If you want to get into medical school, volunteering at a hospital is a great way to do that.Reading books to children, answering phones, and working in the gift shop are some of the volunteer opportunities at the hospital.If you can match your interests with available volunteer opportunities, you will have the most rewarding experience.Each hospital has a different volunteer process that includes an interview, application, and orientation.
Step 1: You can find a hospital.
If you are willing to travel to the hospitals on a regular basis, make a list of them.It's a big commitment to volunteer at a hospital.It's important to find a hospital that is convenient for you to visit.If you plan to volunteer after school, choose a hospital that is close to your job or school.If you plan to volunteer on the weekends, choose a hospital that is close to where you live.You can use resources such as the phone book and the internet.Smaller hospitals and clinics should not be discounted.The main phone number for the hospital or volunteer services can be found on the internet.
Step 2: Information about volunteer opportunities can be found here.
You can find volunteer opportunities at the hospital website once you have identified hospitals that you are interested in.Hospitals have volunteer programs.The volunteer office at the hospital will be listed on the website.You can call if you have questions about volunteering at the hospital.There are different areas within the hospital that accept volunteers when you visit the website.You can make a list of the hospitals that are convenient for you.
Step 3: There are volunteer opportunities that match your interests.
There are many ways to volunteer.Patients, families, and hospital visitors can be served by you.You can find an opportunity that matches your interests.It is beneficial for both the hospital and you to volunteer.If you want to work with a special population, you should look for a hospital that caters to it.Volunteer at a children's hospital if you enjoy working with children.Try to volunteer at a nursing home if you enjoy working with the elderly.You should volunteer in an area that provides direct care to patients if you want to interact with them.You can help hospital visitors by volunteering at the information desk or in the gift shop.If you don't want to interact with patients or visitors, you may be able to help with administrative work.
Step 4: Determine the requirements.
Hospitals have different volunteer requirements.The requirements for teens and adult volunteers will be different.Hospitals usually have age requirements and expected time commitment.Hospitals offer summer volunteer programs for students.Depending on the area you choose to volunteer in, the requirements will vary.You can volunteer at a hospital when you are 15 years old, but you can't interact with patients until you're 18.Permission from your parents is required to volunteer at the hospital.
Step 5: You have to complete an application.
You need to apply for a volunteer position at the hospital.An application can be downloaded from the hospital website.Once your application has been received, a member of the volunteer office will contact you to let you know about the next steps.You should include the areas that you would like to volunteer in on your application.If you don't get your first choice, choose more than one area of interest.As part of your application, most hospitals will conduct a background and criminal check.As soon as possible, get your application in.On a first come, first serve basis, slots may be filled.Check the application dates if you are applying for a summer program.The deadline for other types of volunteers may be different than the dates.
Step 6: You can get your medical records.
A recent Tuberculosis skin test and a received vaccine are usually required by hospitals.Documentation of your results will be required if you have already received these vaccinations.Before you can volunteer at a hospital, you need to have your vaccinations.Flu vaccine and varicella vaccine are required by some hospitals.If you need to get your vaccinations, you should visit your primary care physician.
Step 7: You need to complete your interview.
Potential volunteers are interviewed by many hospitals.When you go in for your interview, be prepared to answer some questions.Why do you want to volunteer?What would you like to do as a volunteer?What interests do you have?Do you have any special skills?Did you know about the hospital volunteer program?Think about the questions and write down your answers.Don't think of the interview as a job interview.The hospital is trying to find a volunteer placement that is good for you.Be yourself during the interview and give honest answers.
Step 8: Attend orientation
You will need to attend an orientation before you start volunteering.The orientation will cover many topics such as hospital policies and procedures, volunteer requirements and expectations, and the history and mission of the hospital.You can receive training in your specific volunteer area.Orientation can be done online or in the hospital.You can attend orientation before completing your application at some hospitals.During orientation, you will get information about the application and interview process.During orientation, pay attention and ask questions.It is a good time to meet some of the people you are working with.At orientation, you will receive your assignment as well.
Step 9: At all times be professional.
You should still be professional even though you are not an employee.Show up to work on time, treat patients and visitors with respect, report any unsafe conditions, and do not use your cell phone while volunteering.Your professional conduct contributes to a safe environment for both you and the hospital patients.You should not give your contact information to patients outside of the hospital.Sharing your personal information with patients can make professional boundaries blurry.It can cause patients to become dependent on you, make you feel stressed, and cause you to be less objective when helping the patients and families.Unless you have to touch the patients as part of your job, you should avoid physical contact.Refraining from physical contact is for the safety of both you and the patient.You don't want to share germs with the patients.
Step 10: You should wear your uniform.
Volunteers are required to wear a uniform.Your uniform will let people know that you are a volunteer.You should keep your uniform clean.You are representing the hospital when you wear it.Your name badges should be visible as well.Let your supervisor know if you lose your badges.In addition to your uniform, there may be other dress code guidelines such as wearing flat, close-toe shoes.You should be prepared to pay for your own uniform.
Step 11: Follow the rules
You have to respect the privacy of the patients at the hospital.No one should have access to a patient's medical information, name, address, phone number, or any other identifying information.You have to know and follow the other policies and procedures.Emergency procedure, infection control, etc.You should consult your volunteer handbook, your supervisor, or the volunteer office if you are unsure about something.If you want to tell someone a story about your work at the hospital, be careful not to include the patient's name or any details in your story.
Step 12: Don't accept gifts.
You will get to know some of the patients and families when you volunteer on a regular basis.Patients and families will be grateful for all the help that you provide and may try to show their gratitude by giving you a gift.Volunteers should not accept gifts from patients.If a patient gives you something, say "This is very nice of you, but I cannot accept this" or "You are very kind but no thank you."If a patient wants you to accept a gift, give it to your supervisor.If the patient insisted that you take the gift, let your supervisor know.You are still considered a professional even though you are not a paid employee.The relationship between you and the patients can be compromised by accepting gifts.Some patients may expect special treatment after you accept a gift.Hospitals have strict policies about this.You can lose your volunteer position at the hospital.