Would you love to nurse in the way you always wanted? As a Volunteer Nurse at Skanda Vale Hospice you have a golden opportunity to do just that and have the satisfaction of providing palliative nursing in a beautiful environment that upholds the highest standards of holistic, person-centred care. You will be part of a supportive team, headed by our inspirational Lead Nurse who was awarded 2024 Nurse of the Year for the Independent Sector.
About Skanda Vale Hospice
Skanda Vale Hospice offers unhurried, highly individualised care and respite to families affected by life-limiting illnesses, completely free of charge. A beautiful and happy place, filled with laughter and vibrant colour, our hospice is nurse led and primarily run by volunteers. Volunteering with us means being a valued part of a dedicated team who give of themselves wholeheartedly. Compassion is at the heart of what we do, expressed by human kindness, generosity and a deep commitment to the well-being of everyone we care for and work alongside.
What will I be doing?
- Providing skilled nursing care, administering medication, managing symptoms, and helping with personal care.
- Carrying out thorough, holistic patient assessments and developing care plans.
- Building trusting relationships with patients, families and colleagues.
- Keeping accurate and up-to-date records of patient care.
- Offering support and advice to patients and families.
- Working collaboratively with other team members to support genuinely patient-centred care.
How much time should I give?
10 hours or 1 shift minimum per month, averaged over the year.
What are the benefits of being a Volunteer Nurse?
- Satisfaction from making a profound difference to people’s lives.
- Sense of purpose from using your skills in a worthwhile cause.
- Feeling valued and appreciated as a key part of a vital team.
- Working in a welcoming environment with other warmhearted people.
- Training and development opportunities.
- Earning Tempo Time Credits to spend on activities both locally and across the UK.
- Travel expenses reimbursed.
- Free accommodation if participating in our residential volunteering program (see https://www.skandavalehospice.org/volunteer-accommodation).
What do I need to have?
- Registered Nurse qualification with current registration and indemnity insurance to practise without restrictions.
- Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
- Strong clinical assessment and nursing skills.
- Ability to communicate effectively with sensitivity and respect with people from diverse backgrounds.
- Empathy, with a patient-centred approach to care.
- Ability to respond well to changing circumstances.
- Composure in potentially stressful situations and the ability to respond promptly to critical events.
What training and support will I be given?
You will receive comprehensive induction and training to familiarise you with hospice policies and procedures as well as ongoing support and supervision from our Lead Nurse / Deputy Lead Nurse to ensure you feel confident and valued in your role. We also offer a range of team wellbeing and development opportunities.
How do I find out more?
You can see the full role description on our website and fill in our volunteering form there. Any questions? Email [email protected] or drop in at one of our Coffee Mornings. These are held between 10.30 am and 12.30 pm on the last Thursday of each month and offer the chance for an informal chat and a look around - while enjoying fresh coffee and homemade cake, free of charge. Come along, we’d love to meet you!