Health Sciences Intern - Hospice & Community Support

Position Title:Health Sciences Internship

Reports to: Volunteer Coordinator

Location: Hybrid, various service areas (we'll work with your location and availability)

Time Commitment: 3-10 hours per week for 12 weeks (flexible scheduling)

Internship Type: Unpaid

Position Summary

Blue Summit Hospice and Palliative Care is offering a rewarding internship opportunity for students and recent graduates in Health Sciences, Public Health, Pre-Nursing, or related fields. This experience is ideal for individuals who are passionate about compassionate care and committed to making a difference through community service. Interns will gain valuable, hands-on exposure to hospice care while providing meaningful support to patients and their families during a critical time in their lives.

Interns will assist with non-clinical patient support, such as providing companionship, offering caregiver respite, and helping with light errands. They may also contribute to educational materials or research, support community outreach and hospice events, and assist with administrative tasks like outreach and scheduling. Interns will attend team meetings to gain insight into interdisciplinary care and ethical practices.

Internship Responsibilities May Include:

• Provide non-clinical patient support, including companionship, conversation, reading, and emotional comfort

• Offer caregiver respite and assist with light errands or grocery shopping

• Support community outreach efforts and hospice events

• Assist with educational materials or research related to patient care, grief support, and community resources

• Attend team meetings, case conferences, or training sessions to observe interdisciplinary care and ethical decision-making

• Help with administrative or volunteer coordination tasks, such as outreach, scheduling, and resource support

• Maintain professionalism and patient confidentialityin accordance with HIPAA and hospice policies

• Communicate effectively with the Volunteer Coordinator and care team regarding patient interactions

• Complete accurate and timelypatient visit documentation

Learning Objectives

By the conclusion of the internship, the intern will:

• Develop communication and collaboration skills within an interdisciplinary care team

• Explore and understand the community and healthcare resources that support hospice patients and their families

• Understand the philosophy and goals of hospice and palliative care

• Demonstrate increased confidence in communication, collaboration, and time management in a professional setting

• Contribute meaningfully to program and service support efforts

• Reflect on the role of holistic, person-centered care in end-of-life services

• Observe how hospice services fit within the broader healthcare system

• Develop professional behavior including punctuality, accountability, and adherence to ethical standards

• Opportunities to serve diverse communities with empathy and respect

Ideal for those:

• Majoring in Health Sciences, Public Health, Pre-Nursing, or a related field

• Recent graduates in a gap year preparing for advanced study or entry into the medical workforce

• Seeking meaningful volunteer or internship hours to strengthen their experience

• Compassionate, reliable, and eager to learn

• Interested in making a lasting impact in the lives of others

Training/ Education

• Orientation Session (30 minutes)

• Completion of Hospice-Specific Training: Volunteers must complete an initial hospice training program that covers basic hospice care, patient rights, HIPAA compliance, cultural competency, emotional support, and confidentiality

• Ongoing Education: Volunteers may need to attend periodic workshops, seminars, or refresher courses on hospice care, grief counseling, and other relevant topics

• Role-Specific Training: Depending on the volunteer role (e.g., companionship, respite care, or legacy project),

• Additional training as needed