VOLUNTEER SERVICES
Joan Cottler, LICSW, Director of Social Work
Carol Brown, Coordinator
Telephone: 617-855-2118
E-mail: cgbrown@partners.org
Thank you for your interest in becoming a volunteer at McLean Hospital.
1. Becoming a Volunteer
The overall goal of the Volunteer Services Department is to assist McLean Hospital with its mission: patient care, teaching and research. Volunteers fill a variety of challenging need.
McLean volunteers come from many different areas and educational institutions throughout the United States. They vary in age, background, personality, interests and skills.
Volunteers assist with basic and clinical research, as well as provide support services to offices and the library.
Volunteers are asked to work a specified schedule for a predetermined period of time. They work under the direct supervision of staff in the program or area and receive general direction and guidance from the Coordinator of Volunteer Services.
Staff members are grateful for volunteer assistance and appreciate their energy, enthusiasm and dedication. The hospital benefits from the insight volunteers bring and the information about mental illness, treatment and hospital goals volunteers take back to the community.
2. Policies and Procedures
Application procedure
Potential volunteers complete an application form and are interviewed by the Program Coordinator and the supervisor of the area where the volunteer will be placed. The applicant's interests, skills, motivation and availability of time are thoroughly explored.
Qualifications
While qualifications vary according to the position, the following are essential in all volunteer assignments: stability, dependability, ability to relate to people and the ability to make a commitment to the required schedule and length of stay. Volunteers must be 18 years of age. Volunteers, like all hospital employees and trainees, must complete a CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) form prior to acceptance. They must also attend orientation for new employees.
Placement
Attempts are made to match an applicant's qualifications and interests with the needs of areas to be served. The applicant is referred to the appropriate staff person for an interview and a final decision concerning acceptance.
Orientation
(IMPORTANT: Please be sure to bring a photo ID to the Orientation Session)
All new volunteers are required to attend the McLean Hospital New Employee Orientation that provides information on the following elements: safety, infection control, hospital mission and governance structure, continuous quality improvement, compliancy, patient confidentiality, media guidelines, hospital and human resources policies, including the sexual harassment policy, guidelines for reporting incidents, guidelines for conduct with patients and information on patient's rights. Volunteers also receive a copy of Guidelines for Volunteers.
Each volunteer must complete the Hospital's Mandatory Education Program that includes an annual review of infection control, fire/safety and patient rights.
Site-based Supervisor
Volunteers are under the direct supervision of a site-based supervisor and receive general direction and guidance from the Coordinator of Volunteer Services.
Keeping Track of your Time
Keeping track of your volunteer time is easy and convenient. You will be given a year-long timesheet during the Orientation process. You must keep track of your time and return it to the Volunteer Coordinator either at the time of your termination or at the end of each year. This allows the Volunteer Department to report our progress to the McLean Community.
Patient Information
Volunteers are required to sign a confidentiality agreement.
Evaluation
At the time of termination, supervisory staff completes an evaluation form for each volunteer for inclusion with the volunteer's record. This information is reviewed with the volunteer.
Infection Control
Volunteers receive materials and training on infection control as part of their orientation and are required to have a TB test.
3. Guidelines for Volunteers
Conduct with Patients
- Volunteers have the responsibility to treat all patients with respect and dignity.
- Volunteers must avoid physical contact with patients.
- Volunteers may participate with patients only as assigned by staff. They may not see patients outside of the hospital, or after discharge. Volunteers can not give their telephone numbers or addresses to patients.
- Volunteers can not drive patients in their cars, nor leave the grounds with a patient.
- Volunteers may accompany staff and patients on outings.
- Volunteers have the responsibility to use discretion in disclosing information about themselves to patients. They should not discuss their personal problems or their experiences with drugs, sex, therapy and illness.
- Volunteers can not accept gifts from patients.
Confidentiality
- Volunteers have the responsibility to protect each patient's right to privacy. Therefore, information of a medical and psychiatric nature, as well as identifying data, such as name, address and telephone number, is strictly confidential, and may not be shared with any person or agency other than authorized McLean Hospital personnel. In response to inquiries made by people other than McLean staff and volunteers, volunteers shall neither confirm nor deny that a person is a patient at the hospital, nor provide any other information about the patient.
- Volunteers should not have access to patient information regardless of format (medical records or in electronic form); nor should they take photographs, tape record or any action that may infringe on the patient's right to privacy and dignity.
- Volunteers can not write books or articles based on clinical experiences at the hospital.
Administrative Policies
- Volunteers will have an assigned site-based supervisor who will meet with them regularly, approve their time sheet and make sure their badge and time sheet are turned into the Volunteer Office at the time of termination.
- Volunteers have the responsibility to support the staff and the policies and procedures of McLean Hospital.
- Volunteers are expected to come regularly and promptly for the times they have agreed to work. On arrival, the volunteer should check in with staff to receive pertinent information and instructions
- Volunteers have the responsibility to be groomed and dressed appropriately; bearing in mind they are role models
- Volunteers are not assigned keys.
- Volunteers have the responsibility to know the McLean Hospital emergency number (2-2-2-2) for their own safety as well as the safety of the patients.
- Volunteers have the responsibility to learn the hospital Fire Rules. If volunteers see/smell smoke or fire, they must immediately take the appropriate steps for responding.
- Volunteers have the responsibility to learn and abide by the policies and procedures regarding hazardous materials.
