Non-Profit Hospice Volunteer - Presbyterian Northern New Mexico

*The Northern New Mexico service area includes Santa Fe, Tesuque, Nambe, Pojoaque, La Mesilla, Santa Cruz, La Puebla, El Llano, Cordova, Chimayo, Espanola, Ohkay Owingeh, Alcalde, El Guique, Medanales, El Dorado, Lamy, Pecos**

Hospice Volunteers provide support to families and patients in Northern New Mexico. Hospice is a unique, patient-centered, team-based approach to palliative (comfort) care for an individual with a terminal illness who chooses to receive care in their home setting. Our interdisciplinary staff are a close-knit team who are inclusive and devoted experts in supporting patients and families on this journey. Hospice volunteers are an integral part of our hospice interdisciplinary team. They are members of the community who have chosen to devote their service and time to improving the quality of life for our patients and families during a pivotal, and often deeply rewarding, time of life.

Ask me for more information on our Volunteer Positions:

• Caring Companions: companionship for patients and respite for caregivers
• Music Therapy: share your love of music by playing or singing to our patients
• Certified Massage Therapy: offer your services to patients who desparately need relief from pain and stress. You will be added to a call list and will only obligated to offer one massage per month.
• Certified Cosmetolory and Barbering: for patients who can't leave their home to care for their hair, skin, and nails. You will be added to a call list and will only be obligated to offer one service per month.
• Furry Friends Hospice Companions: Visit patients with your fur baby to bring great joy to their day. Must have therapy-animal certification.
• Hospice Ambassadors: Help us spread the word about our services and volunteer opportunities!

The greatest gift we can offer a person who is facing the end of their life is time and acts of service. Hospice volunteers have a unique opportunity to practice the art of presence through compassionate communion. You get to experience a relationship that is rooted in unconditional support - meeting the person where they are without expectation or judgement. This rare form of radical acceptance gives the person a unique opportunity to be seen for who they are, in this very moment, and to express their thoughts and feelings unincumbered by projection and judgment. You are helping create a safe space for them to just BE. You are, in essence, bearing witness by listening to someone’s life story, hearing their pain, witnessing their confusion, and sharing both their sadness and their joy. The brave heart understands and embraces the impermanence of life. Your gift of presence and service is invaluable for those who are facing the greatest unknown. Thank you!

Why choose non-profit?

• Non-profit hospice services are more patient-centered and focused on quality of care rather than the bottom line.
• Non-profit hospices are able to offer more services and resources to patients and their families than for-profit hospice services.

Getting started:

1. Fill out the volunteer application online at www.phs.org/community/volunteer
2. Pass a criminal background check.
3. Schedule an interview with Volunteer Manager by contacting cverduzco@phs.org

Qualifications & Requirements:

• Proof of childhood vaccination records, or titer test administered by PHS employee health.
• TB test
• Current seasonal flu vaccine, or mandatory masking during flu season.
• Completion of self-paced online volunteer training.
• Experience/ training in a related field and/or in volunteer activity preferred but not required.
• Comfortable with hospice philosophy, policy and practice.
• Good understanding of palliative care and support.
• Emotionally stable and willing to provide emotional support to the patient and family facing death if working directly with patients.
• Preferably no personal experience with a spouse/parent/child death within the last year.
• Strong written and oral communications skills.
• Ability to execute a supportive and sensitive approach to patient/family needs.
• New Mexico driver’s license and availability of a car.
• Average Commitment of 2-4 hours per week for a minimum of six months. Commitment varies by position.

More opportunities with Presbyterian Hospice of Northern New Mexico - Santa Fe

About Presbyterian Hospice of Northern New Mexico - Santa Fe

Location:

1400 Chama Ave., Santa Fe, NM 87505, US

Mission Statement

The Presbyterian Healthcare at Home hospice program provides physical, emotional, and spiritual support to patients and their families when curative measures are no longer the best option. Hospice does not prolong life or rush death, but allows for a peaceful and natural transition, while giving someone time to do the things they love.

Description

Presbyterian Healthcare at Home includes all of our care services for patients who either need or are more comfortable receiving care at their home. These services include hospice care, palliative care, respite care, as well as our Hospital at Home services. Our team works closely with the patient’s healthcare provider to monitor your progress and health concerns. Services provided by Presbyterian Healthcare at Home.