Health Sciences Intern - Hospice & Community Support

Position Title:Health Sciences InternshipReports to: Volunteer CoordinatorLocation: Hybrid, various service areas (we'll work with your location and availability)Time Commitment: 3-10 hours per week for 12 weeks (flexible scheduling)Internship Type: UnpaidPosition SummaryBlue Summit Hospice and Palliative Care is offering a rewarding internship opportunity for students and recent graduates in Health Sciences, Public Health, Pre-Nursing, or related fields. This experience is ideal for individuals who are passionate about compassionate care and committed to making a difference through community service. Interns will gain valuable, hands-on exposure to hospice care while providing meaningful support to patients and their families during a critical time in their lives.Interns will assist with non-clinical patient support, such as providing companionship, offering caregiver respite, and helping with light errands. They may also contribute to educational materials or research, support community outreach and hospice events, and assist with administrative tasks like outreach and scheduling. Interns will attend team meetings to gain insight into interdisciplinary care and ethical practices.Internship Responsibilities May Include:Provide non-clinical patient support, including companionship, conversation, reading, and emotional comfortOffer caregiver respite and assist with light errands or grocery shoppingSupport community outreach efforts and hospice eventsAssist with educational materials or research related to patient care, grief support, and community resourcesAttend team meetings, case conferences, or training sessions to observe interdisciplinary care and ethical decision-makingHelp with administrative or volunteer coordination tasks, such as outreach, scheduling, and resource supportMaintain professionalism and patient confidentialityin accordance with HIPAA and hospice policiesCommunicate effectively with the Volunteer Coordinator and care team regarding patient interactionsComplete accurate and timelypatient visit documentationLearning ObjectivesBy the conclusion of the internship, the intern will:Develop communication and collaboration skills within an interdisciplinary care teamExplore and understand the community and healthcare resources that support hospice patients and their familiesUnderstand the philosophy and goals of hospice and palliative careDemonstrate increased confidence in communication, collaboration, and time management in a professional settingContribute meaningfully to program and service support effortsReflect on the role of holistic, person-centered care in end-of-life servicesObserve how hospice services fit within the broader healthcare systemDevelop professional behavior including punctuality, accountability, and adherence to ethical standardsOpportunities to serve diverse communities with empathy and respectIdeal for those:Majoring in Health Sciences, Public Health, Pre-Nursing, or a related fieldRecent graduates in a gap year preparing for advanced study or entry into the medical workforceSeeking meaningful volunteer or internship hours to strengthen their experienceCompassionate, reliable, and eager to learnInterested in making a lasting impact in the lives of othersTraining/ EducationOrientation Session (30 minutes)Completion of Hospice-Specific Training: Volunteers must complete an initial hospice training program that covers basic hospice care, patient rights, HIPAA compliance, cultural competency, emotional support, and confidentialityOngoing Education: Volunteers may need to attend periodic workshops, seminars, or refresher courses on hospice care, grief counseling, and other relevant topicsRole-Specific Training: Depending on the volunteer role (e.g., companionship, respite care, or legacy project),Additional training as neededIf you want to make a difference and gain real-world experience, send your resume to volunteer@bluesummithospice.net