Patient Services Team (St. Joseph Hospital)

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The Patient Services Team volunteer will help to make hospitalization a more pleasant experience by providing personal attention to the patients in an unhurried manner and to relieve the nursing staff by performing various duties.

Below is a guideline of duties to be performed while the volunteer is on the unit. Unit supervisors may amend these guidelines as appropriate.

When you arrive on the unit, check to see if the dietary trays have been delivered. If they have not, assist each patient with hand washing with soap, water and a warm washcloth prior to eating.
When the trays are delivered, visit each patient to make sure he/she can reach the tray. Offer to open any containers or unwrap silverware.
Assist with the collection of the trays.
Visit each patient again after the trays are collected. Take your time with each patient. Many patients may be lonely and could benefit from some companionship. Offer services such as:
o 'Can I get you a book or magazine to read?'
o 'Can I get you anything from the gift shop?'
o 'Would you like a newspaper?'
o 'Can I help you with anything?'
o 'Can I get you anything?'
o If the patient will be discharged today, offer to help the patient gather his or her items together.
When the volunteer has finished making these friendly visits, remaining time should be spent assisting the staff or unit secretary. This may include, but is not limited to:
o Take newly admitted patient to room, acquainting them with room features and unit. Take admission pack to the patient.
o Pass water, ice or refreshments to patients with permission from a nurse.
o Answer the call bell.
o Answer telephones and take messages.
o Deliver menus and assist patient with menu selection; pick up menus.
o Care for flowers and plants.
o Visit patients at bedside; read newspapers and books to patients according to their interests.
o Write letters for patients.
o Run errands for nurses to Central Supply, Lab, etc.
o Transport patients to and from x-ray, physical therapy, and radiation therapy with permission of nurse.
o Assist in dismissal of patients, accompany patients to Business Office.
o Assist with stocking, cleaning and straightening of the unit.
o Assist in making charts, or helping unit secretary as instructed.
o Strip and make unoccupied beds; check for extra pillows and blankets as needed.