Jordan Ellis
Volunteering at Northwest Community Hospital is a rewarding way to make a difference in your community. Volunteers play a vital role in creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for patients and their families. Whether you're interested in working behind the scenes or directly interacting with patients, there are a variety of roles available that can accommodate your interests and schedule. From providing directions to assisting with administrative tasks, volunteers are valued contributors to the hospital's mission of delivering compassionate, high-quality care. To get started, you'll need to meet certain requirements, such as age, background checks, and specific vaccinations, and then you can begin the application process to join the volunteer team.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Hospital Name | Northwest Community Healthcare (NCH) |
| Volunteer Roles | Greeting and assisting patients and visitors, assisting with administrative tasks, monitoring hand hygiene compliance, visiting with therapy dogs |
| Requirements and Restrictions | Must be at least 16 years old, pass background and immunization screenings, agree to a six-month commitment of 3-4 hours per week, attend orientation and training, adhere to dress code |
| Application Process | Submit an application online or pick up a form at the hospital's main lobby |
| Vaccination Requirements | MMR, Varicella or Shingles, Dtap/Tdap, Influenza, TB |
| Location | Chicago and over 10 suburban communities |
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What You'll Learn
Application process and requirements
To become a volunteer at Northwest Community Hospital, you must first submit an application. You can apply online or pick up a form at the front desk in the hospital's main lobby.
There are certain requirements that must be met to be eligible to volunteer at the hospital. Firstly, all applicants must be at least 16 years old (18 years old at Northwestern Memorial Hospital). Additionally, all volunteers must undergo specific immunizations and health screenings, including tuberculosis (TB) testing, the flu shot, and a background check.
For those interested in volunteering with their therapy animal, dogs must pass an evaluation and handlers must complete a three-day training session to become certified with the Alliance of Therapy Dogs.
Volunteers must also agree to a six-month commitment of at least three to four hours per week, which may vary by role and location. During this time, volunteers are expected to comply with the hospital's policies, such as the code of conduct, privacy laws, and dress code. They must also complete on-the-job training for their assigned volunteer service.
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Vaccinations and health checks
To ensure the health and safety of patients, volunteers at Northwest Community Hospital are required to undergo specific vaccinations and health checks. These requirements are in place to protect both the volunteers and the patients, especially those who may be immunocompromised.
Vaccinations:
- MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella): A series of 2 shots is required for adequate protection.
- Varicella (Chickenpox) or Shingles: Adults must receive a series of 2 shots to prevent these viral infections.
- Dtap/Tdap (Diptheria, Tetanus, Pertussis): A single shot is administered to protect against these serious bacterial diseases.
- Influenza (Flu): A yearly vaccination during the flu season (October through April) is mandatory and helps prevent the spread of influenza.
- TB (Tuberculosis): Volunteers must undergo tuberculosis testing, which is often an annual requirement, to ensure they are not infected with this bacterial disease.
Health Checks:
- Physical Examinations: Volunteers may be required to undergo a general physical health examination to ensure they are in good health and able to perform the required tasks.
- Immunization Screenings: In addition to vaccinations, volunteers may need to provide proof of immunization or positive blood titers for certain diseases, such as Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella, and Tdap.
- Background Checks: Northwest Community Hospital, like many other hospitals, may require volunteers to undergo background checks to ensure the safety and security of patients and staff.
It is important to note that specific requirements may vary, and volunteers should refer to the hospital's official guidelines and application process for the most up-to-date and comprehensive information.
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Volunteer roles and responsibilities
Volunteers at Northwest Community Healthcare (NCH) are valued for their contribution to the hospital's mission of providing compassionate, high-quality care to patients. The roles and responsibilities of volunteers vary, but all volunteers are expected to be welcoming and friendly, helping to make the hospital a warmer and more caring place.
Some volunteers work in the Breast Centers, where they welcome and assist patients. This role requires strong communication skills and the ability to interact professionally and warmly with patients, guests, and staff. Volunteers in this role must also be able to stand or walk for the duration of their shift.
Another volunteer role at NCH is assisting customers with transactions in the hospital gift shop. Volunteers in this position must be adult females with strong customer service skills, including the ability to handle monetary transactions and multi-task while maintaining a calm and professional demeanor.
Volunteers are also needed to assist with administrative office projects such as copying, filing, special events, and data entry. This role requires intermediate computer skills, particularly with Microsoft Office applications like Excel and Word, as well as a high level of attention to detail.
For those interested in working with animals, NCH offers a unique opportunity for volunteers and their certified therapy dogs to visit patients and staff. The dog-handler teams undergo a thorough evaluation and training process to ensure they are well-prepared to facilitate conversations and provide comfort during patient visits.
