Hailey Tran
Good Samaritan Hospital offers a variety of volunteer opportunities for individuals looking to give back to their community and make a meaningful difference in the lives of caregivers, patients, and visitors. Volunteers are an integral part of the hospital's mission to deliver compassionate and quality care, and they are valued for their contributions. The hospital welcomes individuals from diverse backgrounds and ages (typically above 16 or 18 years) and strives to match their skills and interests with various departments and positions. Volunteering at Good Samaritan Hospital provides a rewarding experience, especially for those considering a career in healthcare, as it allows individuals to grow, learn, and connect with like-minded people while serving others.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Age requirement | 16 years or older; some branches require 18 years or older |
| Time commitment | 2-4 hours per week; minimum 1-year commitment |
| Application process | Online application, interview, background check, health clearance, orientation |
| Volunteer roles | Greeter, registration desk, patient and family escort, clerical, special projects, patient experience, therapy dog handler |
| Benefits | Complimentary uniforms and meals, opportunity to attend monthly Central Council meetings and annual Volunteer Recognition Awards Luncheon |
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What You'll Learn
Volunteer roles and responsibilities
Volunteers at Good Samaritan Hospital play a key role in the hospital's healing presence and culture. Volunteers are expected to serve with a smile, a friendly ear, and a kind touch. The hospital offers a variety of volunteer positions, including:
Greeter and Registration Desks/Patient & Family Escorts:
Volunteers in these roles are often the first point of contact for patients and families, welcoming them to the hospital and assisting with wayfinding. They may also escort patients and families to their destinations, ensuring they arrive safely and on time.
Clerical and Administrative Support:
Volunteers can provide valuable assistance to hospital staff by performing clerical tasks such as answering phones, filing, data entry, and supporting various hospital departments with administrative duties.
Gift Shop and Thrift Shop:
Volunteers can assist in the hospital's gift and thrift shops, helping customers, stocking shelves, and operating the cash register. These roles contribute to the comfort and convenience of patients, visitors, and staff.
Special Projects:
Volunteers can get involved in special projects, which may include fundraising initiatives, community outreach programs, or event planning. These projects often aim to enhance the patient experience and improve the hospital environment.
Patient Experience:
Volunteers can directly interact with patients, offering companionship, emotional support, and a listening ear. They may also assist with non-clinical tasks, such as providing comfort items, helping patients with meal setup, or facilitating patient activities.
Caring Canines Program:
This unique program brings joy and comfort to patients, caregivers, and visitors through the presence of therapy dogs and their handlers. Canine volunteers must meet specific health and registration requirements, including being registered as a therapy dog and passing a health exam.
Volunteers at Good Samaritan Hospital are expected to commit to a minimum of one year of service, serving an average of 2-4 hours per week. The hospital strives to match volunteers' skills and interests with the appropriate department and position to ensure a rewarding experience for all.
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Application and interview process
To apply to volunteer at Good Samaritan Hospital, you must be 18 or older and able to commit to at least one year of service. Shifts are typically 2-4 hours weekly, and volunteers can serve in multiple areas.
To begin the application process, send an email to the relevant address to express your interest in volunteering. For Good Samaritan Hospital in West Islip, New York, email Brittany Colasanto, Manager of Volunteer Services, at [email protected] or call 631-376-3659. For Good Samaritan Hospital on Long Island, email [email protected] or call 631-376-4121. For Good Samaritan Medical Center, email [email protected].
After you have submitted your application, you will be contacted within two weeks to schedule an interview. If you are accepted, you will need to provide proof of a COVID-19 vaccination and undergo a criminal background check. You will also need to provide health clearance, including proof of the following:
- Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) immunization
- Varicella immunization or history of chickenpox
- Tuberculosis (TB) clearance
- Flu shot (during flu season)
- Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) immunization
- COVID-19 vaccination
Once you are fully cleared to start volunteering, you will receive training in your specific service area. Training and orientation are provided at the hospital upon completion of the volunteer onboarding requirements.
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Training and orientation
- Basic Training and Orientation: After a successful interview, volunteers will attend a comprehensive orientation program. This orientation typically lasts around two hours and covers essential topics such as volunteer guidelines, dos and don'ts, safety protocols, and compliance procedures. During this session, volunteers will also receive valuable information about the next steps in their journey as a Good Samaritan Hospital volunteer.
- Criminal Background Check: Following acceptance into the volunteer program and completion of the basic training, a criminal background check will be conducted to ensure the safety and security of everyone involved.
- Health Clearance: Volunteers will be required to provide proof of specific health clearances and vaccinations, including COVID-19 vaccination. This step ensures the safety of patients, staff, and other volunteers.
- Site-Specific and Department-Specific Orientation: Once all the initial requirements are met, volunteers will undergo orientation tailored to their assigned site or department within the hospital. This orientation will provide detailed information about their specific service area, including open positions, assignments, and schedules.
- Volunteer Roles: At Good Samaritan Hospital, volunteers have a range of roles to choose from, including positions in the gift shop, thrift shop, clerical roles, special projects, and patient experience support. Volunteers can also take on roles such as greeter and registration desks, patient and family escorts, and staff-support functions in various hospital departments. Additionally, there is the Caring Canines program, where volunteers visit patients with therapy dogs, providing comfort and joy.
- The Guilds of Good Samaritan: For adult volunteers, there is the opportunity to join the Guilds of Good Samaritan, which are volunteer organizations that donate their time, talent, and treasure to benefit the hospital. These guilds carry on the biblical tradition of the Good Samaritan, who voluntarily performed a service for fellow human beings. Guild members have access to monthly Central Council meetings, where they can learn firsthand about hospital programs and contribute to goal-furthering initiatives.
