At a Glance
- Tasks: Support patients and families, ensuring a positive experience in the hospice.
- Company: Cornwall Hospice, a caring healthcare charity dedicated to terminal illness support.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, training, and reimbursement for expenses.
- Other info: Join a supportive team and receive comprehensive training.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Empathy, good communication skills, and a commitment to patient care.
Cornwall Hospice is a 24/7 Cornish healthcare charity that provides specialist support for people with terminal illnesses. Our clinical teams support in and out patients and their families at Mount Edgcumbe Hospice in St Austell, St Julia’s Hospice in Hayle and in Cornwall’s hospitals, care homes and in the community. Most patients come into our units because they are having a difficult time with particular symptoms or because of the overall impact of their illness. Our Hospice Ward Volunteers are integral to the care offered at the hospice. They bring a breadth of experience, skill and ability to all areas of hospice care.
What does a Hospice Ward Volunteer do?
The role of the Hospice Ward Volunteer is to support the structure and organisation of the In-Patient Unit to ensure that every patient and their family members have a positive experience. Volunteers play a vital role in helping patients feel cared about, comfortable and relaxed. There are number of specific responsibilities within the volunteer remit. These may vary in relation to the needs of each patient and the shift time.
- Ensuring our handover sheet is updated with ward staff.
- Refreshing patients drinking water and providing clean glasses.
- Making tea and coffee for the patients and their visitors.
- Collecting trays and dishes when meals are finished.
- Replenishing stock, ensuring patients’ crockery and cutlery are available in our ward kitchen.
- Checking and preparing trays for serving drinks.
- Tending flowers around the Hospice including those in patients’ rooms.
- Chatting with patients and their relatives.
- Tidying the concourse area and relatives’ room ensuring there are supplies of fresh milk, tea, coffee and sugar.
Preferably weekly or fortnightly:
- Morning shift 9.00 – 1.00
- Afternoon shift 1.00 (or 2.00) – 5.00
- Evening shift 5.00 – 7.00
Volunteers will also be asked to attend meetings or training where appropriate.
Essential skills and qualities:
- Be able to listen and empathise.
- Sensitive to the needs of those affected by terminal illnesses.
- Ability to deal with complex, sensitive and emotionally challenging situations.
- Good telephone manner.
- Courteous, friendly and approachable.
- Possess good interpersonal and communication skills.
- Be able to cope in a sometimes busy environment.
- Enjoy meeting and dealing with a variety of people.
- Be able to work effectively in a team.
- Have a good understanding of confidentiality.
- Have a good understanding of personal and professional boundaries.
- Sense of humour.
- Commitment to the ethos of Cornwall Hospice.
Induction and Training:
All new volunteers are asked to attend an induction session which includes the code of conduct, health and safety processes, confidentiality policies, fire evacuation procedures, Infection prevention and control measures as well as other important and relevant Hospice information and core training. Volunteers will also be expected to complete mandatory training sessions and relevant courses to keep up to date with organisational and legal regulation changes. There is a requirement that the volunteer maintains regular contact with the Volunteer Services team, and takes responsibility for communication regarding their role and responsibilities and links into all relevant volunteer programs (induction, meetings, training sessions etc.)
What you can expect from Cornwall Hospice:
- To be valued and respected
- To receive appropriate induction and training
- To have adequate support and supervision
- To have a safe working environment
- To be reimbursed for reasonable out of pocket expenses
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and references:
As you’ll be volunteering in our hospices, this position is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check at Standard Level. Volunteers will also be required to provide 2 references and attend an interview.
Hospice ward volunteer in Hayle employer: CORNWALL HOSPICE CARE
Cornwall Hospice is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and compassionate work environment for volunteers dedicated to making a difference in the lives of patients with terminal illnesses. With comprehensive training and ongoing support, volunteers are empowered to develop their skills while contributing to a meaningful cause in the beautiful setting of Cornwall. The culture at Cornwall Hospice fosters respect, teamwork, and a sense of community, ensuring that every volunteer feels valued and appreciated.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Hospice ward volunteer in Hayle
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Cornwall Hospice vibe! Spend some time understanding their mission and values. This will help you connect with the team during your interview and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your listening skills! As a Hospice Ward Volunteer, you'll need to be sensitive to patients' needs. Try role-playing with friends or family to get comfortable with empathetic communication.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to share your experiences! Think about times when you've helped others or dealt with challenging situations. This will help you demonstrate your interpersonal skills and commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're proactive and keen to join the Cornwall Hospice team!
We think you need these skills to ace Hospice ward volunteer in Hayle
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for helping others shine through. We want to see why you care about supporting patients and their families during such a challenging time.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role of Hospice Ward Volunteer. Highlight any relevant experience or skills that align with the responsibilities mentioned in the job description.
Be Genuine:We appreciate authenticity! Share personal stories or experiences that have shaped your understanding of terminal illnesses and how they impact patients and families. This will help us connect with you on a deeper level.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this rewarding opportunity at Cornwall Hospice.
How to prepare for a job interview at CORNWALL HOSPICE CARE
✨Understand the Role
Before your interview, take some time to really understand what being a Hospice Ward Volunteer involves. Familiarise yourself with the specific responsibilities mentioned in the job description, like supporting patients and their families, and think about how your skills align with these tasks.
✨Show Empathy and Sensitivity
During the interview, be prepared to discuss how you would handle sensitive situations. Share examples from your past experiences where you've shown empathy and understanding, especially in challenging environments. This will demonstrate that you can connect with patients and their families effectively.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare a few thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer about the role and the organisation. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you understand more about the team dynamics and the support you'll receive as a volunteer.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
Highlight your ability to work well in a team during the interview. Share examples of how you've collaborated with others in previous roles or volunteer positions. This is crucial for a role that requires working closely with clinical teams and other volunteers.
