Gentiva Volunteer- Vigil Volunteer

Provides a supportive presence for the patient and family in the projected final hours of the patient's life. Support can be provided to patients who have no family to be with them or to provide support and guidance to families and caregivers, helping to relieve the unknown. Support is provided in a variety of ways. Support may include: Providing a calm presenceTalking and listening to the family/caregivers, or sharing silenceReading a comforting poem, prayer, or scriptureListening to soothing musicSitting quietly by the patient's bedsideEssentials: Hospice Direct Care Volunteer OrientationVigil Volunteer TrainingRole-specific orientationIn-services (on-hire and annual) The vigil volunteer must be familiar with the dying process and recognize when death is imminent. Vigilvolunteers receive additional education and training on anticipatory grief, empathetic presence, reflectivelistening, and the rights of the dying. The vigil volunteer must be comfortable around death and able to maintain composure in stressful situations. It is important that the vigil volunteer is willing to be called for assignment on short-notice and have some flexibility with scheduling.