Here is a list created to help define volunteer role on nursing floor and assist nursing staff to utilize a volunter approved by our DON. Hope this helps.

Here are a list of possible volunteer responsibilities on a nursing unit for your consideration:

1. visit patients as needed

2. make rounds on and assist families as needed

3. mail letters or retrieve newspapers, etc. for patients as requested

4. pass ice and water to patients as directed by staff

5. assist in opening containers for patients in need

6. water flowers for patients

7. provide unit and intercom assistance to staff

8. pick up unit mail

9. compile various visitor packets, orientation packs for patients and new staff orientation packs

10. collate patient chart packs

11. stock rooms and/or supplies

12. escort families to other floors as necessary

13. run errands for patients and staff as needed

14. make rounds on patients after meal trays arrive to see if they need anything

15. prior to meals, provide patients a means to clean hands

16. create medicine info files for easy access to info sheets

17. pass magazines to patients

18. staff provide unit inspection tool for a clean room and volunteer can inspect each room before new admission

19. staighten lobby/waiting area

20. give directions

21. push wheelchairs- includes wheelchair orientation- not replacing transport and pushing stable patients who are cleared for travel by staff

22. other duties specific to departments

23. assist patients at mealtimes with staff approval, staff nearby, with orientation

The main parameters for using volunteers are:

1.         Volunteer cannot replace paid staff

2.         Volunteer can do portions of paid staff roles but cannot duplicate all of a paid staff’s job description.

3.         Volunteers can assist staff.

4.         Volunteers do not lift patients or bear their weight.

5.         Volunteers cannot transport lab specimens.

6.         Volunteers have position description for their volunteer role.

7.         Volunteers are provided documented dept. orientation at start and intermittently as needed by dept. staff.

8.         Volunteers have identified supervisors for their roles.

9.         Volunteers complete application process and attend volunteer and hospital self study orientation.- Therefore, volunteers go through much of what staff do in order show competency.