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 three hours each week for six months
- Adult volunteers must pass a criminal background check
- Volunteers must be able to speak and read English sufficiently to fulfill their volunteer assignments
Volunteers also must complete a health clearance though Mercy General Hospital Employee Health, including:
- Two TB tests
- Blood draw test for immunity to Rubella, Rubeola, Mumps and Chicken Pox
How is my volunteer placement decided?
Multiple factors come into play when deciding placement:
- The volunteer's age and maturity level
- The hospital's open positions
- Where we have the greatest need
- Volunteer's area of interest
- Volunteer's availability
What happens if I can not come in for a couple weeks or months?
We appreciate the time that you put into volunteering and understand that everyone will occasionally be sick, go on vacation or have an emergency of some sort. We do allow the volunteers to take a leave of absence. It is necessary, however, to inform the volunteer staff that you need to take a leave of absence.
Why should I volunteer?
People volunteer for a variety of reasons. They want to help their community, like helping those that are ill, studying to become a nurse or doctor, or give back to the hospital that helped you when you or someone in your family was sick. Mercy enjoys having volunteers from different walks of life and the many reasons they volunteer. There are a few benefits that you receive by volunteering at Mercy General.
- Free parking
- Free CPR certification classes, also renewal classes
- Free Meal/Drink Program
- Annual Recognition Brunch
- Free Flu Shot
How long does it take to get through the process and start volunteering?
It takes on average between 3-6 weeks to complete the entire process from interview to starting. If the volunteer ends up needing vaccinations then the start time is delayed further. There is no definite answer.
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.
