Staff that would like to volunteer.

[Courtney Johnson]

We have a couple CNA's that are in nursing school and need some volunteer hours. Does anyone use employees as volunteers?

 

Thanks!

 

Courtney

[Frances Shani Parker]

I made my decisions as a school administrator (dealing with 12 different unions at one urban school) by asking myself one question: What is in the best interest of students? The right answer always waved at me. Sometimes it wasn't even the easier answer I wanted to hear. But it was always about the students' needs being met first.

Regarding other people's perceptions, they will have them no matter what you do. Should dying people be denied quality caregiving of willing volunteers to accommodate people's perceptions? The benefits Greg mentioned for the employess are also significant. It's win-win for everyone. I have found it's best to move forward with ongoing compliance with laws and documentation to defend what you do. This is how positive reform happens, but you must be willing to document and defend your position within moral boundaries you have set for yourself.

Frances

[Frances Shani Parker]

Yes, employees are used as volunteers if they volunteer on their own time.

Frances Shani Parker
“Hospice and Nursing Homes Blog”

[Courtney Johnson]

Thank you all for your help!

[Greg Schneider]

Hi Courtney:

Welcome to the HCF!!

Regarding employees that wish to volunteer...some hospices do not allow employees to volunteer as it can conflict with labor laws (i.e. allowing (or suggesting) employees to work overtime as volunteers to avoid overtime pay is the main concern). The ultimate decision is driven by your states labor laws and your hospice's policies for allowing employees to serve as volunteers. It sounds like the purpose you stated is to further their careers and education and not to specifically serve your hospice's needs.

Greg Schneider
President, HVA
HCF Creator

[Greg Schneider]

Additional note...I should add that by not allowing employees to volunteer, it also avoids the possibility of having it being perceived that a company may have pressured an employee to do so. There are other situations that could be envisioned and some companies just wish to avoid them. Perhaps some other HCF members can comment further as to how this is handled in their hospice.

Personally, I think that employees should be encouraged to volunteer as it can be life transforming and enhance their professional work. It provides an opportunity where they can be with a patient and not have the time constraints looming over them that exist when you have many patients to see each day. This can provide for a potentially more meaningful experience when you can arrive and just "be" and not necessarily have to "do". :-)

Greg

[Ginger Askew]

I have a few office staff who volunteer on their own time. They went through the full training.