Hand In Paw Orientation

Hello all,

Tonight was Hand In Paw’s orientation. The night that I have been waiting for, which seems like an eternity now. Wow! Although slightly overwhelmed by the enormous amount of information provided, I am thrilled to be working with such an awesome organization. As soon as I stepped foot in the door, everyone was very welcoming and immediately made me feel at ease. I was so thankful for this because my nerves were beginning to get the best of me.

I was informed that in order to assist the therapy teams on their rounds to various facilities, it is required that I become a therapy visiting assistant (TVA). To become a TVA, I must go through most of the same process that prospective therapy teams must go through to get their therapy animals certified by the Delta Society, or Pet Partners, minus a few steps. The Delta Society is dedicated to improving human health through therapy and service animals. Even though I am not volunteering with a pet, I am still required to attend a Therapy Team Screening. These screenings evaluate the temperament and suitability of the prospective Hand In Paw therapy animals. There are ultimately three outcomes that can occur. Either the handler and animal successfully complete this screening, handler or animal failed to meet minimum standards of the evaluation, or the animal is just not appropriate due to aggression towards staff or shyness during visits with strangers. In addition to this screening, I have to complete two shadow visits at different designated facilities, attend an eight hour pet workshop, pass the pet partners evaluation, and attend a three hour Hand In Paw class. I never knew there were so many requirements in this field. It makes sense, however, that the standards that are set in place are strictly centered around the safety of the patient, as well as others.   

The focus of my project has shifted. Rather than focusing on changes in physiological, sociological, and psychological origins, I will be focusing on quality control in various medical settings. After speaking with the associate director about my previous proposed objectives, I learned that they were much too in depth given the rules and regulations a TVA must follow. I am now developing a measurement tool for infection control, as well as a survey tool to evaluate the effectiveness of Hand In Paw’s quality control interventions. Many of the patients seen are severely immunodeficient and adequate infection control among these individuals is of the utmost importance. I am meeting with the associate director next week and further details concerning my development of a measurement tool will be discussed at that time. Although my previous objectives are not feasible, I am still very anxious to begin my journey with this new focus created in collaboration with an individual that knows exactly what Hand In Paw needs!!