Volunteers are engaged as a “domestic Peace Corps” and are assigned for a one-year service obligation at 40 hours per week to either a hospital or nursing home. Each AmeriCorps volunteer must satisfactorily complete didactic and experiential learning modules in communication, leadership, medical terminology, computer skills, CPR, first aid, and emergency preparedness, as well as CNA certification, prior to assuming direct patient care functions under the supervision of registered nurses. Specific volunteer duties may include: taking and recording vital signs; assisting patients with personal hygiene; stocking medical supplies; collecting specimens; and assisting with ambulating, exercising and transporting patients. Volunteers also participate in community health outreach activities. Through hands-on service learning and instruction, the AmeriCorps experience informs members about careers in nursing; helps them acquire academic, clinical and other citizenship and work skills; and instills a life-long commitment to volunteer service and advocacy.

More than 2,000 patients are served annually by the AmeriCorps volunteers. Findings based on evaluation of performance measures and intended outcomes including those related to volunteer acquisition of skills and knowledge, improved delivery of patient care services, satisfaction of employees at the host institution, future career choice and employment of volunteers, suggest the potential for replicability of the AmeriCorps model.

See more of Poster Presentations I
See more of The 17th International Nursing Research Congress Focusing on Evidence-Based Practice (19-22 July 2006)