Critical Care Volunteer ICU
Volunteers in Critical care
Role description:
Volunteers will support patients who are experiencing, or who are at risk of, ICU delirium during periods when relatives and friends are unable to be at the bedside.
- Providing reassurance by sitting at bedside with patients and engaging in light conversation using “chit chat” techniques.
- Support patients in using RITA devices.
- Update ICU diaries - noting interactions.
- Update ‘getting to know me boards’ and use the information displayed to guide meaningful conversations.
- Use communication stations to assist patients who have difficulties communicating.
- (Optional) Maintain continuity by checking in on patients after ICU transfer and visiting them on the wards if appropriate and if the volunteer wishes.
- Volunteers to complete the data collection form during their shift.
Shift Pattern:
- Shifts to be offered of 1-4 hours, depending on volunteer preference.
Personal attributes that would be well suited to this role:
- Excellent communication skills
- Ability to provide a calm and patient demeanour.
- Confidence of being in the critical care environment (ability to manage a busy atmosphere and process being exposed to patients who are critically unwell)
Training provided by critical care team and includes:
- 2 hours face-to-face training plus an online educational video.
- Background to ICU delirium and “chit chat” techniques from the ICU psychology team.
- Communication station training from Speech and Language therapist
- ICU diary training from the therapy department.
- ICU delirium video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqS6RusD2rI
Reflective Practice:
- Group reflection sessions will be facilitated every 2 months by the ICU clinical psychology team.
- Volunteers will have an opportunity to discuss challenging experiences, share learning, and seek support from each other.
Volunteers must have excellent I.T skills.
Volunteers must have excellent written skills.
Volunteers must have excellent communication skills.
Volunteers must ideally live local to the site.
For any queries please contact Clair Moughton or Paula Eager.
