Pilgrims Hospice Society requires the completion of nine different training modules that are certified by the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association in order to volunteer with our organization. This training has been developed to help hospice palliative care programs across the country ensure that volunteers receive the consistent training and information they need to provide high quality services. Hospice palliative care volunteers are now one of the largest groups of volunteers providing direct services in the country! (* The Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association Hospice Palliative Care Volunteers: Toolkit – 2012)

The training modules are available throughout the year and are currently running virtually via Zoom, by a number of different Hospices. The nine modules are as follows:

1. Role of the Volunteer/Orientation (This is held in person at the RFHC)
2. Effective Communication Skills
3. Family and Family Dynamics
4. Emotional/Psychological Issues and Support
5. Spiritual Issues
6 & 7. Physical Issues and Support, including Pain and Symptom Management and Caring for People at Home or in a Hospice (taught together)
8. Grief and Bereavement
9. Self Care

As part of the volunteer application process you can expect that we’ll complete the following:

1. Application reviewed by Volunteer Services Coordinator
2. An interview so we can get to know you better
3. A Criminal Record and Child Welfare check
4. Two reference checks (via email)
5. Completion of the Hospice Care Training series, developed by the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association