Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What if I have to miss a volunteering shift?
A. If you need to cancel your shift, please notify the Volunteer Resource office within 24 hours or as soon as you can. We understand that emergencies do happen, please try your best to keep us informed.
Q. How many hours do I need in order to get a letter of reference?
A. A commitment of at least 50 hours of volunteer service is required.
Q. I have heard of the HELP program, what is that exactly?
A. The Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP) is an exciting program that gives volunteers a unique and rewarding level of patient contact and responsibility. Volunteers are members of a healthcare team whose goal is to prevent the decline of older adults while they are hospitalized. Through extensive training, volunteers help to maintain cognitive and physical functioning in our elderly patient population. Specific duties include friendly visiting, encouraging exercise, giving mealtime assistance and teach relaxation techniques to help patients sleep. If you are interested in becoming a HELP volunteer please contact McMaster or the Henderson Volunteer Resources offices or visit the Hospital Elder Life website.
Q. How old do I have to be to volunteer?
A. To become a volunteer, you must be at least 14 years of age and attending a secondary school.
Q. I have never been to an interview. When will that happen and what is it for?
A. At most sites, following the information session an interview will be arranged with the potential volunteer by the Coordinator of Volunteer Resources to discuss their goals, likes and dislikes. The initial interview will determine the qualifications, ability and suitability of the individual to perform on behalf of the organization. The Coordinator will review suitable vacancies and discuss program needs. Interviews are approximately 20-30 minutes.
Q. What is the Annual General Awards Dinner?
A. The Annual General Meeting and Awards Dinner is a time of appreciation. This night is hosted by the HHS Volunteer Association, in recognition of the many volunteers who give so generously of their time.
Q. What is TB?
A. Tuberculosis (TB) in an infectious disease caused by a specific TB germ. When TB germs are carried into the lungs of a person through breathing, a focus of infection may develop. Usually the focus of infection is small and causes no significant damage. However, in some people the focus of infection may at a later date reactivate to cause lung damage (tuberculosis disease).
Q. What does it mean if I have a positive test?
A. A positive tuberculin skin test means either you have a tuberculous infection now of you have had a tuberculous infection in the past. If you have a positive tuberculin test your doctor will send you for an x-ray to determine if the TB germs have done any damage to your lungs and your doctor may prescribe medication which will slowly fight the TB germs and allow the infection to heal.
Q. How do they do a TB skin test?
A. A doctor or nurse will inject a specially prepared liquid called tuberculin just under your skin. This is not a vaccination. A few days later, the doctor or nurse will inspect the test spot on your skin to measure the size of the local reaction. Only reactions of a certain size are considered positive.
Q. Do we still come to Volunteer on a Holiday?
A. No. Volunteer Resources is closed on Holidays.