- Volunteers have the responsibility to treat all patients with respect, with an awareness of their dignity as persons and to observe their civil rights at all times.
- It is not appropriate to become friends with patients. This is not to say that volunteers cannot be friendly, caring or supportive; however, maintaining appropriate boundaries is important. Volunteers are expected to follow professional standards.
- Volunteers may not enter into any employment, business, romantic, sexual or other intimate relationships with patients. If a volunteer learns that a person with whom the volunteer has a pre-existing relationship is or will be a patient, the volunteer should disclose the relationship to your supervisor or Director of the Volunteer Program.
- Volunteers may not have personal contact with patients outside of the Clinical Center. (i.e., exchange emails, make phone calls, run errands or purchase gifts for a patient). However, it is appropriate for volunteers to be helpful and provide referrals to resources in the community if knowledgeable. Requests by patients for volunteers to run errands or perform personal favors for a resident must be declined. The Clinical Center Volunteer Services Program has individuals who can assist with errands if needed. Contact the Director of the Volunteer Program.
- Volunteers should never offer advice or guidance to patients around medical, personal, financial or other decisions even if asked. Volunteers have the responsibility to encourage patients to discuss these concerns with appropriate staff.
- Volunteers should not accept gifts, services or favors from patients.
- Employees who serve as volunteers must remember they are in a volunteer role and may not access information or complete services they would as part of their job.
- Volunteers are expected to come regularly and promptly for the times they have agreed to work.
- Volunteers shall not drive patients in their cars, nor shall they leave the grounds with a patient.
- Volunteers have the responsibility to use discretion in disclosing information about themselves to patients. They shall not discuss their personal problems.
- Work only scheduled hours; do not take on assignments outside of role unless approved by supervisor and/or Director of Volunteer Services.