In-Patient Volunteer

Imagine this… A woman in the hospital has just been diagnosed with heart disease. She may be frightened and afraid. Enter another woman who has been there. A heart disease survivor bearing a hand-made red scarf and a smile, offering time to listen and share, and a connection to Women@Heart support groups once the woman leaves the hospital.

The Women@Heart In-patient Support Program is a peer-to-peer support opportunity in-hospital for women recently diagnosed with heart disease. After being diagnosed with heart disease, many women experience feelings of isolation and depression. Being able to talk to someone ‘’who’s been there’’ can make a difference in emotional recovery. Through the Women@Heart in-patient Support Program, women can connect one-on-one with a Women@Heart in-patient volunteer who can provide needed support at the bedside.

Interested in Becoming an In-Patient Volunteer?

Bedside volunteers are women who have been diagnosed with heart disease and have a strong passion for supporting and helping other women on their road to recovery. Bedside volunteers must have come to terms with their own heart disease diagnosis, and be physically, emotionally, and psychologically ready to help other women. Bedside volunteers contribute on average, one 4-hour shift per month, and must meet several requirements upon acceptance to the program.

The Recruitment and Placement Process: 

  • Complete the Heart Institute Volunteer program application form online
  • Attend an interview of approximately 1 hour at the Heart Institute that includes a discussion of volunteer opportunities, applicant skills, availability and the successful completion of a mandatory training on Privacy and Accessibility laws.
  • Following the interview, complete the TB test and police record check.
  • Attend a half day training workshop (6 hours) led by experts at the Heart Institute.

Contact Us

For more information or to register to the In-patient Support Program, call the Prevention and Wellness Centre at 613-696-7069 or toll free 1-866-399-4432.We can also be reached via e-mail at womensupport@ottawaheart.ca .

Prevention and Wellness Centre
40 Ruskin Street, Room H2353
Ottawa, Ontario
K1Y 4W7

References

1 Brown SL, Nesse RM, Vinokur AD, Smith DM. Providing social support may be more beneficial than receiving it: results from a prospective study of mortality. Psychol Sci. Jul 2003;14(4):320-327.