Jordan Ellis
Volunteering at a children's hospital can be a rewarding way to give back to your community and make a difference in the lives of young patients and their families. Many children's hospitals across the country rely on the support of volunteers to provide special services and create a positive hospital experience for kids. Volunteers come from all walks of life, including parents of current or former patients, generous community members, and even teens exploring a career in healthcare. Whether it's playing with children during wait times, helping families find their way around, or assisting with administrative tasks, volunteers play a crucial role in the smooth operation of children's hospitals. If you're interested in volunteering at a children's hospital, you can reach out to your local hospital to learn more about their specific volunteer opportunities and application process. Together, volunteers and hospital staff work towards the common goal of creating hope and building healthier futures for children.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Volunteer Roles | Greeting families, staffing fundraising events, working in the gift shop, providing administrative support, providing direct patient care, customer service, staff support, bringing pets for children to play with |
| Volunteer Benefits | Learning new skills, exploring a career in healthcare, gaining valuable experience, making friends, serving people who need help, enhancing the experience of patients in care |
| Requirements | Age requirements (16+ or 18+), minimum time commitment (6 months or 8 weeks), background and health screenings, placement, orientation and training |
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What You'll Learn
The benefits of volunteering at a children's hospital
Volunteering at a children's hospital can be a rewarding experience that offers numerous benefits to both the volunteer and the hospital community.
Impact on Patients and Families
Volunteers play a crucial role in improving the hospital experience for young patients and their families. By spending time with patients, playing with them, and offering encouragement, volunteers can lift children's spirits and bring smiles to their faces. This encounter with someone who cares can mean a lot to a patient, creating hope and contributing to a healthier future. Volunteers also assist family members, making them feel welcomed, supported, and at home during their visit.
Support for Hospital Staff
Volunteers relieve doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals by taking on various tasks and duties. This support allows the hospital staff to focus more on providing the best possible care to the patients. Volunteers also collaborate with the hospital to advance the quality of patient care, services, and overall patient experience.
Community Engagement
Volunteering at a children's hospital is a great way to get involved in the community. Hospitals often partner with community groups, such as The Women's Auxiliary, to raise funds, organize events, and promote awareness about the hospital's mission. Volunteers can participate in these initiatives, helping to bring the community together and raise money for hospital priorities.
Personal Growth and Wellbeing
Volunteering has been shown to have positive effects on mental and physical health. Research by the London School of Economics found that volunteers experienced increased happiness, lower rates of depression, improved moods, and reduced stress levels. Volunteering also promotes a sense of community and empathy for others, enhancing one's overall well-being.
Volunteering at a children's hospital provides a unique opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and their families while also contributing to the broader community. It is a rewarding experience that can bring joy and fulfillment to both the volunteer and those they interact with during their service.
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Requirements to become a volunteer
Volunteering at a children's hospital can be a rewarding experience, and there are a few requirements that individuals should keep in mind before applying. While specific requirements may vary depending on the hospital and location, here are some general guidelines and expectations for those interested in volunteering:
Age and Education
Some children's hospitals have age requirements for their volunteers. For instance, at Children's Health, applicants must be at least 18 years old and not currently enrolled in high school. On the other hand, USA Health Children's & Women's Hospital offers a Teen Volunteer Program for individuals aged 16 years and above who have completed the ninth grade. Teen volunteers can gain valuable personal growth and contribute to their community through this program.
Time Commitment
Volunteers are typically required to commit to a consistent schedule. At USA Health Children's & Women's Hospital, volunteers select one 4-hour shift per week, at the same time and day, for a minimum commitment of six months. Similarly, Children's Health asks for a six-month consecutive service commitment. Volunteers should ensure they can commit to their chosen schedule to provide reliable support to the hospital and its patients.
Background Checks and Health Screenings
Volunteers working in a healthcare setting may be required to undergo background and health screenings to ensure the safety of patients and staff. At Children's Hospital Colorado, the Association of Volunteers coordinates these screenings, as well as placement, orientation, and training. Prospective volunteers should be prepared to authorize and participate in any necessary screenings.
Vaccination Status
With the COVID-19 pandemic, some hospitals may require proof of COVID vaccination for volunteers. While USA Health Children's & Women's Hospital has lifted this requirement, they still request a copy of your vaccination record for their compliance documentation if available. It is essential to stay updated with the hospital's vaccination policies and be ready to provide any necessary documentation.
Enthusiasm and Compassion
While not a formal requirement, it is essential for prospective volunteers to possess enthusiasm, compassion, and a genuine desire to help. Volunteers at children's hospitals should be committed to making a positive impact on the patients' experiences and creating a warm and friendly environment. Whether greeting families, staffing events, or providing direct patient care, volunteers should approach their roles with empathy and dedication.
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Different roles for volunteers
Volunteers at children's hospitals perform a variety of roles to assist patients, family members, and staff. These roles can be patient-facing or behind-the-scenes, depending on an individual's interests, age, and skills. Here are some of the different roles volunteers can play:
Inpatient/Clinic Volunteers
Inpatient/clinic volunteers interact directly with patients, their siblings, and families. They may play and socialise with children at their bedside, in playrooms, or in waiting areas, providing opportunities for developmentally appropriate play. They also assist supervisors with tasks such as preparing materials for special events and helping to maintain a safe and clean environment.
Customer Service Volunteers
Customer service volunteers create a welcoming atmosphere at the hospital's main entrance and provide wayfinding assistance to visitors. They ensure that everyone who enters the hospital feels welcomed and can find their way around the facility.
