-POSITION DESCRIPTION-

EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT VOLUNTEER 

SUMMARY: Provides assistance to the staff in the areas of patient/family communication and restocking shelves. Transports patients, hospital documents and lab specimens as needed.

ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Demonstrates behavior consistent with REGARD and the Vision and Goals of Jefferson Memorial Hospital.

• Adheres to standard hospital policies, procedures and regulations and attends scheduled inservice/training programs and mandatory education requirements.

• Maintains absolute patient privacy by not discussing patient information among themselves or others. Ensures the confidentiality of all information (both written and oral) coming into their contact.

• Facilitates communication among patients/family/staff.

• Escorts and/or assists with wheelchair transports between departments.

• Transports hospital documents according to privacy policy.

• Transports specimens to the laboratory following infection control policies.

• Restocks patient units and station areas with linens and supplies.
  
• Maintains general tidiness of the Emergency Department lobby area.

• assists with special projects or requests by the Emergency Department staff.

QUALIFICATIONS:

This volunteer must have a high school diploma or equivalency; have received satisfactory response from personal references/background checks; and must have completed the Jefferson Memorial Hospital Volunteer Orientation.  He/she must be willing to attend annual volunteer updates and inservices appropriate to the position; be able to demonstrate a friendly, cheerful, respectful, and courteous manner to all visitors, patients, and staff; demonstrate proper telephone communication guidelines; be dependable and report to duty when scheduled or follow proper call-in procedures.  All volunteers are required to wear designated hospital volunteer uniform and identification badge.  

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Has the physical ability, flexibility and endurance to be able to perform all duties of the position.
  
• Is able to bend, stoop, reach and capable of normal rotation, standing and walking for a typical four (4) hour volunteer shift.
  
• Is able to physically transport patients by wheelchair.
  
• Is able to effectively communicate with patients, visitors, and staff.
  
• Is able to function independently, but asks for assistance when unable to handle an assignment alone.  

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Frequent requests and an often fast-paced working environment.
  
• May be subject to occasional exposure to distraught or confrontational behavior from visitors/customers.
  
• OSHA Blood Borne Pathogens Category III.
  
• TB Exposure: Non-applicable.

REPORTS TO:

Volunteer Program Manager, Emergency Department Manager/Designee or Charge Nurse

SUPERVISES: No one 

Volunteer Rights: I am aware of any potential conflicting situations, and I request not to participate in the following aspects of this position because of cultural values, ethics or religious beliefs.  

Accommodations: I request the following reasonable accommodations (special equipment, etc.) in order to perform the essential functions (*) of this position:  

DESCRIPTION DATE: 10/18/04