Volunteer with vulnerability: Vivian Mancini

When registered nurse Vivian Mancini retired from the QEII Emergency and Trauma Centre, she knew she wanted to transition to volunteering, but wasn't sure where. 

She recalls her discussion with Volunteer Services fondly, "I said, 'I know what I don't want. And so, perhaps you can tell me what else there is available.'"

It was then that she learned that the Palliative Care volunteer program was nearly up and running and was asked if she'd be interested in it. "And it just felt right," she said. 

In her career in the Emergency Department, she had cared for many patients who were referred to Palliative Care.

She explained, "[End of life] is something that I was comfortable with, but you're never really comfortable with it —it's always difficult. And that never changes no matter how long I've been involved in health care." 

In her role, she also supports orientation for new volunteers to the unit. Some are young people who may have interacted with Palliative Care in the past or taking steps toward a career in health care. Others are established and are reaching out to the community. All are warm, empathetic and genuinely care. For Mancini, a community palliative care volunteer supported her mother during her father's end-of-life journey. 

"She was a fabulous support and made such a difference to my mom that none of us have ever forgotten her."

Palliative Care volunteers' tasks are directed to the patient's needs. Some days, they can be quiet company, and other days, they can be partners in conversation, laughter, and technology. 

"[Our student volunteers] are very engaging and bring a whole different aspect," said Mancini. They're young and engaging, and they help [patients] with their phones, iPads, and other IT frustrations … The patients really enjoy them!"

While Mancini felt adequately prepared to support patients throughout their end-of-life journey, she was surprised by the meaningful connections she's developed with the patients and their loved ones.

"You get to establish rapport, and you get to know the patients when you see them week after week.  I do not think that the patients or the families realize the impact that they have on us," she shared. "Through the patients, we learn how to deal with life with grace and strength, kindness and humour. They've decided to make the best of this chapter of their lives." 

Learn more about volunteering at Nova Scotia Health.

National Hospice Palliative Care Week runs May 5-11.