Administrative Support Volunteers
Volunteers can also take on administrative roles such as hospital greeters, gift shop workers, or information desk helpers. They may staff the gift shop, deliver items from the shop to patients, or assist with other administrative tasks.
Fundraising Volunteers
Some volunteers work in collaboration with the hospital to raise funds for hospital priorities, support initiatives, and create memorable events to bring the community together. These volunteers play a crucial role in gathering resources to advance the quality of patient care and services.
Pet Therapy Volunteers
Volunteers, accompanied by their dogs, provide hospitalized children and their families with a healthy diversion from the hospital routine. Pet therapy volunteers bring smiles and comfort to patients, team members, and anyone they encounter.
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How to apply
Volunteering at a children's hospital can be a rewarding experience, and there are many ways to get involved. The application process and requirements may vary depending on the hospital and your location, but here is a general guide on how to apply to volunteer at a children's hospital.
Step 1: Choose a Hospital
First, decide which children's hospital you would like to volunteer at. You can search for hospitals in your area that offer volunteer programs. Some examples include Children's Hospital Colorado, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals, and USA Health Children's & Women's Hospital. Consider factors such as the hospital's location, the volunteer opportunities they offer, and any specific requirements they may have.
Step 2: Review the Requirements and Opportunities
Different hospitals may have different requirements and volunteer opportunities. Review the hospital's website or contact their volunteer services department to understand the eligibility criteria, the application process, and the specific volunteer roles available. Some hospitals may require a minimum age, a background check, a health screening, or a commitment to a certain number of volunteer hours.
Step 3: Complete the Application
Once you have found a hospital and volunteer opportunity that aligns with your interests and availability, complete the application process. This may involve filling out an online or paper application form, providing references, and participating in an interview. Be sure to highlight any relevant skills, experiences, or interests that make you a good fit for the volunteer role.
Step 4: Wait for a Response
After submitting your application, wait for a response from the hospital. They may contact you for additional information, invite you for an interview, or provide you with information about the next steps in the selection process. It is important to be patient as the review and selection process can vary in duration.
Step 5: Orientation and Training
If you are selected as a volunteer, the hospital will typically provide you with orientation and training specific to your volunteer role. This may include information about the hospital, health and safety protocols, and any necessary skills or knowledge for your assigned tasks. This is also an opportunity to ask questions and familiarize yourself with the hospital environment.
By following these steps and working closely with the volunteer services team at your chosen children's hospital, you can become a valuable contributor to creating a positive and supportive environment for young patients and their families.
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Testimonials from current volunteers
"Volunteering at UCLA Mattel Children's Hospital has become the highlight of my week. I've found that I look forward to it the most in life, even though it's something I don't get paid for. Being in a hospital is humbling, but what I learn from these kids when they play in the playrooms is how it's possible to put all of your focus on something—like playing—to escape whatever challenges you may be facing at the time. The other volunteers are great to learn from as well. I love this job!" — Chris, Child Life volunteer
"Little did I know that the interpersonal relationships I've gained from working with other volunteers, as well as the gratification from helping patients and others in the hospital, would keep me coming back year after year. Every Thursday, when I volunteer at the hospital, I am filled with gratitude and gain perspective on my own life. As an Ambassador, I try to ease people's fear and anxiety by addressing their concerns. Sometimes I'm merely answering their questions. Other times I'm connecting them with another person, place, or thing, or just simply listening when someone needs to talk. Many people whom I help are often surprised that we Ambassadors are volunteers. What they may not realize is the lasting reward of inner satisfaction that I get from my service to them." — Cindy, Ambassador volunteer
"Volunteering at UCLA Ronald Reagan Medical Center has been a tremendously rewarding experience for me. As a volunteer in the Spiritual Care Department, I have had the privilege of being involved in delivering Shabbat bags to the Jewish inpatients in the hospital every Friday before the Jewish Sabbath. Under the loving guidance of Rabbi Pearl Barlev, I have had the opportunity to develop the patience, sensitivity, and professionalism that are required in patient care. The hard work and dedication of those in the volunteer office as well as others working in the hospital facilitate a pleasant and growth-oriented environment for those who are interested in volunteering." — Natalie, Spiritual Care volunteer
"I have been an Ambassador for 9 years. Volunteering has given me the opportunity to make new friends, while putting patients at the hospital at ease. It has been a very rewarding experience. Our family has been coming to UCLA Health for 55 years—all of our needs have been met with care and fine follow-up. Because of the care my family received it has been most appropriate to 'give back' as a volunteer. The information and direction that is given when coming for medical care can be overwhelming. As a UCLA Medical Center Ambassador, I can take a patient or family member to a certain location and that relieves them of having to follow a map—sometimes just that time of walking and talking can be a comfort to them...time well spent!" — Myra, Ambassador volunteer
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Frequently asked questions
Volunteers at a children's hospital can expect to perform a wide array of duties. Some examples include playing with children during wait times, helping families find their way around the hospital, greeting newly admitted families, staffing the gift shop, providing administrative support, and assisting with toy washing.
Volunteers at a children's hospital help make the hospital experience more normal and positive for kids and their families. They provide support to patients, families, and staff, contributing to the hospital's mission to create hope and build healthier futures.
Specific requirements and qualifications may vary depending on the hospital and the volunteer role. It is recommended to contact the volunteer coordinator or refer to the hospital's website for specific guidelines and requirements.
To apply for a volunteer position at a children's hospital, you should first decide which hospital you would like to support. You can then visit the hospital's website to learn about current volunteer opportunities and application processes. Some hospitals may require background checks, health screenings, orientation, and training for their volunteers.
