Jordan Ellis
Volunteering at a children's hospital neonatal unit can be a rewarding experience. Volunteers are important members of the team who provide special services to patients and families, helping to bring normalcy to the hospital environment. Volunteers can assist in a variety of ways, such as spending time with patients, delivering gifts, tutoring, and supporting families. Some hospitals also offer specific programs like music therapy, pet therapy, and holistic services. Volunteers are required to commit a certain number of hours per week or year, undergo interviews and training, and may need to meet specific skill requirements depending on the role.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Volunteer Roles | Playing with children, helping families find their way, answering phones, ushering families to and from surgery waiting rooms, tutoring, music therapy, pet therapy, holistic services, cuddling newborns, spending time with patients, delivering flowers, sorting donations, teaching music, performing musical numbers, supervising playroom activities, providing activities at the bedside |
| Requirements | Caring, professional, dedicated, reliable, good at connecting with children, good at selecting age-appropriate items, good at teaching, strong interpersonal and customer service skills, ability to read needs of others, problem-solving, flexibility, consistency, independence, prior teaching experience, Spanish-speaking, medical clearance, criminal background check, letter of recommendation, resume |
| Time Commitment | Minimum of 100 hours per year, at least two 4-hour shifts per month, weekly shift, summer volunteers expected to volunteer a minimum of 4 days per week |
| Age Requirements | 15-17 years for summer volunteers, 18 years and above for other roles |
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What You'll Learn
Playing with children
Board and Card Games
Playing board games such as Candyland, Chutes and Ladders, and Memory can provide a fun distraction for children during their hospital stay. These games can be enjoyed at bedside, offering an opportunity for interaction and socialisation.
Music and Instruments
Music can be therapeutic for children in the hospital. Volunteers with musical skills can perform for patients, help teach guitar or piano, or assist children in learning to play various instruments. Singing quietly to infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) can also be soothing and comforting.
Arts and Crafts
Artistic activities, such as drawing, painting, or crafting, provide an outlet for self-expression and creativity. They can help children process their feelings and experiences in a safe and non-threatening way.
Medical Play
Medical play is a therapeutic activity where children incorporate medical themes and materials into their play. This type of play helps children cope with their healthcare experiences, express their fears and concerns, and learn about their medical care in a familiar way.
Outdoor Play
Outdoor playgrounds offer a change of scenery and allow for physical activity, fresh air, and a sense of freedom. If the hospital has an outdoor playground, volunteers can accompany children and encourage them to enjoy the space while adhering to any necessary safety precautions.
Comfort and Cuddles
For infants and toddlers, physical affection, such as hugs and cuddles, is essential for comfort and security. Volunteers can provide this comfort, helping to reduce stress and create a positive hospital experience for young children.
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Delivering gifts and goodies
Children's hospitals often have volunteer services departments that manage donations and distribute them to patients. For example, Children's National Hospital has Dr. Bear's Closet, which includes donated toys, games, clothing, and personal care items. They also have a wish list and guidelines for making donations. Contacting the hospital's volunteer services department is a good way to find out how to deliver gifts and goodies and ensure your donations are aligned with their needs and guidelines.
Some hospitals, like Cohen Children's Medical Center, have specific volunteer opportunities for their Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Volunteers in the NICU hold babies, read to them, or quietly sing to them under the direct supervision of a registered nurse. These volunteers are often referred to as "cuddlers" and receive training from hospital staff to prepare for their roles. NICUs often have specific needs and guidelines for donations, such as small fleece blankets for infants, which can be comforting and provide a sense of security for newborns.
When delivering gifts and goodies to a children's hospital, it's important to be mindful of their guidelines and restrictions. For instance, some hospitals may not accept certain types of donations, such as used items or food, to maintain the health and safety of their patients. It's also essential to respect the privacy of patients, and in some cases, donors may not be able to deliver gifts directly to individual patients. Instead, donations are typically given to the hospital, and the volunteer services department or a similar entity manages their distribution.
Overall, delivering gifts and goodies to a children's hospital, especially the neonatal unit, can bring comfort and joy to patients and their families during challenging times. By contacting the hospital's volunteer services department and following their guidelines, you can ensure your donations are well-received and make a positive impact on the children's experience.
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Helping families navigate the hospital
Volunteers play an essential role in helping families navigate the hospital. They are often the first point of contact for families as they arrive, greeting them and helping them find their way around. This can include escorting family members to appointments, which may be especially helpful for families who are new to the hospital or struggling to orient themselves.