- Volunteers have the responsibility to know the infection control policies/procedures for Volunteer Services.
4. Volunteer Perks
Cafeteria Discount
Volunteers do receive a 15% discount in the de Marneffe Cafeteria. Each volunteer must show their volunteer badge at time of purchase
Continuing Education
Volunteers are encouraged to attend the many seminars and conferences the Hospital provides. Please visit the McLean Hospital web site, Department of Postgraduate and Continuing Education.
Parking
There is free parking on the grounds of the hospital.
Entertainment Books: These books, for the Boston and surrounding area, offer coupons for restaurants, retail stores, entertainment venues, vacation packages, area attractions, and services that can be used throughout the year. Price for the 2008 season is $25/book.
Movie Tickets: AMC/Lowe's and Showcase Cinema theatre tickets are available for $6. with no expiration date. These tickets are good for movies that have been open for 2 weeks, and can be used during the week or on weekends.
Six Flags New England: Spring/Summer - Six Flags is New England's largest theme park packed with breathtaking thrills and amazing chills for all ages. Ticket prices are available in our Human Resource Department. Tickets can be used any day of the week and holidays.
Water Country: Spring/Summer - with over 20 acres of attractions Water Country has been ranked one of the top 10 water parks in the USA. Ticket prices available in our Human Resources Department and discounted tickets includes general admission and unlimited use of all park attractions and are valid any day the park is open.
Canobie Lake Park: Spring/Summer - located in close-by Salem, NH, this state of the art amusement park features 50 rides including 3 coasters, the Log Flume water ride, the Timber Splash water coaster, a hand painted antique carousel, a tantalizing variety of food, live entertainment, fireworks and more! Ticket prices are available in our Human Resources Department and discounted tickets can be used any day of the week including holidays.
Ski Passes: Winter/Spring - available for Waterville Valley, Cranmore, Loon, Wachusett and Nashoba Valley, these passes are good any day of the week including weekends and holidays. Prices for the resorts are available in our Human Resources Department.
Yoga Class: Held once a week in Pierce Hall. Class is held on Wednesdays at 5:15 and is 45 minutes in length. Fitness Coordinator Carrie Brown teaches a Hatha style class using the Yogafit method. This method is designed for athletes or individuals interested in improving their overall fitness level. Balance, strength, flexibility and power are all worked on within each class. This method is very user friendly and the class is open to individuals of all fitness levels! If interested in joining contact Carrie at extension 617-855-3360.
Use of Gym: Use of the hospital gym and equipment is available to volunteers during walk in gym hours. Use of the equipment is $5 per session.
Powder Passport™ - is the only multi-mountain access card that offers UNRESTRICTED skiing and riding at your choice of 18 mountains in the northeast, for one low price! Choose from Attitash, Bretton Woods, Waterville Valley, Gunstock, Jay Peak, Gore Mountain Resort, Windham Mountain and more! Ski at the same mountain or mix and match - it's up to you. Cards are available in 1,2,3,5 and 7-day increments and are good throughout the season. No blackout dates! You'll also get a free color guidebook featuring mountain stats, trail maps, directions and great savings of up to 30% on nearby lodging. Also choose a free 1-year subscription to "Ski": or "Skiing" magazines! Whether you're a skier or a rider - any day, any time - the choice is yours! For a complete list of included mountains and lodging discounts, and to purchase you're Powder Passport, click here (http://www.powderpassport.com/?cid=151), and either enter Coupon Code "mclean" to receive a 10% discount off full-priced cards upon checkout.
Go Boston Card: Enjoy FREE admission to unlimited attractions in "your own back yard" with your own Go Boston Card. The Go Boston Card is the only all-inclusive, prepaid admission card to Boston's top 60+ attractions, including the MFA, Duck Tours, Six Flags New England, The Museum of Science and the New England Aquarium. With a Go Boston Card, you can also enjoy $1,000.+ in savings at local shops and restaurants. These savings are valid 365 days/year with every Go Boston Card! Go Boston Cards are perfect for school vacations, visiting family & friends or just a weekend in town! Planning a vacation? Go Cards are also available in Chicago, Hawaii, Los Angeles, Miami, Orlando, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle and California's Wine Country. Every Go Card package also comes with a full-color guidebook with exclusive offers, maps and other tourist information. As a McLean volunteer you can save 10% on all Go Cards. Simply CLICK HERE (http://www.gocardusa.com/agents?img+20&kbid-1826) and enter coupon code MCLEAN upon checkout.
Raise the Bar Wrappers: Custom candy bars for every occasion such as birthdays, weddings, showers, religious events, and graduations. Add your photo for a special touch. Our product line provides unique and efficient customer service and our impressive and unique packaging. Our custom candy bars, candy survival baskets, birth announcements, giveaways at conventions, seminars and conferences, fundraisers, place cards, favors at parties and weddings. McLean Hospital volunteers receive 15% off our regular prices. In order to obtain discount, use the CODE: MCL6 when ordering. For assistance with your one of a kind order, please call us at (866) RTB-Wrap, or (617) 293-0936. Visit us at www.raisethebarwrappers.com or e-mail Amy at infor@raisethebarwrappers.com
Orchard Park Grill: Located at 208 Waverly Ave in Watertown. The Orchard Park Grill has great reasonable priced pub-style food and 9 new TVs! Show your McLean Hospital ID Badge to receive discount on all lunches and dinners!