If you are thinking about volunteering at a hospice then you will need to make sure that you are a good candidate. Here are some guidelines that you can use ahead of your application to see if you qualify for this kind of volunteer work.
Age Parameters
Most hospices require volunteers to be within a certain age range. If you are a teenager or you are retired, it is best to check the age limits of the hospice with which you wish to volunteer.
Application
Some hospices will only take your application via snail mail or you may go into the facility and hand it in personally. However, there are some hospices that are set up to take online applications in order to make the application process less tedious.
References
You should be prepared to have your background checked whenever you apply to do volunteer work in a hospice. This background check will usually be done locally and nationally. You will also need to provide at least two references and the references should not be from persons who are related to you in any way. If you have a criminal record it is best to be upfront about this during the application process. Providing that the offence was not too serious and that a significant length of time has passed since it was committed, you may still be given a volunteer position.
Health Check
Your health will be scrutinized when you apply to be a hospice volunteer, so be prepared to have a medical exam. If you do have a health problem, providing that it is not serious and will not hinder your work, you may still be a good candidate for volunteering.
Training
You will have to go through a training program in order to get a position in most hospice care facilities. The training period will vary depending on the facility. You should make sure that you will be able to set aside some quality time for your training period since it may include a period of hands-on practical training.
Diving Records
Some hospice volunteer positions require that you take patients on the road from time to time. If you have a bad driving record it can stop you from becoming a volunteer in some hospices.
Being a volunteer at a hospice is a great way to give service to your community. Making sure that you are informed about the criteria for a good volunteer is the best way to ensure that you have the right qualifications for hospice work. For more information volunteer opportunities, contact a hospice care in your area.
Share29 July 2015
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