Volunteer Coordinators need a vacation too...But who fills in?

Posted by Julie Cranz on April 27, 2010 at 10:24am

Hi. I am the only volunteer coordinator at my hospice. It is my responsibility to recruit, train, and match volunteers with patients and complete any paperwork and data entry.

 

I am responsible for creating a back-up plan when I will be on vacation or sick leave. (Or in 48 days when I will be getting married on the beach and will be off for a week :-)

 

The problem arises when a family member calls and has an immediate need for a volunteer the same day or the very next day.What I have done in the past:

  • Keep my direct care volunteer list updated with volunteer name, address, phone numbers and who the patient is currently sitting with, or who is available for immediate PRN needs.
  •  I put this list in a central location for nursing staff availability if a need arises for the nurse or social worker to call the volunteer for a work assignment.    

Does anybody have any other suggestions?

Thanks!

Julie Cranz

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Replies

  • Jennifer Thompson April 29, 2010 at 8:44am
    Karen, you have a wonderful idea. another way to empower volunteer leadership. Thanks for suggestion.

    Jennifer Thompson, CVA
  • Julie Cranz April 29, 2010 at 8:21am
    Thanks, Frances! No, I have not completed any training for this event, but as John Wayne once said, "Courage is being scared to death--but saddling up anyway." Best wishes to you!!
  • Frances Shani Parker April 28, 2010 at 1:55pm
    What's this? Getting married on the beach? Have you completed the training for this? lol
    Congratulations!

    Frances
  • Karen Porter April 28, 2010 at 12:56pm
    Another thought...you may have a volunteer who might be willing to check in a few times a week while you are gone to see of any needs? Then, maybe he/she could do some of the matching for you and work with the staff to make sure the appropriate paperwork gets completed.
    Even if this person doesn't actually have any matching to do- I am sure it would make the staff more comfortable knowing the department is being looked over while you are away.
    Congratulations on your marriage!
    • Julie Cranz > Karen Porter April 28, 2010 at 1:00pm
      Another great idea! Thanks, Karen!
  • Jennifer Thompson April 27, 2010 at 11:38am
    I think you have a great plan in place. All of us have the same problem, but taking time off is vital to avoid burn out. The only thing I would add to the plan, is make sure your direct supervisor or office manager knows where all volunteer files (make sure they are all up-dated), monthly marketing (recruitment, etc) binder and volunteer hours binder are so in case medicare or state walk in the office will have everything they might need from your department. I would also notify all your volunteers that you will be out and if they are needed (give name of person ) will be calling them for assignment.

    Jennifer Thompson, CVA
    Rivercross Hospice - Tulsa
    • Julie Cranz > Jennifer Thompson April 27, 2010 at 11:46am
      Great ideas! Thanks, Jennifer.
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