Terminally ill patients deal with a lot, and everyone who lends a hand can make a tremendous difference. Volunteering may include reading to them, running errands for them and their family, and even just enjoying friendly conversation. Being able to effectively communicate and empathize with patients and their families are some of the most valuable traits any healthcare professional can possess. The ways in which volunteers learn to handle sensitive situations greatly affects the quality of care they can provide.

Depending on the position, volunteers may be in charge of collecting and organizing patient information. Hospitals and clinics generate a staggering amount of digital and hard copy documents to keep track of their procedures, patients' insurance and billing information, and more. All of the patients' information in these settings is entirely confidential and volunteers must abide by the facility's information safeguarding policies.

Healthcare professionals who choose to work in a hospital setting can expect to face long workdays and swing shifts to cover 24-hour care. Depending on the role, your volunteer role may ask for your time during these late shifts. These opportunities provide you with a close perspective of what it's like during odd hours, how hospitals and clinics function outside of normal or busy times, and more.

Both inside and outside of healthcare scenarios, volunteers work with individuals from many different backgrounds. It can be especially helpful and comforting for patients when they are sick or vulnerable. Many volunteers in healthcare spend time with patients to put them at ease and being culturally sensitive to a patient's needs is part of that work.