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Thank you for participating in the VAVS Program at the James A. Haley
Veterans' Hospital in Tampa, FL. While on our premises conducting an
activity with an organization or as an individual not registered through
Voluntary Service, you are classified as an "Occasional Volunteer."
There are a number of important things you should know to ensure your
safety and the safety of our staff and patients. The following
information will provide you with a brief orientation to ensure a safe
and enjoyable activity for everyone.

## Occasional Volunteer

Occasional volunteers are those who give their time on a varied schedule
and who generally participate in activities as a member of a group. They
may also serve as individuals as the need for their service is
determined by the Veterans Affairs Facility. However, it is recommended
that individuals not participating with a group register as "regularly
scheduled" volunteers.

**Visiting Patient Care Areas**

Introduce yourself to the nurse in charge of the patient care unit and
explain the purpose of your visit. Ask if there are any patients who do
not wish to have visitors or if there is any other information you will
need to ensure a pleasant experience for you and our veteran patients.

**Volunteers do not\...**

-   Give food or drink to any patient without first checking with the
    patient's nurse.

-   Administer medication.

-   Adjust traction.

-   Handle bedpans or urinals.

-   Turn or remove a patient from bed.

-   Change linen on occupied beds.

-   Exchange food items on patient trays.

-   Operate or adjust equipment requiring technical knowledge.

-   Raise or lower a patient's bed without first checking with the
    patient's nurse.

# Publicity

All pictures of patients must be cleared with the Public Affairs Officer
or Voluntary Services before any pictures are taken. Any release of
these photos must be reviewed and approved by the Public Affairs
Officer.

# Infection Control

Since you may have direct patient contact, you need to know something
about the transmission and prevention of disease. **[All volunteers need
to be aware of the following:]{.underline}**

-   Do not handle any item that has blood or body fluids. Report it to
    the nurse immediately.

-   Do not wipe up fluids, even if you know what it is. Put a clean
    paper towel over it and report it to the nurse.

-   Do not enter an isolation room.

-   Do not touch or remove bed linens in a patient's room that is
    occupied.

-   Do not touch a patient unless you wash your hands, before and after.
    Whenever possible, wear non-sterile gloves.

-   Keep your fingernails trimmed and clean.

## Hand Washing

Hand washing is generally considered **[the most important single
procedure for preventing hospital-acquired infections.]{.underline}**
All volunteers are encouraged to wash their hands more frequently than
they would outside the hospital setting. Hands should be washed when you
begin work; before handling food (even if gloves will be worn); before
and after you come into contact with a patient or equipment; before and
after breaks, meals, and use of the restroom; and after contact with
soiled or contaminated matter or equipment. Hand hygiene also includes
alcohol gels but only if there is no visible soil on the hands. Apply
the gel and rub until it is absorbed. This can replace hand washing.

# Sexual Harassment

The VA is committed to the prevention and elimination of sexual
harassment. Sexual harassment is inappropriate and unacceptable conduct
and will not be tolerated.

## Discrimination

It is the goal of the Department of Veterans Affairs to eliminate
discriminatory practices in the workplace. The VA is committed to
providing equal opportunity to all and to eliminating discrimination
based on race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin and
disability.

## Confidentiality

It is essential we protect the privacy of information about our
patients, or anyone receiving medical attention at the facility.
Discussing someone's medical status is a violation of medical
regulations and can cause grave damage to a person's personal and
professional relationships.

## Safety Precautions {#safety-precautions .unnumbered}

**All volunteers should observe the following safety precautions:**

-   Maintain close contact with medical center personnel for directions
    and supervision.

-   Report any unsafe condition you observe.

-   Observe "wet floor" signs by walking on the opposite side of the
    corridor.

-   Report any foreign material on the floors.

-   Open doors slowly, making sure the other side is clear before
    opening.

-   Do not engage in horseplay or practical jokes.

-   Walk, do not run -- especially in halls and on stairs.

-   Look to locate fire alarms, fire exits and fire extinguishers

-   Observe hand washing procedures and infection control practices.

## Weapons

Some weapons that may be legal to carry for self-protection are illegal
on VA property. Examples of these are: all firearms, hand guns,
explosive devices, mace, pepper gas, stun guns and knives with a blade
length of more than 2.5 inches.

## Fire

You should try and locate fire extinguishers, alarm pull switches, and
most important, emergency exits. If a fire alarm starts ringing and a
fire has been confirmed, exit in an orderly and safe manner. If hospital
staff request assistance, please follow their directions.

Thank you for your attention to this information. If you wish to know
more about volunteer opportunities at the James A. Haley Veterans'
Hospital, please contact Voluntary Service at (813) 972-2000, ext. 7533.