The training and orientation process at Good Samaritan Hospital is designed to be informative, engaging, and tailored to each volunteer's interests and skills. By providing a solid foundation of knowledge and guidelines, the hospital ensures that volunteers are well-equipped to make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients, caregivers, and the community.
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Requirements and restrictions
Good Samaritan Hospital, Los Gatos, CA:
- Age requirement: Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age or older.
- Time commitment: Volunteers are expected to commit to at least one year of service, serving a weekly shift of 2-4 hours.
- COVID-19 vaccination and mask-wearing: Volunteers must be vaccinated for COVID-19 and wear a mask while inside the hospital.
- Interview: An interview will be conducted in person, by phone, or via WebEx to discuss skills and interests and determine an appropriate position.
- Basic Training/Orientation: Accepted applicants will attend a 2-hour orientation session covering volunteer guidelines, safety, and compliance.
- Criminal background check: A background check will be conducted after the applicant has been accepted and has attended basic training.
- Health Clearance: Provide proof of health clearance, including a TB screening, after being accepted.
Good Samaritan University Hospital, Catholic Health Long Island:
- Age requirement: Applicants must be over 18 years of age. Student applicants who are currently enrolled in school are invited to join the Guilds of Good Samaritan, but it is not mandatory.
- Guild Membership: Adult applicants are invited to join the Guilds of Good Samaritan, which are volunteer organizations that donate their time and talents to benefit the hospital. Guild members can participate in monthly Central Council meetings, volunteer duties, and special activities.
- Time Commitment: Involvement can vary from weekly volunteer duties to monthly meetings and participation in special activities and fundraisers.
Good Samaritan Hospital, Intermountain Healthcare:
- Age requirement: Volunteers must be at least 16 years of age or older.
- Time commitment: Volunteers typically serve 2-4 hours per week and are asked to commit to a minimum of one year of service.
- Application and Interview: Complete and submit the online Volunteer Application. Interviews will be scheduled to discuss skills and interests to determine the appropriate department and position.
- Background Check and TB Screening: A background check and TB screening are required before orientation.
- Orientation: New volunteers complete site-specific and department-specific orientation and training for their assigned roles.
MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital:
- Guest Ambassador Program: Designed for students who have completed at least one year of university studies and wish to interact with patients and learn about careers in the medical field.
- Junior Volunteer Program: A summer program for high school students between the ages of 16 and 18, offering roles to comfort patients.
- Adult Volunteer Program: Designed for adults aged 18 and above.
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Benefits and recognition
Volunteering at Good Samaritan Hospital is a rewarding and meaningful way to give back to your community and help others. The hospital offers a variety of benefits and recognition programs to show their appreciation for the valuable contributions of their volunteers.
Benefits
Good Samaritan Hospital provides an array of benefits to ensure a positive and fulfilling experience for its volunteers. These benefits include:
- Training and Orientation: Volunteers receive comprehensive training in their specific service areas to effectively carry out their duties. An orientation program is also offered to familiarize volunteers with the hospital, procedures, and scheduling.
- Flexible Assignments and Schedules: Assignments and schedules are tailored to the interests and availability of volunteers, allowing for a personalized and accommodating experience.
- Community Bonding: Volunteering at Good Samaritan Hospital strengthens the bond with the community. By providing day-to-day care and support, volunteers play a vital role in the hospital's mission to improve the health and lives of patients.
- Personal Growth and Development: Volunteering offers opportunities for personal growth, including developing new friendships, gaining confidence, learning new skills, and making professional contacts. It provides a sense of purpose and well-being to those who dedicate their time and talents.
- Recognition and Appreciation: Good Samaritan Hospital values the contributions of its volunteers and expresses gratitude through various recognition programs.
Recognition
Good Samaritan Hospital recognizes and appreciates the dedication and impact of its volunteers through several initiatives:
- Guilds of Good Samaritan: Volunteers are part of volunteer organizations called the Guilds of Good Samaritan, which are led by an elected Central Council. These guilds organize activities, advocate for hospital issues, and provide service to the hospital and its foundation.
- Monthly Central Council Meetings: Volunteers are invited to attend monthly meetings to learn about Guild activities, advocacy efforts, and hospital updates. These meetings foster a sense of community and provide valuable information.
- Annual Volunteer Recognition Awards Luncheon: During National Volunteer Week in April, the Guilds of Good Samaritan host a special luncheon to celebrate and honor the achievements of their volunteers. This event recognizes the dedication and impact of volunteer service.
- Caring Canines Program: The hospital's Caring Canines Program brings joy and comfort to patients, caregivers, and visitors through the loving presence of therapy dogs and their handlers. This unique program is another way volunteers can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those at the hospital.
Volunteering at Good Samaritan Hospital is a rewarding and enriching experience, offering a range of benefits and recognition that enhance the overall volunteer journey. Through their contributions, volunteers make a positive impact on the hospital community and those they serve.
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Frequently asked questions
The minimum age requirement is 16 years old for the Intermountain Health branch and 18 years old for the Catholic Health Long Island and MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital branches.
Volunteer roles include the gift shop, thrift shop, greeter and registration desks, patient and family escorts, clerical roles, special projects, and patient experience.
Volunteers at Good Samaritan Hospital receive complimentary uniforms, a meal during their shift, and the opportunity to grow, learn, make new friends, exchange ideas, and contribute to their community.
You can apply by completing and submitting an online Volunteer Application Form. Once your application has been received, you will be invited for an interview to determine an appropriate department and position for you.
