Tessa Quinn
Volunteering at a children's hospital is a rewarding way to give back to your community and make a difference in the lives of young patients and their families. Hospitals offer a wide range of volunteer opportunities, from playing with children during wait times to helping families find their way around the hospital. Volunteers can also assist with toy donations, pet therapy programs, and even hosting their own events. There are usually minimum age and time commitment requirements for volunteers, and some hospitals require a background check and health clearance. If you're interested in volunteering with kids in hospitals, reach out to your local children's hospital to explore the available opportunities and find the best fit for your skills and schedule.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Age requirement | 16 years or older (unless applying to summer-only programs) |
| Time commitment | Minimum of six months or one year, depending on the program |
| Shift duration | 2-3 hours, once per week |
| Health clearance | Required |
| Background check | Required |
| Uniform | $20 fee |
| Transportation | Public transportation or parking in the hospital's parking garage |
| Activities | Playing with children, helping families find their way, greeting guests, pet therapy, customer service, toy donation and washing |
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What You'll Learn
Play-based roles with patients
Play is a crucial aspect of a child's emotional and physical well-being during their time in the hospital. It helps them develop self-esteem and confidence and reduces distress and anxiety. Play therapy can be especially beneficial for children suffering from a terminal disease, as it gives them a sense of control and an outlet to express their emotions.
Volunteers in play-based roles with patients are incorporated throughout the hospital and its outpatient centres. These roles can include playing with the children, reading to them, or even setting up role-play games, such as a doctor's surgery or a hospital A&E department. Volunteers can use their creativity to make these experiences fun and educational for the children, helping them to understand and cope with their medical experiences.
For example, volunteers can use medical instruments, such as a stethoscope, to engage the children in play and teach them about their medical conditions. Realistic props, such as prescription pads, can also add to the immersive experience. Volunteers can also involve siblings in these activities, helping to create a familiar and friendly environment for the patients.
Volunteers interested in play-based roles with patients in hospitals should be aware of the commitment required. Most hospitals require a minimum of six consecutive months of volunteering, with shifts typically lasting 2-3 hours once per week. Volunteers must also be 18 years or older and complete a health clearance and background check. Additionally, some hospitals may require a uniform and ID for which the volunteer may need to pay a small fee.
Overall, play-based roles with patients in hospitals are a great way to support children's emotional and mental well-being during their medical journeys. Volunteers can use play to help children understand and cope with their medical experiences, providing them with a sense of control and familiarity.
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Customer service and wayfinding
Volunteers play a crucial role in creating a welcoming and supportive environment for families visiting hospitals with their children. One of the key aspects of volunteering in this setting is customer service and wayfinding.
At the main entrance of the hospital, volunteers are often the first point of contact for families and guests. Greeting people with a friendly smile and a helpful attitude can set a positive tone for their entire experience. Volunteers provide essential wayfinding assistance, helping visitors navigate the hospital campus and find their way to various departments, clinics, and inpatient units. This can involve providing clear directions, escorting individuals or families to their destinations, or even offering a helpful map or brochure to guide them.
In large hospitals, wayfinding can be a complex task, especially for those who are unfamiliar with the layout. Volunteers should be equipped with detailed knowledge of the hospital's floor plan, including entrances, exits, elevators, and stairwells. They should also be aware of any ongoing construction or renovations that may impact visitor access. By being knowledgeable and approachable, volunteers can ease the stress and anxiety often associated with hospital visits.
In addition to wayfinding, customer service volunteers may also assist with other tasks such as delivering items from the gift shop to patients and families. This simple act of kindness can bring joy and comfort to those going through challenging times. Volunteers may also support the Patient Family Housing Programs by helping families find affordable accommodations near the hospital, ensuring their comfort and peace of mind during extended stays.
Volunteers are the ambassadors of the hospital, and their dedication and reliability are invaluable. By committing to regular shifts, volunteers ensure a consistent presence to support families and staff. Hospitals often require a minimum commitment of six consecutive months or one year for their volunteer programs, with shifts typically ranging from 2 to 3 hours per week. This level of dedication allows volunteers to build meaningful connections with the hospital community and make a lasting impact on the families they serve.
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Toy and donation drives
Many children's hospitals have programs that allow people to volunteer with kids or donate toys and other items. For example, Children's Hospital Los Angeles accepts donations of new and unwrapped toys, which can be purchased from their online registry and shipped directly to the hospital. They also provide a downloadable template for those interested in hosting a toy drive. The hospital further suggests holding a "Gift Card" drive, which provides more flexibility for the hospital to purchase toys and other items that meet the specific needs and interests of patients.
Rady Children's Hospital also accepts donations to their Hospital Toy and Diversionary Activity Fund, which stocks playrooms with toys, art supplies, books, games, and other items. They encourage individuals to donate directly to the fund or start their own virtual toy drive.
UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals Foundation also welcomes donations of new toys, books, and individually packaged, shelf-stable snacks for parents. They further provide a wish list of items needed for patient care and comfort. Additionally, they accept donations of vehicles, such as cars, trucks, boats, and motorcycles, through their partnership with Car Donation Services.
