Peer to Peer Support Volunteer - Cardiovascular

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OBJECTIVE: To develop a supportive relationship that is consistent, caring and respectful to program participants; to help build patients' competence and confidence by listening, guiding, and supporting them by sharing lived perspective; to provide referral information, when necessary to additional supportive services within the Nuvance Health and greater community. The role of the Peer to Peer Volunteer is to provide just in time and longitudinal emotional support for those experiencing life changing illness or injury.

MAJOR TASKS: Provide emotional and informational support to patients through in person visits, or phone/ zoom contacts. Each new Peer Support Volunteer must attend the scheduled training session(s). Following training, Peer Support Volunteers must attend ongoing individual and/or group debriefing sessions as scheduled. Training and participation in these meetings are a mandatory requirement of volunteering for the program. Volunteers must agree to abide by the program's policy on confidentiality of privacy of information. Volunteers must adhere to the policies and philosophy of the program.

QUALIFICATIONS: Volunteers must have been a patient/ family caregiver recovering from the illness/ injury related to the mentorship relationship. Volunteers must be friendly, empathetic and have excellent interpersonal skills. Volunteers must be good listeners and communicators. Volunteers must be able to relate to patients and family members in a non-judgmental manner. Volunteers must exhibit appropriate boundaries when interacting with patients. Must have knowledge of and adherence to hospital policies concerning confidentiality, in relation to patients, physicians and other staff members. Quarterly Peer to Peer volunteer supporters must relay to volunteer and institute leaders themes of issues/ concerns experienced to ensure patient centered care support services are continuously improving.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The patient's right to privacy is guaranteed. Patients are oftentimes anxious, frightened, and apprehensive. Patience, understanding and compassion should be demonstrated when dealing with all patients. Volunteers are responsible for adhering to rules of the Nuvance Hospital system related to fire safety, infection control, and general safety. Volunteers must call the assigned Peer Support Supervisor when they are concerned about a family's emotional or physical well-being. If the Peer Support Supervisor is not immediately available, the Administrative House Manager should be contacted.