How to Volunteer at a Hospital

Hospitals offer endless ways to volunteer your time and talents. You can usually volunteer at a hospital to visit with patients, be present in recovery rooms, greet visitors and patients, or work in the gift shop or cafeteria. You can also work with transportation, in the library and within special groups, such as oncology or hospice. But beyond these basic volunteering options, some hospitals offer unique services.

At the University of Chicago Medical Center, you can volunteer to knit. Yes, you read that right. Knitting, crocheting and stitching have become a fun, rewarding way to volunteer your creative energies to a hospital. The Forefront Stitchers make blankets, pillows, shawls, hats and other handmade creations for patients.

At the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, the staff recognizes that artwork can have healing properties. Volunteers lead interpretive tours of the various artworks on the Mayo Clinic campus. The Mayo Clinic also has opportunities to volunteer with the Peregrine Falcon Project at the University of Minnesota Raptor Center. Patients and visitors at the hospital are encouraged to submit baby names for new chicks, and volunteers select new names from the choices.

At the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, you can volunteer to make sock monkeys for pediatric patients. You can also volunteer as a baby cuddler. If you have an idea that isn't listed at your local hospital, talk to the volunteer coordinator about starting your own volunteer group or service. Most hospitals are eager to come up with new ways for the community to get involved, so your ideas should be welcome.

Before you jump into volunteering, however, you'll probably have to meet a few requirements. What do most hospitals require of their volunteers? Read on to find out.

Typically, you can't just walk into a hospital, sign up to volunteer and start that day. Hospitals carefully screen their volunteers to ensure the health and safety of their patients. If you live in a small town, you might be able to volunteer more easily because you know the doctors and the organization. But in larger cities, you're going to need to do some legwork before you can join the volunteer program.

Depending on your hospital choice, you might need to complete a few steps before you can become a volunteer. In general, most hospitals require some kind of health screening, such as testing for tuberculosis, measles, chicken pox and illegal drug use. At the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, you'll need to fill out an application, attend a volunteer orientation session, go through the health screening tests and interview with a volunteer services staff member. Once you've been accepted, you'll work for 10 hours at the Volunteer Services Office before being moved to your placement choice.

At the University of Chicago Medical Center, you need to be at least 16 years old to volunteer. You'll also have to take the health screening tests and be willing to donate at least four hours of time each week. At the Mayo Clinic in Arizona, you'll also need to fill out an application and attend an orientation. The best way to learn about your hospital's requirements is to check the volunteer section of its Web site or call the hospital directly.

Read on to learn the specifics of hospital volunteer training.

You're never going to be perfect at something the first time you try, and that's why hospitals offer volunteer training to new recruits. Depending on your hospital, you could attend a one-time umbrella orientation session that trains you on the specifics of your volunteer function, or you might need to sign up for additional training throughout your time at the hospital. One thing is certain -- you won't be thrown into the new job without some assistance. Most hospitals will show you exactly what they want you to do.

At the Massachusetts General Hospital, you will be trained on wheelchair safety, standard hygiene protocol, body mechanics, fire safety and patient confidentiality. You'll also learn about timekeeping, the dress code, cell phone usage and absences. Many hospitals offer multiple training times. At Florida Hospital, there are training sessions throughout the month. These last for two hours, and you can register for them online.

Depending on your assignment or interests, there may be additional specialty training involved. If you're going to serve coffee at a kiosk, you might not need too much training. If you're going to be working in a special clinic, however, you'll probably need more guidance. At the Children's Hospital and Research Center in Oakland, Calif., for example, you'll need special training to work as an autism intervention tutor. This training will teach you how to use structured teaching approaches, interact with patients and use developmental play.

Once you've completed your training, you're ready to become a full-fledged volunteer. Read on to learn about how volunteering can enhance your life.

You'll reap many rewards by volunteering at a hospital. You get to see the smiling faces of the patients you're helping and know that the work you are doing is making a difference. Along with the feel-good rewards, you can also receive some additional benefits, depending on your hospital. At the University of Chicago Hospital Medical Center, you'll receive the following as a volunteer:

At the Mayo Clinic in Florida, you'll receive a quarterly volunteer newsletter, free flu shots, invitations to social events, complimentary meals, discounts at the gift shop and pharmacy, and access to employee activities and classes.

If you're looking to launch a career in the medical profession, volunteering at a hospital will start you off on the right foot. You'll get hands-on training and make lots of professional connections.

Whether it's performing simple administrative tasks or hosting a fundraising event, anyone who volunteers at a hospital will affect many lives for the better.

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