ABOUT VOLUNTEERING AT Kaiser Permanente Northwest
Hospice Volunteer Program
Are you looking for a volunteer opportunity that engages your heart, mind, and spirit in caring for people in your own community? Our hospice serves the Portland, Oregon metropolitan area, and Clark County, Washington.
Hold a hand. Be a presence. Join the Kaiser Permanente hospice volunteer team to provide support to families and patients as they experience a terminal illness.
Our primary volunteer application process has been migrated to a new site. Please go to the following webpage to apply as a hospice volunteer: Volunteer Home
Why Volunteer With Hospice?
Volunteers play a vital role on the team for Kaiser Hospice patients and their families. As valued members of the hospice team, volunteers can make a difference by providing a break for a family caregiver (called respite), visiting patients in care homes and facilities, run errands or provide some light housekeeping, or assisting staff in the office.
FAQ's
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You volunteer in your own community according to your schedule. We match you with one patient at a time and you can schedule your visits according to your availability and patient need.
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Hospice is regulated by Medicare, which guides how you come onto hospice as a volunteer. Your first step is to fill out an on-line volunteer application on Kaiser’s new webpage, which you can access here: Volunteer Home
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Switching from a Hospice to a Clinic or Hospital volunteer role must be a specific and permanent switch, as there are different requirements for participation within each program. If you are a Hospice volunteer and would like to switch or add, please contact your Program Manager to learn more.
Getting started
Step 1: Begin by filling out an online application.
Step 2: Schedule an interview.
Step 3: Pass Background Check & Drug Screen
Background Checks are conducted using Verified First. Drug screening follows Federal Guidelines to pass.
Step 4: Hospice Volunteer Training.
Step 5: Health Screening
One time blood draw to cover TB screening will be arranged at a KP facility once the volunteer enrolls in the KP Employee Health system.
Call the Kaiser Hospice NW Volunteer Program at 971-401-3095 for more information.
Contact us at hospicevolunteernw@kp.org for questions.
What Volunteers Are Saying
“I learn so much in this hospice work — the
importance of the smallest things, the power
of touch, the importance of family and friends,
the significance of a loving pet. Watching the
people who do this work for a living with such
compassion, patience, respect, and tenderness
restores my faith in humanity. I experience what
the power of presence does.”
“After retiring I looked for an activity where
I could use my skills at listening (I did a lot of
that in my job), and to provide some relief for
those caregivers who become overwhelmed
with the burdens of caring for the dying. Little
did I realize that this activity would also enrich
my life. I have encountered so many brave,
gallant people whose amazing life stories
have had a humbling effect on me. And who
would have thought that I could come to love
one of my patients like a brother?”