(S2) The Jim Pattison Children's Hospital & The Royal University Hospital

We are currently recruiting for Thursdays from 7:30am - 10:30am.

The Royal Express Associate assists in welcoming and transporting patients, families and visitors with limited mobility, via the Royal Express, to various areas of the hospital. Individuals with varying levels of mobility benefit from the Royal Express Service as it helps them to navigate the vast footprint of RUH. 

Hospitality volunteers play an important role in welcoming individuals to the hospital with warmth and friendliness. They may answer questions about the facility, provide directions, and accompany patients and visitors to their destinations. While the position is based at JPCH, volunteers will also assist people in various areas within RUH.

This role requires excellent customer service and communication skills, as well as a friendly manner. Volunteers will interact with patients and visitors of all ages and backgrounds. Please note that volunteers will be on their feet and walking for three-hour shifts. 

Applicants should be willing to commit to a weekly shift for at least six months.

Shifts Available:  Monday 8am - 11am; Friday 12pm - 3pm; Friday 3pm - 6pm

Volunteers help reduce confusion and anxiety for patients, clients and family members by assisting in wayfinding to appropriate locations within the hospital. They push wheelchairs, walk with or provide an arm assist to clients and patients.

Shifts Available:  Monday 08:00-11:00, 11:00-13:00, Tuesday 08:00-11:00, Wednesday 08:00-11:00, 11:00-13:00, Thursday 11:00-13:00, Friday 11:00-13:00 

Priority Recruitment for Thursday afternoons and Weekends

Gift Shop Volunteers contribute to a facility’s healing culture and provide a service to patients, staff and the public in order to raise funds to purchase equipment. 

Volunteers greet and welcome visitors to the Gift Shop, assist with sales, light cleaning duties, and other tasks as required.

Qualifications:

• Provide remarkable customer service to visitors and staff.
• Possesses excellent communication skills.
• Receptive and accepting of diverse population.
• Sensitive to the needs of all.
• Sensitive to cultural and financial differences and age ranges of visitors.
• Must observe confidentiality of patients.
• Adequate conversational English is required in order that the individual be able to take direction, understand how to complete job tasks, communicate adequately with visitors and co-workers as necessary, understand and follow safety guidelines as well as hospital and department policies.

Opportunities available at Royal University Hospital

The Registration Volunteer assists in welcoming, directing and escorting patients, clients, families and visitors throughout the registration process. 

Volunteers interact with and provide valuable support to patients and clients as they navigate their way through the hospital after registration. 

Duties:

• Escort patients to various departments throughout the hospital
• Provide wayfinding support to other areas of the hospital (bathrooms, cafeteria, gift shop, Coffee shops, parking procedure)
• Deliver paperwork
• Greet Patients when queuing system is not operating

Shifts Available: Monday 11:00-13:00, Wednesday 13:00-15:00, Thursday 08:00-11:00, Friday 11:00-13:00. 

The goals of pet visitation programs are to provide opportunities for patients to reach and maintain their optimal level of physical and mental functioning; to maintain or re-establish interests, social contacts and dignity, to alleviate anxiety and redirect attention from their own condition and try to provide an outlet for emotion; and to provide structured, meaningful daily activity. All dogs are to be certified, and temperament tested by a Certified Pet Dog Trainer or by St. John’s Ambulance. They will be placed in areas according to their certification level. Vaccinations are to be up to date prior to first animal visit. Handlers must complete all required SHA Registered Volunteer processes

The goal of the Client Companion volunteer is to help patients feel welcome and improve mood, reduce negative effects of being in hospital, and maintain quality of life. Client Companions offer socialization and non-medical support.

Volunteers would interact one on one with patients in their room or in small groups of 2-4 in a common sitting area.

Some duties include card games, board games, conversation, current events, small crafts, coloring pictures, doing word puzzles, reading, nail polish, music, going for "walks" in wheelchairs on or off unit.

Shifts available: Monday 10:00-12:00, Wednesday 10:00-12:00, Thursday 10:00-12:00, Friday 10:00-12:00, 13:00-15:00.