Education & Training

When you join our organisation, we want you to feel comfortable and welcome in your new environment and we will provide you with the knowledge and tools you will need to successfully undertake your role. All volunteers are required to undertake a degree of training. Education is free to all Hospice Waikato Volunteers.

Training programmes take place at our 334 Cobham Drive site in Hamilton. Volunteers must pre-register to attend. Registrations can be made by phoning Karen Mansfield on 07 859 1260 or by email, [email protected]

Volunteer Orientation Learning and Development
Volunteers who will be undertaking roles that do not involve patient contact will need to undertake a two hour orientation. The orientation introduces you to our Hospice philosophy by sharing our way of being, our vision, values, philosophy, services and culture. In addition, we will ensure you understand the important roles that are carried out by our Volunteers. At the end of this session, you should have an understanding of hospices holistic approach to death, dying, grief and bereavement. Orientation is held once a month at Hospice Waikato. Volunteers working in our Retail stores will undergo specific training relating to the role they are undertaking directly within our stores.

Volunteer Learning and Development – Patient Contact Roles
Volunteers who will be working directly with patients will be required to undertake a two day training program. This training will introduce you to our Hospice philosophy by sharing our way of being, our vision, values, philosophy, services and culture, plus you will receive in-depth knowledge on the following topics:

• Navigating the Journey/End of Life Care.
  
• Communication and Listening.
  
• Confidentiality/Privacy and Boundaries.
  
• Palliative Care and Children.
  
• Grief and Loss.
  
• Spirituality and Culture.
  
• Compassion Fatigue/Self Care.

Some of the roles which require attendance at the training program are: