Resources

• The Do's and Don'ts of Hospital Volunteering
  Hospital volunteering is a rewarding way to give back to your community, gain healthcare experience, and offer emotional support to patients and their families. Whether you're a student hoping to pursue a career in medicine or simply looking to contribute to a meaningful cause, understanding the do’s and don’ts of hospital volunteering is essential for a successful and impactful experience. Why Hospital Volunteering Matters Volunteers play a vital role in the healthcare system. From greeting visitors and delivering meals to supporting staff with administrative tasks, hospital volunteers help improve patient care and streamline hospital operations. According to the American Hospital Association, volunteers contribute millions of hours each year to hospitals across the country, proving their value in both clinical and non-clinical settings. The Do’s of Hospital Volunteering Do Show Compassion and Empathy Patients are often dealing with difficult medical diagnoses, pain, or emotional distress. A kind word, a warm smile, or a patient ear can


• Volunteering in Geriatric Care: Helping Elderly Patients
  In today’s fast-paced world, where the elderly population is steadily growing, volunteering in geriatric care has never been more important. With advancements in healthcare leading to longer life expectancies, the demand for compassionate caregivers and volunteers in elderly care settings is on the rise. Whether you’re a student exploring healthcare careers, a retiree looking to give back, or simply someone with a heart for helping others, supporting elderly patients through volunteer work can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Why Volunteer in Geriatric Care? Volunteering with seniors goes far beyond just helping with physical tasks. It’s about building meaningful relationships, offering emotional support, and creating a sense of community for some of society’s most vulnerable individuals. Here are some powerful reasons to get involved: Make a difference: Your presence can brighten someone’s day. Many elderly patients struggle with loneliness, and a friendly face can have a big impact. Gain valuable experience: Especially for those pursuing careers


• Working with Hospice Patients as a Volunteer
  Volunteering with hospice patients can be a deeply fulfilling and meaningful way to give back to the community. Hospice care focuses on providing comfort, support, and dignity to individuals facing terminal illnesses, and volunteers play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life for both patients and their families. So, we will explore the benefits and challenges of working with hospice patients as a volunteer, the essential skills needed, and how you can make a positive impact. Why Volunteer with Hospice Patients? 1. Making a Difference in People's Lives The primary reason many people choose to volunteer with hospice patients is the opportunity to make a tangible difference. Hospice volunteers provide much-needed companionship to patients who may be isolated or lonely, offering a sense of comfort during their final days. Simple gestures like holding a patient’s hand, engaging in conversation, or reading aloud can mean the world to someone in need


• How Hospital Volunteering Prepares You for a Medical Career
  If you’re dreaming of becoming a doctor, nurse, or healthcare professional, there’s one powerful step you can take before medical school: hospital volunteering. More than just a résumé booster, volunteering at a hospital gives you real-world experience, exposes you to patient care, and helps you build the essential skills needed for a successful medical career. Whether you’re in high school, college, or a post-bacc program, hospital volunteering can give you a serious edge. In this article, we’ll explore the top ways volunteering in a hospital can prepare you for a career in medicine—and why medical schools value this experience so highly. 1. Firsthand Exposure to the Healthcare Environment One of the biggest advantages of hospital volunteering is the firsthand exposure to the medical field. As a volunteer, you’ll observe healthcare professionals in action, witness patient interactions, and learn how a hospital functions behind the scenes. You’ll start to understand the daily realities of


• Helping Patients with Disabilities Through Hospital Volunteering
  Volunteering in hospitals is more than just giving back — it’s about creating meaningful, human-centered experiences. For patients with disabilities, hospital volunteers often become a crucial support system. These volunteers offer companionship, assistance, and advocacy that improve care quality and emotional well-being. In today’s healthcare landscape, where accessibility and inclusion are increasingly emphasized, the role of hospital volunteers is more important than ever. Why Support for Patients with Disabilities Matters Patients with disabilities face unique challenges in healthcare settings, including communication barriers, physical accessibility issues, and sometimes even a lack of understanding from medical staff. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 4 U.S. adults — about 61 million people — live with a disability, which makes tailored care and support a major public health concern. Hospital volunteers can help bridge the gap between clinical care and personal comfort, ensuring that patients with disabilities feel seen, heard, and


• Therapy Dog Volunteering in Hospitals
  In hospitals across the United States, therapy dog programs are becoming an increasingly valued part of patient care. These programs bring trained dog-and-handler teams into clinical settings to offer emotional support, stress relief, and companionship to patients, families, and even healthcare staff. This form of animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is more than just a feel-good experience—it's backed by research and decades of practice. What Therapy Dogs Do in Hospitals Therapy dogs help reduce anxiety, elevate mood, and provide comfort to people undergoing difficult medical experiences. Whether it’s visiting children in pediatric wards, providing emotional support to adults recovering from surgery, or offering calm to psychiatric patients, therapy dogs have a unique way of connecting with humans that often surpasses what words alone can achieve. Programs like the one at Johns Hopkins Hospital utilize over 15 volunteer therapy dog teams that visit regularly. These visits improve patient morale and even staff well-being. According to Johns


• How to Find Hospital Volunteer Opportunities Near You
  Volunteering at a hospital can be a rewarding experience, offering a chance to give back to the community and make a meaningful difference in people's lives. If you're interested in becoming a hospital volunteer, there are several ways to find opportunities near you. 1. Check Hospital Websites Many hospitals have dedicated volunteer programs, and most of them provide detailed information on how to apply. A good first step is to visit the websites of hospitals in your area. Hospitals will often have a “Volunteer” or “Get Involved” section where you can learn about specific volunteer roles, requirements, and the application process. Look for an online application form or an email address to contact the volunteer coordinator. 2. Contact Local Hospitals Directly If you can't find the volunteer opportunities listed on a hospital's website, you can reach out directly. Calling or emailing the volunteer services department will help you gather details about available positions and how


• How to Become a Hospital Volunteer: A Step-by-Step Guide
  Volunteering at a hospital is a fulfilling way to give back to the community while gaining valuable experience in a healthcare setting. Whether you're a student aspiring to work in the medical field or someone who simply wants to make a difference, hospital volunteering offers a meaningful opportunity. This guide will walk you through the process of becoming a hospital volunteer, step by step. Step 1: Understand the Role of a Hospital Volunteer Before you apply, it’s important to understand what hospital volunteers do. Responsibilities vary by hospital, but common duties include: Assisting patients with non-medical needs, such as providing companionship Delivering flowers, mail, and comfort items to patients Helping with administrative tasks, such as filing and answering phones Supporting hospital staff by restocking supplies or escorting visitors Assisting in gift shops or cafeterias Volunteers do not provide medical care but play a crucial role in enhancing patient experiences and supporting hospital operations. Step 2: Assess Your Availability and