Dare to Care

Concept Outline

  1. Participants
    1. High School Students
    1. Must complete an application packet similar to that for the DHMC Junior Volunteer program. As part of the packet, all students will be asked to submit a statement describing why they wish to participate in the program. Packets can be obtained from DHMC Volunteer Services by contacting Linda Laros at 650-7058 or by email--linda.mae.craine.laros@hitchcock.org
    2. Will also be interviewed to determine candidacy and acceptance into the program.
    3. After acceptance into the program, will receive an orientation schedule that includes classes on topics such as Confidentiality, Infection Control, Hospital Tour with Scavenger Hunt, Age Appropriate Communications, Safety, CPR as well as other pertinent topics.
    4. The orientation classes will involve 20 hours of didactic (classroom) experience.
    5. Will complete a minimum of 20 hours of volunteer time under the supervision of a nurse mentor. The dress code for this activity is scrubs with appropriate footwear.
    6. Upon recommendation of nurse mentor, student will move to next level of 40 hours under supervision of charge nurse.
    7. Upon recommendation of charge nurse, student will move to next level in which he/she may assist in the instruction and support of new "Dare To Care" students.
    8. At this point, students may wish to consider pursuing completion of a Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA) course. This level would enable the student to work as a paid employee and gain further clinical experience that would be applicable toward their future professional nursing goals.
    2. DHMC Staff
    1. Volunteer Services
    1. Asst. Program Director
    1. Forwards application packets as requested to interested high school students
    2. Participates in the selection for candidacy process
    1. Nursing Staff
    1. Participate in candidacy selection process
    2. Participate in orientation education classes
    1. 1. Assist in planning schedule
    2. 2. Participate in teaching.
    1. Serve as nurse mentors for new volunteers
    2. Serve as role models to enhance the Dare To Care experience
    1. Office of Professional Nursing (OPN)
    1. Participates in candidacy selection process
    2. Participates in orientation education classes
    1. 1. Assist in planning schedule
    1. Participate in teaching.
  1. Scheduling
    1. Dare To Care may be offered on a semi-annual basis.
    2. A list nurse mentors is being developed by the OPN.
    3. The number of participants may be relative to the number of available nurse mentors.