Additionally, volunteers at NCH can participate in Hand Hygiene Observations, walking around the hospital units discreetly to monitor hand hygiene compliance by staff. This role contributes to maintaining high standards of hygiene and patient safety.
Volunteers at NCH are expected to meet certain requirements, including specific vaccinations and, in some cases, background checks and age restrictions. These measures ensure the safety and well-being of both the volunteers and those they interact with during their service.
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Benefits of volunteering
Volunteers are an integral part of Northwest Community Hospital, contributing to the hospital's mission of providing compassionate, high-quality care to its patients. Volunteering at the hospital comes with numerous benefits that can enrich one's life and positively impact the community. Here are some advantages of volunteering at Northwest Community Hospital:
Making a Meaningful Impact
Volunteers at Northwest Community Hospital have the opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of patients, their families, and the wider community. Whether it's offering a friendly greeting, assisting with directions, or providing comfort and support, volunteers play a vital role in creating a warmer and more caring environment. Their dedication and contribution of time and talents directly benefit those they serve, leaving a lasting impression and enhancing the overall hospital experience.
Personal Growth and Satisfaction
Volunteering provides a sense of personal fulfillment and satisfaction, knowing that your efforts are making a positive impact on others. It allows individuals to connect with their community, cultivate empathy, and develop valuable interpersonal skills. Through their interactions with patients, families, and staff, volunteers can foster meaningful relationships, gain new perspectives, and build a strong support network. The act of giving back to the community promotes a sense of purpose and can enhance one's overall well-being.
Skill Development and Learning
Northwest Community Hospital offers diverse volunteer roles that enable individuals to utilize their existing talents and develop new skills. Volunteers can gain administrative experience, improve their communication and interpersonal skills, and enhance their computer literacy. The hospital also provides specialized training, such as the Alliance of Therapy Dogs certification, which empowers volunteers to offer unique support to patients and staff. These skills are transferable and can be beneficial in various aspects of life, including future career paths.
Flexibility and Customization
The hospital understands that volunteers have diverse schedules and interests, and therefore, it offers a range of volunteer opportunities to match their availability and preferences. Volunteers can choose to work behind the scenes or interact directly with patients, selecting roles that align with their passions and goals. This flexibility ensures that individuals can contribute in a way that suits their lifestyles while still making a valuable contribution to the hospital and its patients.
Volunteering at Northwest Community Hospital is a rewarding experience that allows individuals to touch lives, develop personally and professionally, and make a meaningful difference in their community. It is a chance to be a part of a compassionate team dedicated to enhancing the patient experience and improving healthcare outcomes.
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Animal-assisted volunteering
Animal-assisted therapy is a unique volunteering opportunity at Northwest Community Hospital, where volunteers and their animals can engage in patient and staff visits. This therapy has proven to reduce stress, pain, anxiety and loneliness, which can aid the healing process. The dogs and their handlers visit patients upon request, and these visits usually last about 5 to 10 minutes. The handler will facilitate a conversation with the patient and encourage them to pet their dog.
To become a part of the animal-assisted therapy team, volunteers must download and submit an application form. The dog and handler must then pass an evaluation and a three-day training course at the hospital to become certified by the Alliance of Therapy Dogs. The evaluation and training sessions assess the dog's temperament and obedience, as well as the handler's skills. The dog should be in good health, enjoy human company, and be able to perform commands without treats.
Volunteers are also required to ensure their dogs are up to date with vaccinations, including rabies. Handlers must also ensure their own vaccinations are up to date, including MMR, Varicella, Dtap/Tdap, and an annual flu shot.
The animal-assisted therapy program relies on charitable donations to cover the costs of recruitment, training, semi-annual lab testing, marketing, and supplies. Individuals can sponsor a dog and handler team for $350, and their name will be displayed on the AAT wall in the hospital.
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Frequently asked questions
To volunteer at Northwest Community Hospital, you must be at least 16 years old and pass a background check. You must also provide immunization records and receive specific vaccinations, such as the MMR, chickenpox, and flu shots.
Volunteers at Northwest Community Hospital can take on various roles, including welcoming and assisting patients in the Breast Centers, helping with transactions in the hospital gift shop, and monitoring hand hygiene compliance by staff. Volunteers can also bring their certified therapy dogs to visit patients and staff and facilitate conversations.
You can apply to become a volunteer at Northwest Community Hospital by submitting an application online or by picking up a form at the front desk in the main lobby. After submitting your application, you will undergo an onboarding process that includes orientation, training for your assigned service, and receiving your volunteer badge and uniform.
