KishHealth System Hospice will provide an orientation and training program, open to all majors, September through October, as it searches for volunteers.

The volunteer program will provide a broad understanding of Hospice work. Sue Goudy, volunteer and transitions program coordinator, said health majors and others including ministry, psychology and social work may find the program applicable to their studies.

In order to be a volunteer at the hospice, the six week orientation and training course is required. It is a total of eighteen hours broken down into three hour classes.

Each aspect of hospice care will be explored in these classes with KishHealth employees. Goudy said some highlights of the course include a class with the KishHealth minister, social work and music therapist. She hopes this variety will prepare volunteers and draw interest.

“Volunteers are very much a part of our team because sometimes they have insights that we don’t,” Goudy said.

Goudy said hospice comes with many challenges and they look for people with the personality to take on those challenges. She said being a good listener is one of the most important characteristics a Hospice Direct Care Volunteer can have.

“Someone who is interested in being present; who will listen and have empathy,” Goudy said.

Goudy said anyone can take the orientation and training class, regardless of what field they intend to pursue later in life. She said the class is intended to inform and anyone with an interest is welcome to attend.

“The more information that gets out about hospice can encourage more people to talk about and take advantage of the service,” Goudy said.