serve as medical advice in any way, shape or form. And they do not reflect the views of Humana Inc. or any of its subsidiaries. I take full responsibility if you think this post is awesome or not awesome.
“Max you’ve got a great life and it’s time to give something back.” I’ve been telling myself this for a few months now and I’m ready to take action. I previously did some community service and volunteerism, but over the past few years I’ve been busy completing my MBA and really haven’t had time to become involved in any of the agencies I believe in. The degree is completed. The family is in as good as shape as can be expected. Like everyone else, I’m concerned about the economy, but I’m going to keep my head up, keep moving forward and do the right thing.
There really are a lot of solid options for volunteering in our area. I thought about all the different agencies that are out there, but I finally decided on contacting the one that has made the biggest difference in both my life and that of my family when we needed it … I decided to contact Hosparus (formerly Hospice of Southern Indiana) and see if they needed any assistance.
I have to admit I was a little nervous making the initial call, not knowing what I was getting myself into. I spoke with Vonya, the volunteers’ director, and soon became very at ease with the possibilities. We’ve set a time for me to come in and do the initial training and learn more about what I can do to help out. I’ll continue to share what I find out and experience with you.
Popularity: 5% [?]
DISCLAIMER ALERT: The ideas expressed in this post came out of my own head, were researched by my own eyes and were expressed by my own hands. They are not intended to serve as medical advice in any way, shape or form. And they do not reflect the views of Humana Inc. or any of its subsidiaries. I take full responsibility if you think this post is awesome or not awesome.
