Mental Health Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer experiences give a certain freedom to explore
aspects of nursing that may not be possible within the fast paced job
setting or educational setting. The role of the nurse as a healing presence
in our client's lives is an important aspect of nursing. The spiritual
component of connection, meaning, and purpose define people's values and
health care beliefs. These volunteer opportunities will give you a chance to
explore the role of the nurse as compassionate caregiver, listener, and
comforter. Please take a few moments to explore the resources link and think
about "therapeutic presence". Use these volunteer experiences to explore
your listening and "being present" skills. Please use the link to e-mail me,
or call me, with your thoughts and feelings before and after these
opportunities. There is a small assessment tool for you to use to
reflect on your caring behaviors. It would be interesting to use this tool
to self assess before and after your experiences. Use the links below to
access the pre- and post- assessments:
Caring Behaviors Self-Assessment (Pre-Assessment)
Caring Behaviors Self-Assessment (Post-Assessment)
"The Hope Team" a division of Health Care Center for the Homeless
Working with the Hope Team you will be working with the unsheltered
homeless, including people on the streets, "in the woods", and the
storefront
clinic. This opportunity is about communication and
"presence". The clients have a range of medical, psychiatric,
and substance abuse issues. Volunteering with the Hope Team, the student will enhance
their communication skills and explore the role of the nurse in
creating solutions to community
mental health problems. Students will be asked to complete a survey after completion of this volunteerism opportunity to
help me with a study on the role of compassion and nursing presence in
healing.
If interested in volunteering with "The Hope Team", please contact them
at 407-481-8059 or visit their website at:
http://www.hcch.org . If you would like more
information, please contact Denise Coe (407)
582-1021.
"Orlando Regional Healthcare: Pastoral Care Volunteers"
The Orlando Regional Healthcare Pastoral Care Department is looking for
volunteers. If you have been seeking an opportunity to exercise your calling
to become involved in spiritual support, becoming a Pastoral Care
Volunteer at ORH may be your opportunity. Pastoral Care Volunteer
training programs are offered regularly. Additional orientation by the Volunteer Services
Department will be scheduled when you register. Openings are
limited. Please call the Pastoral Care office at 321-841-5290 or
321-843-1333.
"Lisa Merlin House"
A residential treatment program for women with substance abuse.
They need clerical work, people to talk with clients. They would also
welcome the opportunity to have health-related topics presented
to the clients such as stress management, or STD education, etc. To
participate in this opportunity please contact Denise Coe (407) 582-1021.
"Pathways to Care"
A respite recovery care facility for homeless men/women with acute
medical problems. They welcome the opportunity for nursing students to
come work their clients by offering a listening ear and heart. To participate in this opportunity contact Bridgette Kelly (407) 388-0245.
"Center for Drug Free Living"
The Center for Drug-Free Living, Inc. is a comprehensive,
community-based, substance abuse treatment and prevention agency serving the
residents of Central Florida regardless of age, sex, race, creed or ability
to pay. Serving the Central Florida community with quality human services
for over 30 years, The Center For Drug-Free Living has developed a diverse
regimen of treatment, intervention and prevention services to help its
clients develop healthy and responsible lifestyles. Find their website at
http://www.cfdfl.com/ and click on
Volunteer Opportunities on the left hand column.
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