A Personal Inventory

As a Hospice Volunteer, I am here to:

provide support and actively listen …. not to work miracles.
help people discover what they feel….not to make their feelings go away.
discuss steps with people, not to take the steps for them.
help people discover their own strength…not to rescue them and leave them more vulnerable.
help people discover that they can help themselves….not to take responsibility for them.
walk with not for our clients.

Is Hospice Right for Me?

Dutch Day Volunteer Services are an integral component of Hospice programs.

In considering whether Hospice Volunteering is a service you want to give at this time, please consider the ideas expressed below:

I have an interest in the Hospice concept, and have the desire to help others. I have some awareness of what is drawing me to Hospice work, and am willing to explore this in depth.
I am willing to commit myself to the training and to the Volunteer responsibilities that follow, and to gaining an understanding of the standards and policies of the Hospice program.
I am aware of the losses I have experienced, and my way of grieving, and have a sense of perspective about life and death, loss and grief.
As I may be called on to work in a variety of areas and perform many different tasks, self-reliance, flexibility and adaptability are assets. Realistic awareness of your own strengths and weaknesses, and the ability to set limits are important.
I enjoy working as part of a team, and am willing to explore ways of supporting and being supported by other team members. I am dedicated to my own growth and on-going learning. My personal strengths will likely include warmth, concern for people, sense of humour, approachability.
I am open to others who may have different values, beliefs, ways of living. I am able to listen well, and to validate others where they are, rather than where I might believe they should be.
I am sensitive to the special needs of dying patients and their families, and have chosen to work to support them.
I am not bringing personal agendas or "missions" to my Hospice work, and understand that our work is not to change people, but to be with them where they are.

Ron If you have experienced a significant personal loss within the past year, one which you are still actively grieving, please consider carefully your present ability to take on a demanding training program. This work can intensify your own grief. We will review each applicant individually in this regard.

As working at a Hospice can be stressful at times, it is important that you have good supports and ways of taking care of yourself, meeting change and the unexpected with ease.

If you feel Hospice is the right place to volunteer, please download the application form to fill out and mail back to us.

For more information, please call the Hospice at (780) 413-9801 or send us an email.