Volunteers Needed To Tend To Patients' Spiritual Needs

Recruiting is underway for volunteers to address the spiritual needs of University Hospitals Parma Medical Center patients and families. Now in their 20th year at UH Parma Medical Center, spiritual care aides work in the Emergency Department and the Surgery Waiting Room, providing comfort to patients and their families. They also visit patients in their rooms, provide directions and information to visitors and stand in for clergy when the family’s priest or minister is unavailable.

Volunteers must attend special training sessions. Training covers techniques of communication, professionalism, confidentiality and medical ethics. Volunteers will become familiarized with UH Parma Medical Center and its programs and will gain a greater understanding of the emotional and spiritual needs of patients and their families during hospitalization. Volunteers generally work two four-hour shifts per month, including time for a meal provided by the hospital.

Please contact Jim Mayer at (440) 845-1856 to register by August 1. The 12-week training begins September 4 for those accepted to the program.

CJ Sheppard

Communications Strategist, University Hospitals Parma Medical Center

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Volume 6, Issue 7, Posted 11:22 AM, 07.01.2014