UVMHN Home Health & Hospice Education Podcast

Volunteer Advantage: Workplace Violence and De-Escalation

In this episode of "Volunteer Advantage," we address the crucial topic of workplace violence prevention and de-escalation, tailored for the dedicated volunteers at UVM Health Network's Home Health and Hospice.
We begin by defining workplace violence, which encompasses both physical and verbal assaults, and emphasize the importance of safeguarding against any form of abuse, even when it's not legally prosecutable. Recognizing harmful situations and taking proactive steps is essential for ensuring your safety and well-being.
The episode highlights the "see something, say something" principle, encouraging volunteers to report any incidents immediately, regardless of the perceived intent behind them. This proactive approach helps prevent future harm and maintains a safe environment for everyone involved.
We also discuss effective de-escalation techniques, offering practical advice on how to manage potentially volatile situations while ensuring your safety. Key strategies include maintaining a safe distance, acknowledging the other person's feelings, and having a clear exit strategy in place.
Ultimately, your safety is our top priority. We provide guidance on how to respond if faced with physical violence, stressing the importance of removing yourself from danger and understanding when to run, hide, or fight.
Join us as we equip you with the knowledge and tools to navigate challenging situations safely and confidently, ensuring a positive volunteering experience.

Volunteer Advantage: Preventing Workplace Harassment

Welcome to Volunteer Advantage, a dedicated series for volunteers at UVM Health Network's Home Health and Hospice. In this episode, we delve into the critical topic of workplace harassment prevention, essential for fostering a respectful and safe environment for everyone involved. The discussion begins with a clear definition of harassment, highlighting it as a pattern of offensive or abusive behavior that creates a hostile work environment. This can manifest through words, signs, jokes, pranks, intimidation, or physical actions targeting individuals based on protected characteristics such as race, sexual orientation, or military status. We explore the various forms harassment can take, including verbal, nonverbal, visual, and physical harassment, as well as bullying and sexual harassment. These behaviors are unacceptable, and volunteers are encouraged to speak up and report incidents to a volunteer coordinator. By taking action and supporting an environment of care and belonging, volunteers play a vital role in maintaining a safe and welcoming space for all. Tune in to learn more about how you can contribute to preventing workplace harassment.

Volunteer Advantage: Safety

Welcome to Volunteer Advantage, a resource dedicated to providing updates and information for volunteers at UVM Health Network's Home Health and Hospice. In this episode, we focus on the crucial topic of safety, emphasizing the importance of self-care before assisting others.
The episode outlines three key points: First, the significance of volunteers in identifying and reporting potential hazards such as icy walkways or tripping risks, ensuring a safer environment for everyone involved.
Secondly, prevention is highlighted as a key strategy. Volunteers are encouraged to be vigilant about their surroundings, from ensuring well-lit parking to wearing identification badges prominently.
Lastly, specific precautions are discussed for different volunteering locations, whether in community homes or at facilities like the respite house. Volunteers are advised on how to handle potential hazards and emergency situations, ensuring a secure and supportive environment for clients and staff alike.
Join us in maintaining a safe and healthy environment for all, as we provide practical tips and insights for volunteers.

Volunteer Advantage: Cybersecurity

Welcome to Volunteer Advantage, your go-to source for updates and information as a volunteer at UVM Health Network's Home Health and Hospice. In this episode, we delve into the crucial topic of cybersecurity, focusing on three main points to help you keep sensitive information secure. Firstly, we discuss the importance of creating strong, dynamic passwords. Learn what makes a good password and why it's vital to change it regularly. Discover tips on creating passwords that are hard to guess yet memorable for you. Next, we guide you on how to identify and avoid phishing emails that aim to steal your login credentials. Recognize red flags such as unfamiliar senders and unexpected attachments, and know the steps to take if you suspect an email might be a scam. Lastly, we emphasize the importance of maintaining patient confidentiality by avoiding the printing of sensitive information. Adhering to these cybersecurity practices not only protects our systems but also ensures the privacy of our clients. Thank you for your dedication and commitment to keeping our network secure. If you have any questions or require assistance, please reach out to your volunteer coordinator.

