GUIDELINES FOR VOLUNTEERS
1. 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.
2. Volunteers shall not remove written material of a clinical nature, or copies
of such material, from the hospital; nor shall they take photographs, tape
recordings or any action that may infringe on the patient's right to
privacy and dignity. Volunteers shall not have access to patients records with
the exception of specially
approved volunteers.
3. Volunteers shall not write books or articles based on clinical experiences
at the hospital. Volunteers must receive prior approval from both the Coordinator
of Volunteers and supervisory staff before starting a journal or writing a paper
based on their clinical experience.
4. Volunteers have the responsibility to treat all patients with respect, with
an awareness of their dignity as persons and to observe their civil rights at
all times.
5. Volunteers have the responsibility to seek out staff to talk about any situation
that they encounter wherein they have questions concerning what is physically
or emotionally safe for the patients, or for themselves, or which raises legal
issues. Volunteers shall not handle discipline problems, nor shall they assist
in any restraining procedures.
6. Volunteers shall avoid physical contact with patients unless a patient wants
to shake hands or contact is required as part of an approved activity, such as
pushing a patient on a swing.
7. Volunteers may participate with patients only as assigned by staff. They shall
not see patients outside of the hospital, or after discharge, without prior approval
from staff. Volunteers shall not give their telephone numbers or addresses to
patients without permission from staff.
8. Volunteers have the responsibility to make sure patients have the proper authorization
to participate in various activities.
9. Volunteers shall not drive patients in their cars, nor shall they leave the
grounds with a patient.
10. Volunteers may accompany staff and patients on outings. As a general rule
volunteers pay for their own expenses.
11. Volunteers have the responsibility to use discretion in disclosing information
about themselves to patients. They shall not discuss their personal problems
or their experiences with drugs, sex, therapy and illness.
12. Volunteers have the responsibility to support the patients' treatment
program by encouraging patients to discuss their clinical concerns with staff.
Volunteers shall not agree to a patient's request to keep a secret. Experiences
during a volunteer period should be discussed with staff afterwards to enhance
volunteer-patient interactions.
13. Volunteers have the responsibility to support the staff and the policies
and procedures of McLean Hospital.
14. Volunteers have the responsibility to refer patient or family member's
complaints to departmental supervisory staff, or the Director of Social Work,
to help ensure patient satisfaction.
15. 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.
16. Volunteers have the responsibility to be groomed and dressed appropriately,
bearing in mind they are role models.
17. Volunteers shall not accept gifts from patients unless the gift has no appreciable
monetary value and staff approves.
18. Volunteers are not assigned keys.
19. 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.
20. 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.
21. Volunteers have the responsibility to learn and abide by the policies and
procedures regarding hazardous materials.
22. Volunteers have the responsibility to know the infection control policies/procedures
for Volunteer Services.