VNA volunteers

Volunteering with VNA Hospice of Greater Lowell

Are you thinking about volunteering? Have a conversation with us! Let's talk about whether a volunteer position here is a match with your interests and goals. We're flexible, we're fun, we're caring, and we respect and value our volunteers.

Most of our volunteers work with VNA Hospice patients and families. Learn more about VNA Hospice and read the frequently asked questions about volunteering with VNA Hospice. Volunteers also assist us with office operations, development, and community outreach -- regularly or on a project basis. We welcome student interns.

Ready to take the next step? Find out how your time and talents can change lives -- including your own. Contact Cathie Milliken, Volunteer Coordinator, at cmilliken@vnalowell.org or by calling 978-458-3123, Ext. 2725.

We welcome and appreciate the benefits of diversity.

Frequently Asked Questions


What do VNA Hospice volunteers do?
The possibilities are as varied as our patients and families are. In the patient's home, volunteers provide companionship for the patient or respite for family members. Depending on the needs of the situation, they might help with shopping or light household tasks, share an interest or special talent (such as music, art, computer skills, needlework, gardening, sports), interact with children in the family, help the patient accomplish something important to them. If the patient is in a nursing home, volunteers provide company and support to both patients and family members. Most often, volunteers find that their most important role is to offer a compassionate, caring presence and a listening heart. That is their priceless gift. back to top of questions

Do I need medical or nursing skills to be a VNA Hospice volunteer?
No. The volunteer training program will explain all that you are expected to know when visiting the patient. Our volunteers are not permitted to administer or take responsibility for any medications, treatments or personal care that a trained health professional would provide.back to top of questions

What is the expected time commitment?
The commitment varies, depending on the individual patient and the situation. Most visits are scheduled for one or two days a week, with a total commitment of 1 to 4 hours a week. All assignments are based on the individual volunteer's availability. Our volunteers include people who are employed, who are students, or who have other commitments - the schedule is flexible.back to top of questions

How are VNA Hospice volunteers supported?
Volunteers participate in an orientation program. Ongoing education and support meetings are held monthly. The volunteer coordinator is in close communication with each volunteer. As members of the VNA Hospice team, volunteers also communicate with other team members (nurses, social workers, chaplain, bereavement coordinator, office staff) as needed. back to top of questions

Doesn't volunteering with VNA Hospice make you feel really sad and depressed?
Most volunteers find that spending time with patients and families at the end of life is not depressing. While there may be sad moments or situations that touch you deeply, the ability to make things a little easier, to offer support, and to connect with others during a very precious time of life can be incredibly rewarding. Most people who are part of the VNA Hospice team will tell you that they consider their work to be a privilege. The strength and courage of patients and their families is a source of inspiration that brings them new appreciation for their own life and families.back to top of questions

Who can be a VNA Hospice volunteer?
The most important qualification is a caring, open-minded, compassionate attitude. We look for empathy, a sense of humor, and flexibility. Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older. A criminal background check and a TB test are required. If you have had a major personal loss, we request that you wait at least one year before volunteering to visit with VNA Hospice patients. back to top of questions