Internship with Heartland Hospice
Elizabeth
Experience Information
Employer: Heartland Hospice
Job Title: Hospice Volunteer
Major: Integrative Studies
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: No
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
Heartland Hospice is part of HCR ManorCare, a leading provider of home health care, hospice care, skilled nursing, post-acute rehabilitation and memory care. While the organization offers a variety of services nationwide, in northern Michigan they provide only hospice services. With a staff of just 20 administrators, social workers, spiritual care providers, bereavement care providers and volunteers, Heartland currently serves more than sixty patients in five counties, covering hundreds of square miles.
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
As a hospice volunteer, I was asked to attend weekly Interdisciplinary Group meetings (IDG) to stay current on the status of patients. This included new patients, those who were nearing the end of life and those who had died since the previous meeting. I attended two senior expos where I was asked to assist in sharing information with the public about services provided by Heartland and to educate people about the importance of making end-of-life decisions before a health crisis or terminal diagnosis presents itself. Hospice care isn't only about dying--it's about fully living the remaining days of one's life. I was treated as a member of the team and was involved with home visits to patients and their families, as well as to families whose loved one had recently died. I was part of a small team which coordinated with a local grief support organization to develop a gardening project for children in mourning. This was a summer-long project in which children attended sessions to plant, tend and grow flowers and vegetables as a mechanism for grieving.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
Beyond the obvious skills of assisting patients and families who are facing the end of life, I learned about the critical nature of confidentiality, timeliness and providing the best care possible. For families experiencing the end of life, this will be a single and unique experience. There is no standard method of treating patients who are dying--each case is one-of-a-kind and Heartland does an exemplary job of providing quality care to each individual. I learned that communication with patients, their families and with other staff within the organization is the most important aspect of the work that is done. Without clear and direct information, important details will be missed. I also learned about the process of tracking records of volunteers, with regard to compliance and training. The work done directly for patients is only a small piece of the organization meeting the requirements of federal and state laws.
Favorite Part of the Experience
Though I've studied and read a lot about end-of-life topics, seeing the work done by the staff is a much different experience than hearing the discussions which took place during meetings. To be invited into someone's home while they are most vulnerable and in need of compassion is truly an honor which none of the staff members take for granted. To see the level of respect and concern the staff has for their patients is inspiring!
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
Within just the first few days of the of my internship, I felt completely at ease with the organization and the work being done. I've been considering a career in end-of-life care and I am now certain this is what I want to do until I retire. I see it as a gift to have discovered the passion I have for helping people at the end of life and to be able to consider a career in this field. As an older student, I feel as though I will be able to contribute in a unique way to this field for many years!