Northern Arizona VA Health Care System - Volunteer Service

 Description of Program:

NAVAHCS benefits from the services of over 700 individual volunteers each year. Over 40 volunteers are on duty each day helping to make this a health care center of excellence. Volunteers from all ages and life experiences serve in many capacities at NAVAHCS. Hours of Operation: Office Hours - Monday thru Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm. (Except Federal Holidays). Location: Building 15, Room 101. Eligibility: Minimum age 13 years, annual TB test, and completion of volunteer orientation.

 NAVAHCS Guest Services Programs:

The Guest Services Program at the Northern Arizona VA Health Care System began in January 1994 and applies hotel-type amenities and services to the hospitalized veterans. The program is supported by donations for operation; volunteers are utilized to serve as “care ambassadors” to provide the needs of our patients. Services supported by the “Guest Services” program are:

• Care Ambassadors – Volunteers who are stationed at the Outpatient Clinic and welcome veterans as they enter. They assist with information, directions and coffee, juice and cookies.
• Guest Shuttle – Volunteer drivers provide transportation for veterans from the parking areas to their facility destination. This service is very beneficial for disabled patients.
• In – room movies – Volunteers provide free movie service to hospitalized veterans upon request. TVs and VCRs were donated specifically for the use in the Guest Services Program. Educational videos are also available upon request from medical staff. This program service provides a rich bedside source of entertainment and enjoyment.
• Newspaper Delivery – Volunteers provide newspaper delivery to hospitalized veterans. This service is provided through generous donations to the Guest Services Program. We find that veterans really enjoy this service and look forward to the delivery days.
• Fresh flowers at the bedside – Volunteers deliver a fresh flower bouquet donated by a local florist to hospitalized veterans each week.
• Treats for the Troops - In an effort to reach the needs of outpatients, the VAVS provide coffee, cookies and juice in these areas. Fresh fruit and popcorn are available to hospitalized veterans weekly, distributed by a regularly scheduled volunteer.
• Welcome Kits – A kit containing various sundries and comfort item is presented to every newly admitted veteran by a volunteer each day. This provides veterans with supplies to make their stay more comfortable.
• Postage Stamps – Veterans are able to obtain phone cards, postage stamps and stationary through the Guest Services program upon request. This amenity is supplied through donations to the program.
• Patient Clothing Room – NAVAHCS offers used clothing and comfort items to veterans in the Hospital, Domiciliary, Extended Care and Rehabilitation Center Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to Noon. This program is furnished through donations and administered by volunteers.
   

 Volunteer Opportunities:

The following is a list of ongoing volunteer positions available at NAVAHCS. This list does not encompass all volunteer opportunities at the Medical Center.

• Escort Runner - Escort patients in wheel chairs and on gurneys to designated areas. Deliver lab specimens, patient charts and records.
• Shuttle Driver - Drive shuttle within Medical Center grounds. Transport patients and family members. Must have valid AZ drivers license and be trained on the use of the shuttle. 
• Clerical - Assist with general clerical work, typing, filing, collating, and reception.
• Recreation - Transport patients to activities. Participate in recreational sports activities assisting veterans (bingo games, card games etc. ).
• Hospice Volunteer - Provide support to the veteran and their family who are in the inpatient Hospice Program .
• Veterans History Project Volunteer - Assist with the interviewing, transcribing and video taping of veterans stories for the Library of Congress.
• Information Desk - Provide Medical Center information and directions to patients and visitors.
• Comfort Cart - Deliver “welcome Kits”, comfort items (toiletries, books, stationary, flowers, etc) to patient's bedside.

NAVAHCS Volunteer Orientations are held every Wednesday at 9:00 AM in
Theater Building #15, 500 Highway 89, Prescott, Arizona.
Additional volunteer opportunities are available in specialized areas.
Stop by or call Voluntary Services at 928-776-6013

Volunteer Office Building 15, Room. 101
500 Highway 89, Prescott, AZ 86313
(928) -776-6013

 Volunteer Application Process:

Everyone is required to attend an orientation before beginning service as a VA volunteer. The 2hour orientation, an introduction to the medical center, covers many of the same topics as employee orientation. The basic purpose of the orientation is three fold:

1. For you to complete the application process.

2. To provide information related to the policies, functions and objectives of the Medical Center and

3. To provide an understanding of the fundamental principles and procedures of volunteer service in the medical center.

The Supervisor in the assigned area will provide job specific training.
All volunteers are required to receive a tuberculin skin test when they begin volunteering. This test is administered, free of charge, at the orientation session. The test must be repeated on an annual basis in order to keep your volunteer status with the VA.
 

 Volunteer Benefits:

In addition to the many non-tangible benefits you receive as a volunteer from helping others, NAVAHCS also provides some specific volunteer rewards. If you volunteer for four hours in a day you will receive a complimentary meal at NAVAHCS. All volunteers receive a parking sticker. Throughout the year VA staff make a point of recognizing our volunteer's efforts, but annually volunteers are honored for their hours of service at an awards ceremony and banquet.

 Special Events:

Many special events are coordinated through Voluntary Service. These included; National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans, Volunteer Recognition, 4000 Hour pin Recognition, Memorial Day, Youth Awards Program, POW/MIA Recognition, Veterans Day, United Blood Services Blood Drives, fund raising events, and volunteer training.

 Contact Us:

Volunteer Office Building 15, Room. 101
500 Highway 89, Prescott, AZ 86313
(928) -776-6013