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 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
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,
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 patients rights.
Each year, volunteers must complete the Hospital's Mandatory Education
Program that includes an annual review of infection control, fire/safety and
patient rights. Volunteers also receive a copy of Guidelines for Volunteers.
Supervision
Volunteers are under the direct supervision of the staff utilizing
their services and receive general direction and guidance from the Coordinator
of Volunteer Services.
Patient Information
Volunteers are required to sign a
confidentiality agreement. Staff shares sufficient information about patients
with volunteers to enable them to be effective in their work. Volunteers are
asked to share their observations about patients with staff.
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.
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.
Infection
Control
Volunteers receive materials and training on infection control as part
of their orientation and are required to have a TB test.