Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 3: Finding a place that suits you well
• Part 2 of 3: Going through the application procedure
• Part 3 of 3: Being a good volunteer
• Tips

Whether you want to study medicine or just want to help people, volunteering in a hospital is a great way to give back to the community. Volunteering opportunities in a hospital range from reading books to children and transporting patients to answering the phone and working in the gift shop. You will get the most satisfaction from your volunteer work if you can find a place that suits your interests. The application procedure is different at every hospital, but usually you will have to apply, have an application or introductory interview and attend an introductory meeting.

To step

Part 1 of 3: Finding a place that suits you well

1. Find a hospital. Make a list of hospitals in your area to which you are willing to travel regularly. Volunteering in a hospital requires a lot of effort and responsibility. So find a hospital that you can easily go to. For example, if you plan to volunteer after school or work, choose a hospital near your work or school. If you'd like to volunteer at the weekend, choose a hospital near your home.
   • Use sources such as Google Maps, the phone book and your knowledge of the area.
   • Don't rule out smaller hospitals and clinics.
   • Search the internet for the telephone number of the volunteer coordinator, or write down the telephone number of the hospital.
2. Gather more information about volunteering opportunities. Once you have determined which hospitals you are interested in, visit the websites of these hospitals to learn more about volunteering opportunities. Most hospitals have places for volunteer work. On the websites you will find the contact information of the volunteer coordinator or the support center for voluntary work. You can call with any questions you have about volunteering in the hospital.
   • When you visit the websites, look at the different departments for which volunteers are sought.
   • Make a list of hospitals with departments that you find interesting and that are conveniently located for you.
3. Choose volunteer work that suits your interests. There are many possibilities for volunteers at hospitals. You can help patients, families and visitors to the hospital. Look for a volunteer job that suits your interests. Volunteering should be fun and it should benefit both you and the hospital.
   • If you are interested in working with a specific group of people, look for a hospital that provides care for that group of people.
   • If you enjoy working with children, try to find a volunteer spot at a children's hospital. If you enjoy working with the elderly, try to volunteer at a retirement home or care home.
   • If you want to interact with patients, look for a volunteer job in a department that provides care to patients.
   • If you want to help the hospital visitors, you can work at the information desk or gift shop.
   • If you don't want to interact with patients and visitors, you may be able to help with administrative tasks such as archiving and destroying documents.
4. Determine what the requirements are. The requirements for volunteers differ per hospital. There are also different demands on teens and adults who want to volunteer. Hospitals usually have age requirements and ask you to volunteer for a specific period or number of hours (for example, a specific number of hours per week, at least six months or a year, etc.). Some hospitals have special volunteer places for the summer and internships and work experience places for students.
   • The requirements that are set also depend on the department you choose as a volunteer. For example, at one hospital you can start volunteering when you are 15, but you are not allowed to have contact with patients until you are 18.
   • If you are under 18, you will need to get parental consent to volunteer in a hospital.

