Volunteer FAQs

Are There Openings On the Volunteer Schedule? 
Most of our availability will be for weekday, day-time shifts between 8 am and 7pm, Monday through Friday. However, there are still limited availability during night shifts and weekend shifts. Schedules are subject to change based on hospital needs. 

What Type of Commitment Do You Require From Volunteers? 
We require at least one four hour shift per week for adults and college students. We require at least one three hour shift per week for teens. Adult volunteers are asked to make a minimum of a six month commitment.

I Only Need 20 Hours of Community Service For School. Can I Fulfill This Requirement at St. Mary’s Medical Center? 
Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate volunteers who are unable to make the commitment of 4 hours a week for six months. 

What Will Be Required Before I Can Start Volunteering? 

• You will be required to complete a volunteer application and background check form. 
• Schedule an interview with the Volunteer Coordinator to help you complete the rest of the volunteer application process and discuss potential assignments(s). 
• A Criminal Background Check. We provide the form and there is no cost for you to complete this. 
• Complete a Tuberculosis screening (free of charge) 
• Flu Shots required during October-March of each year 
• Attend Volunteer Orientation 
• You should be able to start your assignment 10 days after you attend Volunteer Orientation and are cleared by Employee Health 

Why Do You Require So Much Information Just To Volunteer 1-2 Times Per Week? 
At St. Mary’s Medical Center, we are committed to providing excellence by following all the laws, regulations, and requirements imposed by state and federal law, OSHA, the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, and other regulatory bodies. We follow these practices for the safety and well-being of patients, visitors, employees, and volunteers of St. Mary’s Medical Center. 

What Type of Volunteer Opportunities Will Be Available? 
Assignments are all clerical, some of which may be in clinical settings.

Does The Hospital Offer Internships? 
No, we do not offer internships through our Volunteer Services Department. 

Can I Sign Up For Job Shadowing or Observation Hours? 
St. Mary’s Medical Center does not offer observational job shadows. 

Do You Have Patient Care or Hands-On Opportunities? 
No. Some volunteers are in clinical areas but are not allowed any hands on experience. We only provide clerical opportunities. 

I Want To Work In The NICU, How Do I Sign Up To Cuddle? 
Due to the volume of applicants, we may not be able to accommodate all of the potential volunteers, and those who wish to serve may be placed on a waiting list.

Do You Have Availability In The Emergency Room? 
At this time, we do not have any availability. 

Can I Volunteer In The Operating Room? 
No volunteers are allowed in the operating room. 

Do You Take Court Ordered Service Hours? 
We do not accept court ordered service hours 

I Am In The Process of Looking For A Job And My Schedule Is Flexible Right Now, Can I Begin Volunteering? 
We suggest that you concentrate on finding a job first, and then, once you have secured a job, you will have a better idea of your long-term availability and can determine whether volunteering will fit into your schedule. 

I Want To Work In The NICU, How Do I Sign Up To Cuddle?
Due to the volume of applicants, we may not be able to accommodate all of the potential volunteers, and those who wish to serve may be placed on a waiting list.