Frequently Asked Questions: Prospective Volunteers
What are the minimum requirements for volunteering?
- Adult volunteers must be at least 18 years of age
- Junior volunteers must be at least 14 years of age
- Volunteers must be able to volunteer a minimum of 100 hours over the course of a year and serve at least 8 hours a month
- Adult volunteers must pass a criminal background check
- Volunteers must be able to speak and read English sufficiently to fulfill their volunteer assignment
Volunteers also must complete a health clearance through Mercy General Hospital Employee Health, including:
- Two TB tests
- Record of Measles (rubeola) and rubella vaccinations
- Record of Varicella vaccination
What is the process for becoming a volunteer?
- Complete an application and submit it to Mercy General Hospital Volunteer Services
Please e-mail or call Volunteer Services if you would like to have an application mailed to your residence. If you do not have Internet access or access to a printer, you are welcome to visit our office located on the first floor of the hospital next to Patient Registration at Mercy General. Our business hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. If you cannot come by during these hours, there are applications on the small desk just outside our office.
- Attend an interview with the Volunteer Services Coordinator (approximately 30 minutes). We will contact you once we have received your application
- Adult volunteers will be asked to complete a background check and consent form at your interview
- Attend a two-hour orientation. At the orientation session you will receive information about MGH volunteer requirements, confidentiality, hospital codes, fire safety and health clearance
- Junior volunteers need to purchase a volunteer shirt for $18.50
- Receive health clearance from Mercy General Hospital Employee Health Services
- Take your photo in Human Resources for your volunteer identification badge
I have submitted my application. What do I do now?
Congratulations! You have completed the first step toward becoming a volunteer at Mercy General. Please wait to be contacted for an interview by Volunteer Services. It takes approximately one to two weeks to process an application from the date of submission.
How is my volunteer placement decided?
During the interview you will be asked if you have preferences for a particular area of medicine. Your availability is also a factor in determining where you are placed. Be aware that some areas may have waiting lists.
When are volunteers needed?
Volunteers play a big part in the services Mercy General provides and are always needed. Many different days and shift times are available, depending on the area of the hospital to which you are assigned.
What happens if I miss a week or two?
We appreciate the time that you put into volunteering and understand that everyone will occasionally be sick, go on vacation or have an emergency. It is necessary, however, to inform the supervisor at your assigned area as well as the Volunteer Service Department of any absences.
Why should I volunteer?
People volunteer for a variety of reasons: They want to contribute to their community, help patients, receive school credit, explore career opportunities or get job experience. Your volunteering experience will be what you make of it. Please be aware that volunteering is no guarantee of employment at Mercy General Hospital.
Volunteers receive the following benefits:
- Annual flu shot
- Initial and annual TB testing
- Initial MMR and Varicella vaccinations (if unable to provide documentation)
- Workers' compensation insurance coverage while volunteer is on premises
- Letter(s) of recommendation upon request
- Invitation to annual events, such as volunteer luncheon, holiday parties and picnics
- Free parking
- Free beverage from Cafeteria while volunteering
- On-site Security
- Free CPR certification
How can I contact Volunteer Services for more information?
You may contact volunteer services by sending an e-mail to Holly.Forquer@chw.edu or by calling (916) 453-4559. We make every effort to respond in a timely manner. Thank you for your patience.