Part 2 of 3: Going through the application procedure

1. Submit your application. You will have to apply to be eligible to volunteer in the hospital. You can usually fill out a form online or you will have to download one from the hospital's website. Usually the volunteer coordinator will contact you when your application has been received and he or she will tell you what the next steps are. Make sure to indicate which departments you are interested in and why when applying.
   • Choose multiple departments and interests in case you don't have a place in the department of your first choice.
   • Most hospitals ask you to submit a VOG (Certificate of Good Conduct).
   • Apply as soon as possible. It may be that the people who apply first get a place first.
   • If you are applying for a special summer program, check before which date your application should be received. The date may be different from the deadline for other types of volunteers.
2. Request your vaccination details. Hospitals usually require that you have had the MMR vaccine (part of the National Immunization Program) and that you have recently had a Mantoux test (skin test for tuberculosis). If you have had these vaccinations, you will need to be able to show your vaccination data. If you haven't had these vaccinations, you will have to get them before you can volunteer in a hospital.
   • Some hospitals also require you to get a flu shot and be vaccinated against or immune to chickenpox (if you've had chickenpox, you're usually immune to it).
   • See your doctor if you need to get vaccinated and have a Mantoux test performed.
3. Go to the job interview or introductory meeting. Many hospitals hold a job interview or introductory meeting with potential volunteers. Be prepared to answer a few questions when you come for an interview. Why do you want to volunteer in the hospital? What would you like to do as a volunteer? What are your interests? Do you have certain skills? How did you hear about volunteering in the hospital?
   • It can help to think about what questions to ask before the interview and to write down the answers.
   • Don't try to see the interview as a real job interview. The hospital tries to find you a volunteer position that suits you well.
   • Give honest answers and be yourself during the conversation.
4. Go to the introduction meeting. You will usually need to attend some sort of introductory meeting before you can start your volunteer work. During such a meeting, information is provided on a number of topics such as rules and procedures in the hospital, the requirements and expectations that are set for volunteers and the history and mission of the hospital. In addition to a general introduction, you can also get information about the department or place where you become a volunteer.
   • The introduction can take place in the hospital or online.
   • Some hospitals allow you to attend an introductory meeting before applying. In this case, you will receive information about the application process during the meeting.
   • Pay close attention and ask questions during the meeting. This is also a great time to meet some of the people you will be working with.
   • You will also sign your contract during the meeting.

Part 3 of 3: Being a good volunteer

1. Always be professional. Even though you are not a paid employee, it is still important to be professional. Get to work on time, treat patients and visitors with respect, report problems, and don't use your cell phone while at work. By acting professionally you contribute to a safe environment for yourself, hospital patients, visitors and employees.
   • Do not give your contact details to patients or visit them anywhere other than the hospital. Professional boundaries blur when you share your personal information with patients. Crossing this line can make patients dependent on you, you can feel pressure and stress, and you may be less objective when you help patients and families.
   • Avoid physical contact unless touching patients is part of your job. Avoiding physical contact is important for your own safety and that of the patient. Of course you do not want to infect the patients with germs or become infected yourself.
2. Wear your uniform and name tag. Most hospitals require volunteers to wear a uniform. Your uniform shows patients, visitors and hospital staff that you are a volunteer. Keep your uniform neat and clean. You represent the hospital when you wear it. Make sure your name card is always visible.
   • If you lose your name tag, let your supervisor know.
   • There may be other rules regarding the clothes you wear. You may also need to wear flat, closed-toe shoes in addition to your uniform.
   • Be prepared to pay for your own uniform.
3. Follow the rules. As a volunteer it is important to respect the privacy of all patients in the hospital. Do not share patient medical information, names, addresses, phone numbers, and other personal information with others. You are also expected to know other rules and procedures, such as what to do in an emergency and what to do to prevent infections.
   • If you are unsure or have any questions, check the volunteer regulations or ask your supervisor or the volunteer coordinator.
   • If you want to tell someone a story about your work in the hospital, don't mention patient names and leave out specific details.
4. Don't accept gifts. If you volunteer regularly, you will bond with some of the patients and families. Patients and families will be grateful for the help you give and they may want to give you something to show their gratitude. However, as a volunteer you are not allowed to accept gifts from patients.
   • If a patient gives you something, say something like "That's very nice of you, but I can't take this" or "You're very nice, but no, thank you."
   • If a patient insists that you accept something, accept the gift and give it to your supervisor. Let your supervisor know that you politely declined the gift, but the patient insisted that you accept it.
   • Even though you are not a paid employee, you are still seen as a professional. Accepting gifts can jeopardize the relationship between you and the patients. For example, some patients may expect special treatment or favors from you when you have accepted a gift.
   • Some hospitals have strict rules for this. You may lose your volunteer work.

Tips

• Most hospitals have a minimum period of time for volunteering. This can be from eight weeks to a year. If you can't commit for that long, look for another agency to volunteer.
• You may be able to volunteer in multiple departments.
• The application procedure can differ per hospital. Always ask questions if you are unsure about something.