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Floor assistant volunteers are a key part of the team, and support the work of staff in the new St. Mary's Medical Center. This role is an ideal way to learn about career paths in healthcare, and be part of the effort to provide care and service to our patients.
Our general medical, ICU, coronary, neurotrauma, and orthopedics floors are all in need of volunteer support.
Key Responsibilities
- Help with education projects
- Assist departmental staff with clerical and/or non-patient related tasks.
- Help stock items as needed
- Round/introduce yourself to patients and their families.
- Sit and visit with patients as appropriate or as requested.
- Offer water, magazines, warm blankets or other comfort items to patients and families.
- Assist with meal ordering and meal set-up as requested by patient or family.
- Clear bedside trays for meals as needed, removing trays and trash. Wipe down with Sani-wipes as necessary.
- Answer call lights as needed and alert departmental staff if clinical assistance is needed.
- Help with personal items as requested by patient or family.
- Be a hospital way-finder for patients and their families as appropriate or directed by staff.
- Deliver mail.
- Assist with patient belongings upon discharge as directed by staff.
- Provide support and reassurance to patients and their families when appropriate.
- Observe hospital safety policies and procedures (keeping portholes closed, isolation techniques, etc.) and reinforce these policies to patients.
- Relay observations to Charge Nurse, HUC, and/or staff, concerning patients and families.
- Respect patient confidentiality guidelines at all times.
Time Commitment
Weekly volunteer shift of 2-4 hours, depending on volunteer availability.
Qualifications
- Desire to work in a hospital setting and a genuine concern for patients and their families.
- Comfortable asking questions.
- Ability to pay attention to details and follow specific instructions.
- Strong communication and customer service skills
Physical Requirements
This position requires volunteers to be on their feet, standing or walking for the majority of a given volunteer shift. Bending and light lifting.
Support
Health Unit Coordinator (HUC) and nursing staff can support volunteer and answer question as they arise
Benefits
- Gain firsthand experience on a busy inpatient medical floor
- Play an active role in helping patients and staff
- Enjoy a meal in an Essentia cafeteria before or after your volunteer shift