Volunteer Advantage: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Welcome to Volunteer Advantage, a series designed to keep volunteers at UVM Health Network's Home Health and Hospice informed and engaged. In this episode, we explore the crucial topic of DEI—diversity, equity, and inclusion. We delve into the definitions of these key terms: diversity as welcoming all forms of identity, equity as providing appropriate access for individuals, and inclusion as fostering a sense of belonging. At Home Health and Hospice, creating an inclusive, human-centered care environment for both clients and volunteers is a top priority. Sunny Eapen, our network leader, emphasizes that DEI is essential to patient care, workforce talent, and building vibrant communities. Volunteers are encouraged to listen, learn, and stand up for others, while also exploring their own biases. Discover more DEI opportunities by speaking with your volunteer coordinator. Thank you for your commitment to understanding and advocating for DEI, helping us create a supportive and inclusive environment for all.

Volunteer Advantage: Infection Prevention

Welcome to another episode of Volunteer Advantage, where we provide vital updates and information for the dedicated volunteers at UVM Health Network's Home Health and Hospice. In this episode, we delve into the crucial topic of infection prevention, highlighting four key points to ensure a safe and healthy environment for everyone involved. Firstly, if you're not feeling well, it's essential to refrain from volunteering to prevent the introduction of new bacteria and pathogens. Next, we emphasize the importance of hand hygiene, detailing the proper techniques for both soap and water and alcohol hand sanitizer. We also discuss transmission precautions, including the use of masks, gloves, and standard precautions to minimize risk. Finally, we outline the steps to take if you suspect exposure to a pathogen, ensuring volunteers know how to respond effectively. Thank you for your commitment to maintaining a safe environment for our clients and their families. Tune in to learn more about safeguarding your health and those you serve.

Volunteer Advantage: Compliance

Welcome to "The Volunteer Advantage," a series dedicated to providing updates and essential information for volunteers at UVM Health Network's Home Health and Hospice. In this episode, we delve into the critical topic of compliance and outline your primary responsibilities in maintaining it. We emphasize the importance of doing the right thing and adopting a "see something, say something" approach. As mandated reporters, your role in compliance involves accurately documenting your time with clients, addressing care plans, and reporting any changes in a client's health. Your observations or concerns, including any signs of abuse or neglect, should be shared with a volunteer coordinator promptly. Discover how our code of conduct guides us in providing safe, respectful, and quality care while ensuring client confidentiality and fostering an inclusive environment. Learn about the broader aspects of compliance within the organization and your part in upholding integrity and trustworthiness. Thank you for your dedication to enhancing our organization's compliance and contributing to a trustworthy service environment.

Volunteer Advantage: Privacy

Welcome to Volunteer Advantage, where we provide essential updates and information for volunteers at UVM Health Network's Home Health and Hospice. In this episode, we focus on the critical topic of privacy and offer valuable insights to ensure you handle sensitive information responsibly.
We explore three main points to guide your volunteering efforts. Firstly, remember that all client-related information is strictly on a need-to-know basis. Share only the minimum necessary details with those directly involved in the client's care. Secondly, exercise caution with social media. Avoid sharing any client information online, as perceptions of confidentiality breaches can be as damaging as actual ones. Lastly, ensure all paperwork containing client or financial information is securely disposed of in locked shredding bins to protect privacy.
We also provide specific tips for different volunteering locations, emphasizing the importance of vigilance in maintaining confidentiality. At places like the McClure Miller Respite House, we employ practices such as using animal names for rooms and securing resident lists to prevent unauthorized access. Your role as a volunteer includes being observant and proactive in safeguarding our clients' and residents' privacy.
If you encounter any privacy concerns, promptly contact your volunteer coordinator. Together, you can work towards resolving the issue and ensuring the ongoing protection of sensitive information. Thank you for your commitment to maintaining the privacy and trust of those we serve.

Meet Our Team: What are the High-Tech and Pediatric Palliative programs at HHH?

Spend a few minutes with Jenni Pennington, Manager of Specialty Programs, as she discusses the services available to our highest-need community members through the High-Tech and Pediatric Palliative Care programs.

Safety First at HHH: De-Escalation

Listen in for some tips and tricks in avoiding escalation or de-escalating a difficult situation with Sarah Rogers- Spaulding, PT.