Volunteering for hospice

[souptiogs]

I have an interview this week at my local hospice where I have volunteered to offer Reflexology and Massage treatments. I was just wondering if anyone has been through this sort of process and knew what they were likely to ask. I feel that I am going to be tested in some way, but do you think it could be more of a personality thing?

I am very nervous about the whole thing , partly because I am not very experienced as my business hasn't really got off the ground in the year since I qualified, but also because of the very nature of the patients in the hospice.

Anyone got any thoughts or ideas? They would be most welcome!


Rachel
xx

 

[Saint Lucian Lad]

Hi Rachel

Although I have no experience of hospices I would say embrace the experience. My dog was a PAT dog and we visited care homes and found the welcome by staff and patients just lovely. You have your skill as a Reflexologist and after all everyone will benefit from your treatments.

A hospice is a caring environment and the people there would not be at all judgemental and just wanting to know about you. As anyone would when applying for such a position.

I would suggest taking a folder with your qualification certificates, member associations and insurance certificate. Go for it ;-)))

Chris xx

 

[slefiujqivcimyelx]

I would say just act normal! When I was interviewed at our hospice we had a lovely chat and skirted all sorts of issues such as religion, therapies, day to day stuff. They need to know that you are open minded, will respect others and their views, that you are not some kind of crackpot who is going to promise anybody that you can 'heal' them.

Just relax and be normal, this is not a test and has nothing to do with business acumen but with your personality and empathy!

 

[provider 8]

Thank you for your replies, you made me feel a bit more relaxed about the whole thing!

I'll let you know how it goes.

Thanks

Rachel
xx

 

[Bpvdwdpnminiy]

Hi Rachel

Is the hospice in Pembury ? my friend works there and she said it is a really lovely place.

Today I went to see about volunteering with Reiki at a cancer drop in centre but I've not been a therapist for long enough so go to wait a while. They want at least 2 years experience so you are very lucky that the hospice are interested in you.

Good luck my best wishes go with you, and please don't worry your'll be fine

Cis

 

[Exteraerema]

Hi Cis, I am literally walking distance from the Hospice in Pembury and last year I asked to do volunteer work there. At the time I was working full time and they only offered voluntary work during the day time plus I would have had to go on training for palliative care before being accepted. I would have loved to have done treatments there and will now wait til my circumstances change. As you say, it is a beautiful place.

Lve

 

[Dog Section Regular]

Hi Cis. No this was the Heart of Kent Hospice in Aylesford. I went today, they were all really nice and I needn't have worried about it all! They just have to do my CRB check and get my references and hopefully I should be able to start in about a month!

Thanks for all your help everybody!

Rachel
xx

 

[turtleturtle]

That's great news Rachel. See, you didn't need to worry. I hope it works out well for you. Good luck and let's know how it goes.

Love

 

[tyler]

Hi Rachel,

Glad to hear it went well for you. I have worked on and off for hospices since 2000, practising aromatherapy massage mainly. It is very rewarding work for all concerned and I am sure you will get a lot out of it as well as the patients there. If ever you want to chat about anything about your work there please feel free to pm me.

Luv Binah
x

 

[Rosie Palmas]

Well done Rachel

I don't know that hospice but expect it is the same in any of them they are all a joy to work in.

Cis

 

[Hannah Lea]

It's natural to worry when it feels a bit like a job interview, but as long as you appear to be a kind, empathic person, then you'll be fine...which you must be to be doing a job like this!

The patients at the hospice I worked at were sooo lovely, it's an odd combination of hope and sadness tho...some days i didn't know whether to laugh or cry, but it is definately a worthwhile job.

 

[Farooqi]

Hi can anyone advise whether I could assist in a hospice I currently practice reiki and have just completed my A & P. thanks. If so do you have any contact with local ones to Berkshire?

 

[BendaThor]

Hi
I did a few months in a hospice, the interview went well, they seemed most interested in knowing if i had lost anyone recently with cancer, it was nice to see their concern was for me as well as their patients, it was a bright bubbly place, the staff were pleasant and the patients were a delight, considering what these people face they were laughing and joining in with things. Some enjoyed a massage but some were wary. I did it voluntary for a while but then my part time job went full time, which needs must at that time. It was a good experience and one i would enjoy doing again if i could.
Go for it, you will get a sense of peace from it, being able to help, to give something, although it can be sad at times.

 

[Alondraa]

Well, it took a while to get started what with getting the references and waiting for the CRB check to come through, but I finally did my first day at the hospice yesterday. I was really nervous beforehand, but I needn't have been 'cos everyone was lovely. All the patients there seem to really enjoy receiving their complementary therapy sessions, and it was very clear that everyone there feels that it is very worthwhile for them, especially the doctors.

I was thrown in at the deep end and had to treat a couple of patients, under supervision of course, and it is extremely strange as it goes against everything you have been taught i.e. you are treating someone with cancer and they are not necessarily lying in a position on the couch that you are used to, but they were all very appreciative!!

I am looking forward to going back again next time and hope that in time I will feel more confident with their treatments.

Anyone who is thinking about volunteering should definitely go for it.

Rachel

 

[Thom]

Hi Rachel

Its good to hear that your first day at the hospice went well! It is encouraging to hear that the staff all acknowledge the benefits that complementary therapists bring to their patients.

Claire x