The Gift of Service

"Oddly enough, my time as a volunteer may have done more for me than for anyone. The great experiences I have had and the people I have met through volunteering have changed my life."


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University Hospital

Patient Assistance

Purpose

To assist the staff on the Ortho-Trauma & Surgical Specialty Unit in “comfort care” for patients and their families.

Reports To

Unit Charge Nurse at beginning of each shift for assigned duties

Days/Hours

Noon to 8 pm daily as assigned

Duties/Responsibilities

  • Complete department orientation prior to first volunteer shift
  • Notifies charge nurse if first shift on unit in order to receive orientation and tour of unit
  • Orient new patients and their families to their room – lights, tv, call button, bathroom, wipe off board, telephone #, visiting hours, etc (use orientation checklist in white admission folder that all patients receive)
  • Escort patients being discharged if needed
  • Escort the dietary associate as he/she passes trays to assist patients with the set up of their meal
  • Assist patients with limitations with meals as requested
  • Visit with patients that may not have visitors
  • Get books and/or movies for patients
  • Utilizes activity closet for extra activities at patient’s request
  • Assist family members needing direction to the cafeteria, Starbucks, pharmacy or other areas of the hospital
  • Stock unit clean utility rooms with extra stock in unit copy room
  • Stock patient room “staff supply white plastic bins” (supplies in copy room & may need charge nurse assistance in getting some supplies out of omnicell
  • Stock the blanket warmers (North & South Medrooms & West hallway clean utility room)
  • Stock the family waiting room with supplies in the kitchen drawers
  • Take empty patient food trays out of room (always show staff member the tray before placing on dirty cart so they can document the percentage of food eaten)
  • Other duties as requested by the staff