Our number one goal at Heartland Hospice is to ensure that no one dies alone. A hospice Vigil Volunteer is one of Heartland's most special and fulfilling opportunities. Vigil Volunteers sit bedside with patients who are in their last hours of life. Support may involve prayer (reading from the Bible or other material that is comforting for patient), providing respite to family (allowing them to step away and eat a meal/take a break), or simply being present...providing comfort and peace of mind to all that the patient is not alone. Our Vigil Volunteer program is more of an "on-call" opportunity; vigil support is based upon request of patient's family or caregiving team. Scheduling of vigil takes into consideration the volunteer's location, comfort level, and availability. Applicants must attend an orientation to learn about the philosophy of hospice, the role of a Vigil Volunteer, and skills related to caring for and communicating with hospice patients and their families. Emphasis is on providing comfort during the dying process. Requirements for Vigil Volunteers: 18 years of age or older, must agree to background and reference check, must be appropriately coping with any personal losses, must have impeccable communication skills and sound judgment regarding issues of death and dying, and have the ability to work independently with indirect supervision. Characteristics that Heartland is looking for in a Vigil Volunteer include: a positive outlook on life, flexibility, empathy, sensitivity to issues around death and dying, compassion, a willingness to help others, and the ability to work as a member of the hospice team. Reliable transportation is a must! Heartland Hospice provides service to patients either in their own homes or in nursing/assisted-living facilities throughout Northern Illinois/Southern Wisconsin. If you live in Janesville, or a surrounding community, and would like to provide support to hospice patients during their greatest hour of need, please contact Volunteer Coordinator Janine at 815-397-3691 or janine.idstein@hcr-manorcare.com. We're waiting to hear from you!