If you’ve ever visited or accessed services from Victoria Hospice, you likely carry a meaningful story about the people who brought comfort and support to you or someone you know. For some, it might be a memory of a volunteer who made you a cup of tea. For others, it could be the nurse who took extra time to connect with you, or a bereavement group that made all the difference.
We were honoured to partner with Victoria Hospice recently to create an orientation course called Heart of Hospice for some of these very special people – specifically, their new staff, board members, and volunteers. Together, we set out to design a learning experience that is not just informative but also inspiring and reflective of the organization’s values, culture, and commitment to compassionate care.
Our Design Approach
From the start, we aimed to build an orientation that feels like Victoria Hospice, including qualities like warm, welcoming, person-centred, and collaborative. We also wanted new team members to see themselves in the course, understand their roles within the broader team, and connect with the mission, vision, and values that guide their work.
A few things we did to bring this orientation to life for learners include:
- Photography – We had a professional photographer capture updated images that showcase the ‘ways of being’ at the heart of Victoria Hospice and added these visuals throughout the course.
- Graphic design – Our graphic designer updated the Victoria Hospice brand guide and created custom graphics. The result is a refreshed and visually engaging look for the course that can also be used for future courses and communication needs.
- Storytelling – We incorporated real-life examples throughout the content to help learners recognize the impact of their roles on Victoria Hospice clients and connect with the material in a personal and memorable way.
- Inclusion of all roles – Every role, from frontline care to governance, is carefully represented to ensure that the course is relevant for all team members and conveys a sense of belonging within the broader context of hospice.
- Style sheet guidance – We developed a detailed style sheet to ensure consistency and clarity across all course materials. This approach allowed us to reflect on the language of hospice care, choose terminology that best reflects the values of Victoria Hospice, and use these words intentionally and consistently throughout the course.
A Course to Be Proud Of
Heart of Hospice was designed to help new employees and volunteers understand their roles within the organization, how their work connects with others, and the positive impact they can have on clients and families. The course was also meant to inspire, educate, and strengthen the connection between new team members and Victoria Hospice, and we believe we achieved that goal.
We’re now excited to see how this orientation course empowers everyone at Victoria Hospice to step confidently into their roles with a sense of purpose and belonging, and how the actions of each team member continue to bring the organization’s values to life.