Nurses Surveyed for Their Impressions of Hospice Volunteers

The Hospice and Nursing Homes blog pointed us to a study that appeared in the April 10 American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care regarding the views of nurses towards hospice volunteers. Although the survey set was small, 50 nurses involved in hospice and home care, the nurses were asked about their knowledge and perception of hospice volunteers, appropriate tasks for volunteers, and the value of volunteers.

Fifty-three percent of the nurses felt that volunteers should know patient medical information, and 77% thought that volunteers should have the opportunity to provide input regarding patient care. Also, 75% of the nurses felt that volunteers made their jobs easier, and 56% felt that volunteers should be included in team meetings. When asked to list the topics covered in a hospice palliative care volunteer training program, 73% of the nurses indicated that they were not sure or did not know what topics were covered, indicating a lack of knowledge regarding volunteer training.