Children's National Hospital has a similar program called Dr. Bear's Closet, which accepts donations of toys, games, clothing, and personal care items for patients and their families.
Some hospitals, like Lurie Children's Hospital, also offer volunteer opportunities for individuals to work directly with children and their families. These roles may include greeting families and guests or engaging in play-based activities with patients and siblings. Volunteers must typically be 18 years or older and commit to a minimum of six months of weekly shifts. Background checks and health clearances may also be required.
Other ways to volunteer or support children's hospitals include participating in pet therapy programs, fundraising events, vehicle donations, and corporate partnerships. It is worth checking with your local children's hospital to see what specific opportunities and needs they have.
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Pet therapy
Volunteering with a therapy animal typically involves visiting hospitals with your pet to spend time with patients, providing them with joy, comfort, and companionship. Therapy dogs must be well-trained, obedient, calm, and comfortable around children. They should also be accustomed to various environments and not show any signs of aggression.
To get started with pet therapy volunteering, you can reach out to hospitals or organizations that coordinate such programs. For example, Children's Hospital Los Angeles offers a Dog Therapy Program, where volunteers and their dogs undergo training and evaluations to ensure they are well-prepared for the hospital environment. Similarly, Phoenix Children's AAT Program includes volunteer therapy animal teams that visit patients and participate in events, providing support and motivation.
Before volunteering, both you and your pet will need to complete certain requirements. These typically include registering with a therapy animal organization, such as Pet Partners, Alliance of Therapy Dogs, or Therapy Dog International. Additionally, your pet will need to undergo an evaluation to ensure they possess the necessary temperament and skills for therapy work. This may include obedience, socialisation, and the ability to handle various settings and situations.
By volunteering with pet therapy, you can make a positive impact on young patients in hospitals, providing them with comfort, companionship, and a much-needed boost in their well-being.
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Community outreach
Volunteering is a great way to give back to your community and make a positive impact on the lives of children in hospitals. There are many ways to get involved and make a difference. Here are some ideas and suggestions for volunteering with kids in hospitals through community outreach:
- In-hospital volunteering: This involves interacting with patients, their siblings, and families to provide support and comfort. Volunteers can play with children during wait times, help families find their way around the hospital, assist with toy washing and unit programming, and create a welcoming atmosphere. Some hospitals, like Boston Children's Hospital, offer volunteer roles in inpatient/outpatient settings, customer service, and patient family housing programs.
- Community events and festivals: During the summer, you can represent the hospital at community events and festivals. For example, Lurie Children's Hospital in Chicago has a Community Volunteer Corps that brings interactive games and educational materials to share with children and families. This is a great way to engage with the community and spread awareness about childhood health and safety.
- Therapy programs: Some hospitals offer therapy-centric programs that involve pets or therapy dogs. For instance, the Pawprints Program at Boston Children's Hospital allows volunteers to bring their dogs to provide hospitalized children with a diversion from their routine and an opportunity for social interaction. Similarly, Children's Health in Dallas and Plano has a Volunteer Pet Therapy program.
- Donation drives: Hospitals often rely on donations to support patients and their families. You can organize or participate in donation drives to collect toys, games, clothing, and personal care items. For instance, Dr. Bear's Closet at Children's National Hospital accepts donations to make a lasting impact on a child's visit to the hospital.
- Fundraising: Fundraising is crucial for hospitals to prioritize patient care and improve services. You can engage in fundraising activities or donate to specific causes and departments within the hospital. For example, the Women's Auxiliary to Children's Medical Center carries out fundraising initiatives to support hospital priorities and improve the lives of children.
- Spreading awareness: Sharing information about the hospital's work and the impact of volunteering can inspire others to get involved. You can promote volunteer opportunities, share patient stories, and highlight advances in patient care and research through social media, newsletters, or community meetings. This helps to build a supportive community and encourage participation in hospital initiatives.
Remember to check with your local hospitals to understand their specific volunteer requirements, age limits, time commitments, and application processes. By getting involved through community outreach, you can make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and their families during their medical journeys.
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Frequently asked questions
Some ways to volunteer with kids in hospitals include playing with children during wait times, helping families find their way around the hospital, and assisting with toy washing. Some hospitals also offer pet therapy programs where volunteers can bring their dogs to provide hospitalized children with a diversion from their usual routine.
The requirements to volunteer with kids in hospitals vary depending on the hospital. Some hospitals require volunteers to be 18 years or older, while others accept volunteers as young as 16. Most hospitals require a minimum commitment of six months to a year, with volunteers working 2-3-hour shifts once per week. Background checks and health clearances may also be necessary.
Volunteering with kids in hospitals can bring a smile to a young face and make a lasting impact on a child's hospital visit. Volunteers can provide comfort and support to children and their families, making their stay more comfortable and occupied.
You can find volunteer opportunities with kids in hospitals by reaching out directly to hospitals in your area or visiting their websites. Many hospitals, such as Boston Children's Hospital, Lurie Children's Hospital, and Nationwide Children's Hospital, list their current volunteer positions and requirements on their websites.
