Inpatient Unit Volunteer Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center

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1. Assignment

Volunteer Inpatient Unit

(If you are interested in this position please send an email to vhaaugvoluntaryservice@va.gov )

2. Purpose of Assignment

The Inpatient Unit volunteer is responsible for helping unit staff provide patient centered care. Volunteer must provide a superior customer service experience for each patient. In this visible role, it is important that the volunteer maintains a positive attitude and professional appearance at all times. The volunteer reports to the Nurse Manager/Charge Nurse of the assigned unit.

3. Tasks

• Greets each patient with a smile, call them by name, engage in conversation
• Treats all patients, patient visitors and staff in a courteous, friendly and professional manner
• Be vigilant of patient safety and report any concerns to Nurse Manager/Charge Nurse
• Transports patients to appointments as directed (volunteers cannot lift or transfer patients)
• Reports accidents and safety situations/concerns to the Nurse Manager/Charge Nurse
• Assists Veterans during meals with serving trays by opening containers, cutting food and collecting trays
• Restock supply areas
• Transports specimens to lab
• Provides companionship
• Sit with patients who may be at risk for falls
• Accompany patients not requiring 1:1 /close observation to smoking area, canteen, etc.
• Answer phones/take messages; assist visitors, answer patient call lights
• Fill patient pitchers with water/ice, provide extra cups and straws as needed
• Tidying up overbed tables especially prior to meal tray delivery
• Provide moistened washcloth for face and hand hygiene before meals
• Disinfecting work surfaces (countertops, wheelchairs, phones, and overbed tables) using appropriate disinfectant wipes
• Contact Nurse Manager/Charge Nurse when you are unable to show up for assigned shift

4. Time Commitment

Shifts 8 a.m. - Noon, Noon - 4 p.m., 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. or negotiated. Volunteers can work one or more shifts per week as agreed upon with Nurse Manager/Voluntary Service office. This opportunity is available 7 days a week.

5. Requirements

• Exceptional customer service skills.
• Strong communication skills (both written and oral).
• Pass a background check
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds.
• Able to deal with physical, mental and/or hearing impaired individuals
• Know your boundaries
• Must be able to push patients in wheelchairs
• Volunteer must be healthy day of volunteering
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in a courteous manner.
• Problem solving skills and ability to make sound decisions.
• Requires periods of sitting, standing and walking.
• Limit personal calls and texting to lunch and break periods

6. Training and Skill Development

• Initial and annual volunteer training.
• Specific nursing unit training

7. Supervision

Volunteer reports to: Health Adminsitration Service Line

Feedback: Annual written

8. Supporting policies

* VHA Handbook 1620.01

* Medical Center Policy MEMORANDUM NO. 119-14-01

10.Working Conditions

Where/what’s provided:

This position is located in one of our inpatient nursing units. This is a care setting for our Veterans located at the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, 950 15 th St, Augusta, GA.

11. Benefits

• Meal provided for volunteers working a 4 or more hour shift.
• Structured recognition/awards program
• Annual Flu Shot at no cost
• Eligible to join credit union
• Make tax-free purchases in Canteen store