A Volunteer’s Role In Quality Responsiveness

Our Mission Statement: The Los Alamos Visiting Nurse Service is dedicated to continuing the tradition of quality responsiveness, integrity, and cost efficiency in the delivery of Home Health and Hospice Services.

We believe that Hospice provides a unique opportunity to help terminally ill patients, as well as their families and caregivers, at a time when it can be difficult for them to answer the question asked by so many people who want to help: “What can I do for you?” The patients and their families are the directors; our nurses and physicians are the choreographers; the volunteers, hospice aides, physical and occupational therapists, social workers, music therapist, chaplains, and administration are the supporting cast members.

Volunteers play a very important role in the specialized care of a Hospice patient. A volunteer’s kindness and genuine caring for a patient and family can go a long way in bridging a most difficult time to the next chapter. Our volunteers undergo extensive and on-going training to help prepare them to assist patients in the best ways possible.

While Hospice volunteering is not for everyone, those who choose to volunteer usually find the experience to be most rewarding and unforgettable.

We are often asked how we can continue to work in Hospice. A volunteer who has been with LAVNS Hospice for the past 23 years answers, “It is a gift that they will allow me into their homes and lives and it is an honor that I am allowed to do it.” Another who has worked in Hospice for many years responds, “Trust me; I am actually being very selfish for I receive much more than I give.”

A Hospice volunteer serves as a friend and companion. Volunteers are taught to help cooperatively, working within the existing family structure, during a time that may be very stressful. This can be a challenge because there are often complex family dynamics, built upon many years of family history.  A volunteer also works as an integral part of the professional hospice interdisciplinary team to assist in providing the best care possible. 

Volunteer qualifications include:

• Over 18 years of age
• Communicates well with people of diverse backgrounds and ages
• Respects confidentiality always
• Able to work independently in a changing environment
• Able to maintain appropriate personal and professional boundaries
• Comfortable with death and the dying process
• Passing a background check.
• Good listening skills
• Valid NM Driver’s License and auto insurance.

Volunteer requirements include:

• Successful completion of application, interview and background check.
• Minimum commitment of one hour per week.
• Open communication with other team members, including the reporting of events and concerns.
• Accurate documentation and timely submission of volunteer activity and visit records.
• Completion of mandatory training.
• Attendance at monthly volunteer support meetings and education as needed.

To talk about volunteering for Los Alamos Visiting Nurse Service Hospice, call 505.662.2525 or stop by the LAVNS booth 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday during Chamberfest on Central Ave. in downtown Los Alamos.