Volunteers
Needs and Uses of Game Tech Volunteers
Volunteers play a crucial role in supporting day-to-day tasks, allowing Game Techs to focus on higher acuity needs or projects. While each hospital program has a unique volunteer recruitment and screening process, defining specific skill sets for Game Tech Volunteers (GTVs) can be beneficial. Key attributes may include experience in troubleshooting basic technology and a keen interest or knowledge of current gaming trends. The following highlights examples of current program uses for volunteers:
- Game Kart Inventory/Maintenance:
- Ensuring the upkeep and organization of the Game Kart inventory.
- "Lower Priority" Bedside Sessions:
- Conducting bedside sessions for patients who are coping well but seeking entertainment.
- CCTV Support:
- Assisting with CCTV-related tasks, such as distributing flyers, hosting sessions, or handling camera work.
- Playroom/Teen Room Supervision and Transportation:
- Overseeing activities in playrooms and teen rooms, including transportation of materials.
- Recruiting:
- Considering the demographics of daytime shifts, explore recruitment avenues such as reaching out to local colleges or participating in recruitment fairs at the start of semesters. Collaborate with the hospital's volunteer department to align efforts and attract individuals with tech knowledge and gaming interests.
- Be mindful not to poach existing volunteers; instead, work with the volunteer department to identify potential candidates interested in GTV tasks.
Training and Supervision
- Training Standards:
- Adhere to hospital-specific training standards. Since GTVs may perform unique tasks, provide thorough training, and offer documentation that volunteers can reference in the future.
- Supervision Guidelines:
- While supervising GTVs, offer guidance through patient referrals. Maintain a list of patients who would benefit from volunteer interactions, providing direction, especially during their initial shifts.
- Encourage independence among volunteers, allowing Game Techs to focus on other tasks without constant supervision.
- Resource Section:
- Access volunteer descriptions and training assets, including examples from the [LINK TO HOSTED PDF OF LURIE MANUAL].
By strategically incorporating Game Tech Volunteers into the hospital's operations, you can enhance the gaming program's impact while ensuring volunteers contribute effectively and seamlessly.
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