After an informal interview, security clearance, and Hospice volunteer orientation, prospective patient care volunteers receive 24 hours of training. Those choosing to volunteer their time at the Roy and Margaret Halquist Memorial Hospice Center receive additional training, including several hours of supervised practical experience at the Hospice Center. Patient care volunteers should be in good physical health, emotionally mature, stable, non-judgmental and have a sincere desire to help. Bereavement Volunteers Bereavement volunteers provide support to loved ones during the months following a patient's death. This help is offered through telephone contacts or occasional personal visits.
Some bereavement volunteers help facilitate grief support groups.
After an interview and Hospice volunteer orientation, prospective bereavement volunteers receive approximately 12 hours of supervised training. Training is conducted by Hospice social workers and is held three times a year. Bereavement volunteers should be stable, mature and comfortable with their own grief. In addition to providing services to patients and families, volunteers assist with daily work at all Hospice of Northern Virginia offices. The majority of the work is done on weekdays, but occasional weekend and evening help is also needed.