VI. Special Qualifications for Volunteers in Child Health Settings  

1. Primary motivation is to be supportive of children, families, and staff members.

• Main focus is the sick child and the family.

2. Appreciation for the special needs of children and families in health care settings.

• Cater to special needs whether blind, deaf, or an amputee, etc.

3. Respect for individual and family differences in style, temperament, culture, religion, beliefs, child-rearing practices, and values.

• Respect practices of these families especially differences in religion and parents� upbringing.

4. Warmth, patience, tact, maturity, and good judgment.

5. Ability to establish comfortable relationships with children and families.

• Always introduce yourself when meeting with a patient.
• Use tagalog as the means of communication.
• Always talk to patients / parents at eye level. Squat / stoop if the child is small.

6. Flexibility and the ability to adapt to changing needs and conditions.

• Dress code is important! Simple and dressed down! No jewelry! Casual enough to play on the floor.
• Best attire: t-shirt, jeans and sneakers.

7. Recognition and support for the parent as the constant in the child�s life.

8. Respect for confidentiality and privacy.

• No picture taking and no chart reading. Keep all information confidential! If things need to be discussed, please see supervising volunteer.

9. Understanding of the limitations of volunteer role, and the need for agency policies and procedures.

10. Understanding the importance of taking direction from staff members and of seeking help when needed.

11. Realistic expectations of the volunteer role and their own strengths and weaknesses.

12. Ability to communicate questions or reservations about the volunteer experience.

13. Do not give out your personal contact numbers. If you need to be contacted, please give the number of Kythe � 922-6370 or 928-0611 loc. 263.

14. Do not give any donations personally. Please course all donations in kind (clothes, toys, food) or in cash thru Kythe so that benefactors and beneficiaries will be disciplined to know that only one entity gives out and receives.

15. If assigned in a room with more than one patient, make sure all kids in the room are given the same attention.

• If you�re bringing snacks to a patient, make sure all patients in the same room have and with the same amount,

16. Be honest! Tell the truth! Don�t say it�s not painful when it really is. Don�t say �Don�t cry� when a child is in pain. It�s ok to cry.

17. No promises! Especially if you can�t keep them.



18. Dependability � the ability to make and keep a service commitment.