Become a Liaison with Beth Israel (Must be 55+)

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Become an AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP Volunteer and serve with the Beth Israel - You must be age 55 or over.

POSITION SUMMARY:
Surgical Liaisons provide a warm and caring presence for the waiting families of patients undergoing surgery. They provide updated information about the progress of the patient, alert physicians who need to communicate with the families, and maintain communication between the PACU (Recovery) and the families. Role involves some walking between waiting areas and PACU to convey information and assist patients/families with wayfinding.

QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE REQUIREMENTS:
1. Warm and friendly personality
2. Superior interpersonal skills and the ability to provide a calming, supportive influence in stressful situations
3. Excellent organizational skills
4. Ability to perform well in a fast-paced environment

The Liaison scheduled 10-2 will help bring patients to the pre-op area, answer surgery-related phone calls, and provide information by utilizing the PIMS program in the computer. The afternoon Liaison scheduled 2-6pm will answer surgery-related calls and will provide updated information to friends and families, also using PIMS. This may require them to go into PACU to speak directly with the nurse for the update.

Additionally, Liaisons will:
1. Identify families in the waiting areas

2. Alert Surgical Nurse Liaison to inquiries from family regarding progress of surgery.
3. Alert physicians about the presence and location of families needing to be contacted
4. Update families as to the status of their loved one. Volunteers never provide medical
information. Medical information must be provided by clinical staff and/or physician.
5. Provide a caring presence for families needing extra support
6. Provide families information appropriate to their needs (e.g., cafeterias, phones, etc.)
7. Contact social worker as appropriate (emergencies, difficult situation with family)

DEPARTMENTAL-SPECIFIC ORIENTATION WILL COVER THE FOLLOWING:
Orientation will include a tour of the area, discussion about the role and boundaries, and shadowing one or more experienced Surgical Liaisons. The Coordinator will be responsible for training/orientation.