Our volunteers play a vital role in hospice care. With generous love and compassion, volunteers provide added comfort to the care of the dying, a listening ear to the grieving family member and quality support to the hospice staff. If you are looking for an opportunity for hospice volunteering in Oklahoma, please consider joining our team.
Hospice volunteers come from all age groups and have a variety of cultural, social and professional backgrounds. One thing that all volunteers have in common is a desire to help where needed. When you choose to volunteer, no matter what you do, you will help provide quality care for hospice patients and families. By sharing your time and talents you can change a life.
Volunteering with terminally ill patients or the elderly toward the end of their lives is rewarding, but also emotionally challenging for some volunteers. Qualities important for being an effective hospice volunteer include good communication skills, a nonjudgmental attitude, reliability, flexibility and compassion. Volunteers may volunteer with our elderly patients or support younger patients during their end-of-life journey.
Applicants should be in good physical health, emotionally mature and willing to complete the necessary requirements to become a team member.
INTEGRIS Health Hospice volunteers are a diverse group including full time employees, homemakers, retirees and students. Many volunteers choose to help because it is their way of giving back for a kindness experienced within their lives. There are those volunteers who have recognized they have the gift of compassion, listening and working with the grieving. These volunteers are interested in exploring new life experiences.
Volunteers must be available three to four hours a week to provide hospice care. Important qualities to be an effective hospice volunteer include the following.
It is important that volunteers are comfortable talking about death and dying. They also need to be dedicated to their work as healthcare professionals.
Volunteers learn about the goals and philosophy of hospice care, hospice services, terminal illnesses, communication skills, physical care and emotional support, family relationships, grief and bereavement and safety precautions.
Volunteering with hospice is rewarding. Through the efforts of volunteers, hospice continues its important work. Hospice volunteers provide unique care and form close bonds with patients and caregivers. Training is free to those who are working to become a hospice volunteer.
Training required; time commitment of four hours a week when assigned to a patient
Training required; hours vary
Training required; hours vary
For more information call Amanda Blankenship, manager volunteer services at 405-848-8884 or e-mail [email protected].
