Bedside Presence Program (NODA)

Singing River is seeking volunteers for No One Dies Alone (NODA)—a bedside presence program where trained volunteers provide quiet, compassionate bedside presence so no patient spends their final hours alone.

Who We Serve

Patients nearing end of life who have limited family presence or request a supportive, non-clinical companion. NODA is currently available for patients at Pascagoula Hospital.

What Volunteers Do

• Offer presence, not procedures—calm companionship, reading, gentle reassurance, silence when preferred.
• Honor patient preferences; pray/read only if requested.
• Notify nursing of changes; follow unit guidelines and infection control policies.

Coverage

Our goal is continuous (24/7) presence, but coverage cannot be guaranteed. Typical sits are 2-4 hours and may occur days, evenings, or nights.

Become a NODA Volunteer

Eligibility guidelines for NODA volunteers include:

• Adults 18+; calm, reliable presence
• Able to sit quietly for 2-4 hours
• Complete SRHS volunteer onboarding plus a brief NODA training
• GroupMe required for on-call notifications

Have Questions? Email Chaplain Manager, Tim Morgan at [email protected].

Volunteer Application

Applicant Information

Name

First Last

Address

Street Address Address Line 2 City AlabamaAlaskaAmerican SamoaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaGuamHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaNorthern Mariana IslandsOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaPuerto RicoRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahU.S. Virgin IslandsVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyomingArmed Forces AmericasArmed Forces EuropeArmed Forces Pacific State ZIP Code

Cell Phone

Mobile Number for GroupMe

Must be SMS Capable

Date of Birth

Month

Day

Year

Email

File

Max. file size: 256 MB.

Emergency Contact Information

Name

First Last

Relationship

Phone

Current Status

Are you currently:

SRHS Employee

SRHS Volunteer

Community Member (not yet a SRHS volunteer)

Current SRHS Department Role

Availability & Scheduling

Typical times you are available for NODA calls (check all that apply):

Primary hospital location(s) you are willing to serve:

Pascagoula Hospital

Ocean Springs Hospital

Singing River Gulfport

Weekdays (Monday-Friday)

Mornings

Afternoons

Evenings

Overnight

Weekends (Saturday-Sunday)

Mornings

Afternoons

Evenings

Overnight

Are you willing to be on-call and come in with short notice for NODA?

Yes

No

How long are you typically able to remain at the bedside?

Up to 2 hours

2-4 hours

More than 4 hours (as able)

Cell to be used for GroupMe (if different than above)

Reflective Questions

Have you ever been present with someone who was dying? If so, what was that like for you?

How do you typically care for yourself emotionally after a difficult or stressful situation?

Why do you want to serve as a No One Dies Alone (NODA) volunteer at Singing River?

References

Please list three people you know well (no family members). At least one pastor/faith leader or supervisor is preferred.

#1 Name

First Last

#1 Relationship

#1 Phone

#1 Email

#2 Name

First Last

#2 Relationship

#2 Phone

#2 Email

#3 Name

First Last

#3 Relationship

#3 Phone

#3 Email

NODA Role & Program Agreement

As a NODA volunteer, I understand that:

• My primary role is to provide quiet, compassionate, non-clinical presence at the bedside of patients who are nearing the end of life.
• I will follow all unit rules, infection-prevention and PPE policies, and confidentiality/HIPAA requirements.
• At the beginning and end of each shift, I will check in with the patient’s nurse, and I will notify the nurse immediately if the patient’s condition changes or if the patient dies.
• I will notify the NODA GroupMe (or designated communication method) when I arrive and when I leave so additional coverage can be arranged when possible.
• I will participate in required orientation and ongoing education, and I will seek support from Chaplain Services if I feel emotionally overwhelmed.

I understand that participation in the NODA program requires completion of Singing River Health System Volunteer Services onboarding (including the general volunteer application, background check, health clearance, and orientation). I may not begin NODA service until these steps are completed.

Signature(Required)

By signing below, I affirm that the information provided on this application is true and complete to the best of my knowledge, and I agree to the expectations listed above.

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