Volunteers can also assist families by answering general questions about the hospital. This requires the ability to work with nurses and other medical personnel to stay informed and provide accurate information. Volunteers may also help by answering phones and monitoring scheduling platforms to assist with the check-in process.
In some cases, volunteers are responsible for ushering families to and from the surgery waiting room, providing comfort and support during what can be a stressful time. Volunteers with musical talents can also bring joy and comfort by performing for patients, families, and staff in common areas. Additionally, volunteers may deliver flowers, toys, and other goodies to patients, spreading cheer and normalcy throughout the hospital.
For those with relevant qualifications, there are opportunities to assist the hospital's holistic services team. These volunteers offer services like reiki, chair massage, or hand reflexology to staff and family caregivers, providing a relaxing and supportive environment. Overall, volunteers who help families navigate the hospital play a crucial role in easing stress and creating a positive experience during challenging times.
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Music therapy
Musicians on Call (MOC)
Volunteer musicians perform acoustically, room to room, for patients, families, and caregivers. This opportunity is perfect for those who are consistent, flexible, and interested in providing support to a licensed music therapist. Some hospitals may require volunteers to audition for this role and have a minimum age requirement of 18 years old.
Creative and Therapeutic Arts Services (CTAS)
CTAS provides artistic programming to patients, families, and staff. Volunteers may assist a creative and therapeutic arts staff member, help a volunteer musician or artist, or provide their own artistic skills. The time commitment for CTAS volunteers varies based on the assignment.
This program offers individual and group music experiences within the hospital. Volunteers must be proficient in singing and playing at least one melodic instrument (such as guitar, piano, or ukulele). They must also be comfortable performing in front of individuals and groups and leading instrument play. Volunteers in this program will undergo specific training to enhance the hospital experience for patients and families.
Giggle 'n Groove
Giggle 'n Groove is a research-based music therapy class led by certified music therapists. It aims to aid babies' growth and development and provides parents with new ways to help their babies grow.
Studio Volunteers
Studio volunteers provide Open Studio Hours, where patients and their siblings can experiment with various instruments or participate in karaoke. These volunteers are provided with general training on studio equipment.
Sound Engineer Volunteers
Sound engineer volunteers provide professional-grade audio recordings, music mixing and mastering, and digital music compositions for patients and their families.
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Pet therapy
Many children's hospitals offer pet therapy programs as part of their volunteer services. These programs allow volunteers with qualified therapy dogs to engage with patients and staff throughout the hospital. Volunteers must be 18 or older and able to commit to a weekly visit. Additional hospital screenings for dog teams are required to ensure pediatric patient safety. Before volunteering, the dog must be certified by an approved therapy dog organization.
Oklahoma Children's Hospital has a pet therapy program where dogs and their owners visit patients. Cohen Children's Medical Center also offers a pet therapy program where volunteers and their dogs provide comfort and support to patients and families. Summer volunteers aged 15-17 are also placed in different areas of the hospital depending on their interests, although they are not eligible for the pet therapy program.
Wolfson Children's Hospital in Jacksonville, Florida, offers a pet therapy program through its Auxiliary volunteer program. Volunteers donate their time to a variety of programs and departments, including patient and family support, and placement is based on the hospital's needs and the volunteer's availability and abilities.
AdventHealth for Children, formerly Florida Hospital for Children, offers volunteer opportunities for individuals interested in contributing to their community efforts. While they do not specifically mention pet therapy, they may have similar programs or be open to suggestions.
If you are interested in volunteering with a pet therapy program at a children's hospital, you can contact the hospital's volunteer department or the specific program coordinator to inquire about their requirements and application process. Some hospitals may require a certain time commitment, such as a weekly visit or a minimum of four hours of service per week.
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Frequently asked questions
Volunteers are integral to the care provided by children's hospitals. They help bring normalcy to the hospital environment, making the experience feel more routine for patients and their families. Volunteers also get to learn new skills and meet new people.
Volunteers are required to be caring, professional, dedicated, and reliable. Some hospitals require volunteers to commit to at least one year, with a minimum of 100 hours per year. Volunteers must also complete an interview, medical clearance, orientation, and a criminal background check.
Volunteers can assist in various ways, including greeting and guiding families, spending time with patients, playing with children, delivering gifts, and helping with administrative tasks like answering phones. Volunteers can also provide specialized services like music therapy, pet therapy, tutoring, and holistic services such as reiki or massage.
Yes, there are age requirements for volunteering. Some hospitals offer summer volunteer programs for high school students aged 15-17, while others require volunteers to be at least 18 years old, especially for specialized roles like music therapy or holistic services.
