Cheryl Shapiro Ferris State University

Introduction The purpose of my presentation is to share my experience and introduce hospice as a worthy volunteer opportunity. Volunteering is a requirement for Ferris State University’s RN to BSN Program because: Service learning projects gives “practical experience that enhances learning” (FSU policy, 2010). Service learning by design brings student and community needs together while helping to develop critical thinking skills (Hunt, 2007). Service Learning “reinforces the moral and civic values inherent in serving others” (FSU policy, 2010).

Objectives Viewers will understand the purpose of the organization. Viewers will understand lessons learned from having volunteered for this organization. Viewers will understand implications for nursing practice as a result of this volunteer experience. Viewers will be able to understand why they and others should volunteer for hospice.

Spectrum Health Hospice is a non-profit hospice program. Their “service area includes Newaygo, Mecosta, Muskegon, Ottawa, Kent, Montcalm, Barry, Ionia and Allegan counties (Spectrum Health Hospice, 2014)”. They provide care in private homes and all types of medical facilities. This compassionate care is for those who have life limiting illness and their families. Agency Description

The Interdisciplinary Hospice Team Physician Chaplain RN case manager Nurses Aid Pharmacist Social Worker Volunteer Bereavement Coordinator

Hospice Eligibility Requirements A Medicare patient must be certified by a physician as being terminally ill with prognosis of 6 months or less (National Hospice Organization, 2014).

Volunteers: the Heart of Hospice According to Hospice Foundation of America, over 468,000 volunteers give more that 16 million hours to help dying persons and their families (HFA, 2014)

The Hospice Volunteer provides Presence Listening Caregiver relief Diversion Practical Support Emotional, spiritual an physical suppo rt

Volunteer Job Descriptions Bereavement Caregiver Relief Community Outreach Cosmetology Errands and Shopping Friendly Visitor House and Yard work Massage Therapist Office Support Personal Historian Photography Seamstress/quilters (Keepsakes) Visiting Pets Eleventh hour (Present with patients who are actively dying) Musical Touchstones (singers or instrumentalist) ( SH, 2014 Volunteer job descriptions)

VOLUNTEER ROLE DESCRIPTION Hospice volunteer orientation consisted of five, three hour mandatory sessions. At this point I am giving care giver relief for a few hours at a time to allow the main caregiver time for them self. The client that I have been with is alert and oriented with a few memory deficits. We spent time talking and watching television. We were able to watch the numerous birds that come to the feeders. Due to policies and liabilities I am not allowed to do any physical care besides fetching items.

CRITICAL REFLECTION Assumptions: The patient is fully thankful for hospice. In reality they are conflicted. Both grateful and possibly guilty for needing help. This service learning experience has been a great learning tool on both personal and professional levels. I was also very thrilled to meet staff from almost all areas of the interdisciplinary team during training. Point of View: I have cultural & religious differences I am there to provide presence, listening, caregiver relief, support.

Information Learned: Bereavement- Grief Support The Mourner's Bill of Rights by Alan D. Wolfelt, Ph.D. 1. You have the right to experience your own unique grief. 2. You have the right to talk about your grief. 3. You have the right to feel a multitude of emotions. 4. You have the right to be tolerant of your physical and emotional limits. 5. You have the right to experience "griefbursts." 6. You have the right to make use of ritual. 7. You have the right to embrace your spirituality. 8. You have the right to search for meaning. 9. You have the right to treasure your memories. 10. You have the right to move toward your grief and heal.

Synthesis “The registered nurse collaborates with patient, family and others in the conduct of nursing practice” (ANA, 2004). As I combine the knowledge I had with what I have and am still learning with hospice…I am more likely to demonstrating a generalist nursing practice as stated in the FSU RN to BSN Program Outcomes. I will “organize the interdisciplinary health care needs of diverse populations across the lifespan toward achieving the goal of healthy individuals, families, groups and communities” (Ferris State University, 2011).

Synthesis Although I was definitely not allowed to use most of my nursing skills due to liability. Being a nurse is always something I am as a caring person and one who has been trained in therapeutic communication. Hospice is a passion of mine and volunteering for them, something that benefits patients, hospice, my RN education and my soul.

Recommendations As nurses, we must understand hospice so we can guide and inform our patients in other settings during a stressful time of life. Nurses should take time for volunteering, it is simple and feels good to us and patients look forward to visits. Everyone dies, but our culture does not accept this fact. Nurses should work with hospice because it teaches us to accept and plan for a good death.

References American Nurses Association (ANA). (2004). Nursing scope and standards of practice (p. 28). Silver Spring, MD: American Ferris State University (2011). RN to BSN program outcomes. Retrieved from Ferris State University (2010). Service learning requirement undergraduate (BSN) programs policy. Retrieved from %2Fexecute%2Flauncher%3Ftype%3DCourse%26id%3D_6542_1%26url%3d ebapps%2Fblackboard Hospice Foundation of America, HFA (2014). Volunteering and hospice. Retrieved from: Hunt, R. (2007)..Service-learning: an eye-opening experience that provokes emotion and challenges stereotypes. Journal of Nursing Education, 46(6), National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, NHPCO (2014). Hospice eligibility requirements. Retrieved from: Spectrum Health Hospice (2014). About us. Retrieved from: Wolfelt, A. (n.d.). Center for loss and life transition. Retrieved from: