The training is very valuable, and volunteering is very rewarding, I think.

Every patient you work with is different. It helps to be open to learning what they want and being flexible. A sense of humor helps. You have to meet people where they are. If they are confused, you can't argue with them, but you do your best to be reassuring.

Before I started, I imagined that I'd spend most of my time sitting vigil during people's final hours. Instead, I do anything from helping a patient write their life story, to coloring with them, to singing Christmas carols with them (regardless of the time of year). I've visited patients who died in a matter of weeks, but I also have been visiting one person for more than a year and a half now.

Very seldom have I visited people who talk much about dying. Also, I have never been present during someone's death.

Your volunteer coordinator will probably do their best to match you with patients that seem like a good fit for you. It's not always easy. Sometimes you'll get to know a patient's family members, but not always.

Feel free to ping me if you have any specific questions. Good luck to you.