MCCCD Program Description

Hospice Volunteer Training

Course: BHS168

First Term: 2006 Spring

Lecture 2 Credit(s) 2 Period(s) 2 Load
Subject Type: Occupational
Load Formula: S

Description: Exploration of hospice care and related medical, social, emotional and spiritual concepts for the helping professional working with patients and their families

MCCCD Official Course Competencies
1. Demonstrate knowledge of the organizational structure and levels of patient care for Hospice of the Valley. (I, II) 2. Define hospice care and its holistic approach. (I, II, III) 3. Identify ethical issues, guidelines, and principles in hospice care. (I, II, III, IV) 4. Define spiritual aspects of hospice care. (I, II, XI) 5. Identify volunteer policies, procedures, and protocol for the Hospice of the Valley. (II, III) 6. Identify infection control and other safety policies and procedures. (III, IV, IX) 7. Identify end of life fears and support dying with dignity. (III, V, VI, VII) 8. Demonstrate effective communication skills in the hospice setting. (III, V, VI, VII, VIII) 9. Identify diverse issues in the grieving process. (V, VI, XI) 10. Describe end stage diseases. (V, VIII, X) 11. Describe symptom management and hospice nursing. (X)
MCCCD Official Course Competencies must be coordinated with the content outline so that each major point in the outline serves one or more competencies. MCCCD faculty retains authority in determining the pedagogical approach, methodology, content sequencing, and assessment metrics for student work. Please see individual course syllabi for additional information, including specific course requirements.

MCCCD Official Course Outline
I. The History of Hospice A. History & Philosophy of the Hospice Movement 1. History of Hospice 2. Philosophy of Hospice Care 3. Hospice of the Valley (HOV) History 4. HOV Mission Statement & Values B. Interdisciplinary Teams (IDT) II. Overview of Hospice of the Valley A. Organizational Structure B. Levels of Patient Care C. Programs & Services Provided to Patients and Caregivers D. Intake Procedures & Protocol III. Role of the Volunteer A. Volunteer Job Description 1. Volunteer Opportunities 2. Interdisciplinary Team Role (IDT) 3. Volunteer Panel 4. Customer Service 5. Documentation Guidelines B. Volunteer Rights, Responsibilities & Accountability 1. Rights 2. Responsibilities 3. Accountability 4. Legal Limitations of Volunteers C. Volunteer Policies & Procedures D. HOV Accountability & Support of Volunteers E. Self Care IV. Ethics A. Ethical Issues, Guidelines & Practiced Principles in Hospice Care B. Purpose of Ethics Committee C. Process for Handling Ethical Issues When Volunteering D. HIPAA (Health Information Portability & Accountability Act) 1. Elements of Patient Care Information 2. Compliance & Noncompliance of HIPAA Regulations 3. Benefits of HIPAA V. Bereavement & Cultural Diversity A. Bereavement 1. The Grief & Loss Process 2. HOV Bereavement Services 3. Role of the Bereavement Counselor 4. Supporting Those Experiencing Loss B. Cultural Diversity 1. Stereotyping 2. Religious Differences 3. Diversity of Others 4. Cultural Differences 5. Working with Patients with Different Preferences & Lifestyles VI. Communication A. Role of the Social Worker/Counselor B. Communication Skills 1. Active Listening 2. Verbal 3. Nonverbal 4. Empathy 5. Non-judgment C. Personal Boundaries for Volunteers VII. 11th Hour Companion A. Three Greatest End of Life Fears B. Bedside Vigiling Process C. Supporting Dying with Dignity D. Perceptive Questioning VIII. Dementia & End Stage Diseases A. Dementia & Alzheimer`s B. Cancer C. Cause & Treatment Options 1. Dementia 2. Alzheimer`s 3. Cancer D. Chronic Vs. Terminal Chronic Disease E. Characteristics of COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), CHF (Congestive Heart Failure), & Neurological Conditions F. Progression of Disease 1. Signs & Symptoms 2. When Hospice Care Is Appropriate G. Communicating & Working with the Patient and Family H. Caregiver Role & Needs IX. Infection Control A. Prevention of Infections & Exposure to Hazards in the Workplace B. Increase Understanding of Standard Precaution C. Appropriate Use of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) D. TB Testing X. Symptom Management & Hospice Nursing A. Nursing Roles B. Physical Signs & Symptoms of the Dying Patient C. Pain & Symptom Management XI. Spirituality A. Difference between Spirituality vs. Religion B. Religious Beliefs about Death and Dying C. Role of the Chaplain in a Non Faith Based Organization

MCCCD Governing Board Approval Date: 12/13/2005

All information published is subject to change without notice. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented, but based on the dynamic nature of the curricular process, course and program information is subject to change in order to reflect the most current information available.