Volunteer
You Are the Heart of Hospice
At Hospice of the North Coast (HNC), we believe that volunteers are the heart of hospice. Whether you have experienced the support of hospice services firsthand or simply have a desire to help others, we invite you to join our dedicated team.
Our volunteers play a vital role in supporting patients and families, providing comfort and companionship during challenging times. With a variety of volunteer opportunities available, you can make a meaningful impact in the lives of those in need.
Select from a Variety of Volunteer Opportunities
By becoming a volunteer at Hospice of the North Coast, you’ll have the opportunity to help support patients and their families by participating in special events and fundraising activities, staffing our resale shop or providing comfort to patients, families and staff at Pacifica House. You have the option to choose from either our Direct Patient Support or Integrative Therapy Support or Organizational Support.
Direct Patient Support Volunteer Opportunities
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- Patient Care Volunteers
If you have a passion for direct patient care, our Patient Care Volunteers program allows you to provide emotional support, assistance with light errands, and even engage in activities like letter writing and reading to patients. Your presence alone can offer solace and respite to both the patient and their family. - Vet to Vet Volunteers
For veterans or active duty military members, our Vet to Vet Volunteers program matches you with patients who have also served our country. By sharing your experiences, you can forge a unique bond and provide a special connection that only fellow service members understand. - End of Life Companionship
This special group of volunteers provide companionship and support at the bedside of patients in their final hours in the absence of family or friends.
- Patient Care Volunteers
Integrative Therapy Volunteer Opportunities
In addition to direct patient support, we offer Integrative Therapy Volunteer opportunities. Through special therapies such as Massage, Reiki, Music, Aromatherapy, and Pet Therapy, you can enhance the care and well-being of our patients. These therapies have been proven to reduce pain, promote relaxation, and provide emotional comfort.
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- Massage
Massage is the practice of soft tissue manipulation, (muscles and connective tissue). Massage has shown to be helpful in reducing pain and joint stiffness, reducing edema and to promote relaxation and well-being. - Reiki
Reiki teachings claim that there is an inexhaustible, universal “life force” or spiritual energy that can be used to induce a healing effect. Reiki is described as a holistic therapy which brings about healing on physical, mental, emotional and spiritual levels. The belief is that the energy will flow through the practitioner’s hands whenever the hands are placed on, or held near a recipient. - Music
For centuries music has been used to soothe and comfort. Today the age-old tradition of utilizing music to enhance the quality of life continues at Hospice of the North Coast. Music volunteers create a healing environment; to soothe the mind, body and spirit of those facing the challenges of a terminal illness. - Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is a complementary therapy that uses essential oils and other aromatic compounds. It can be useful in reducing stressful symptoms of pain, anxiety, agitation, depression, grief, nausea and insomnia. It can be a complement to massage therapy. - Pet Therapy
Pet therapy offers psychological benefits in terms of emotional connection, stress reduction and reduced feelings of loneliness or isolation for our patients and families. Pets are certified as pet therapy animals and owners must complete all criteria for patient care volunteers. We invite those who have a certified pet therapy dog to share companionship, socialization and unconditional love.
- Massage
Organizational Support Volunteer Opportunities
If direct patient support is not your preference, you can still make a difference through our Organization Support roles. Administrative & Office Support Volunteers assist with daily operations, while Resale Shop Volunteers contribute to our fundraising efforts. Community Outreach Volunteers help spread the word about HNC, and Special Project Volunteers assist with various projects throughout the year.
By becoming a volunteer at Hospice of the North Coast, you have the opportunity to bring comfort, support, and joy to those facing serious illness. Your commitment and compassion will make a lasting impact on the lives of our patients and their families.
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- Administrative & Office Support Volunteers
Administrative & office support volunteers work in our business office and provide invaluable assistance with daily operations such as data entry, light typing, answering phones, mailings and other special projects. Our office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30-5:00 at 2525 Pio Pico Drive in Carlsbad.
Receptionist/front office support volunteers also provide assistance at our in-patient unit - Pacifica House at 4411 Park Drive in Carlsbad. - Resale Shop Volunteers
Resale Shop Volunteers assist with customer purchases, cashiering, pricing, sorting and processing donated merchandise to support the day-to-day operations. The Resale Shop is located at 278-B North El Camino in Encinitas. If you are interested in joining our team, please contact the Resale Shop at 760.943.9921. - Community Outreach Volunteers
Outreach volunteers share their passion about HNC with others in our community. A variety of opportunities are available throughout the year for volunteers to spread the word at health fairs and other events, as well as through other community outreach opportunities. - Remember Me Bear Volunteers
Those with a talent for sewing create cherished bears that provide comfort and support during bereavement and beyond. - Special Project Volunteers
Needed during various times of the year, special project volunteers work on a variety of projects ranging from holiday projects to helping with our annual healing events. If you like variety and are available only on an intermittent basis, this may be the place for you.
- Administrative & Office Support Volunteers
Getting Started
To get started, please review our Patient Care Volunteer Requirements first and submit an online application, and we will be in touch with you shortly. If you have any questions or would like more information, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We can't wait to welcome you to the HNC-Hospice of the North Coast volunteer team!
One Year Rule
We ask anyone interested in becoming a volunteer with HNC to wait for at least one year after experiencing a loss or are currently dealing with someone who is critically ill, before applying to provide direct patient support. We have found that it takes this long to live with one’s own grief before truly being able to help others. You may want to consider serving in an organization support position (specifically our auxiliary, resale, events and special projects).
Training Provided
Training for these positions are ongoing and on-the-job, however Integrative Therapy Volunteers must be licensed/certified prior to volunteering! We do not provide certifications.
We hope to hear from you soon! <3
Looking for other ways to support Hospice of the North Coast?
Support our volunteers by making a donation today! As a non-profit, your generous donations allow us to provide exceptional hospice and palliative care for patients and families facing serious illness. Click here to donate.