Have you been wanting to volunteer but don’t know where to start?
Volunteering is such a rewarding way to give back to your community.
I’m sharing more about meaningful ways that you can give your time and use your talents at St. Elizabeth Healthcare.
How Old Do You Have to Become A Hospital Volunteer At St. Elizabeth?
The minimum age to volunteer at St. Elizabeth is 14. An exception to that policy is 12 and 13-year-olds volunteering with an adult partner that’s a relative.
What Is the Average Volunteer Shift?
How Many Volunteer Positions Are There With St. Elizabeth?
What Are the Requirements to Volunteer at St. Elizabeth Hospital?
- Medical requirements
- Background check for anyone over 18
- Hospital Orientation – The orientation is completed online and takes about 3 hours. You can break up the training to fit into your schedule.
What Is St. Elizabeth Looking for in a Volunteer?
Who Can Volunteer at St. Elizabeth?
- Students 14 years old. (12-13-year-olds can only volunteer with an adult who is a relative)
- College students (12 weeks minimum)
- Adults with a 6-month minimum volunteer commitment
- High school students – there are 3 sessions throughout the year that mirror the school year
What Do Volunteers Wear at St. Elizabeth?
How Do You Determine Where Someone Will Volunteer at St. Elizabeth?
What Are the Main Departments Where You Can Volunteer at St. Elizabeth?
Can I Just Show Up at the Hospital and Rock Babies?
Paws For Patients Therapy Animal Program
Next Steps For Paws for Patients Therapy Animal Program
- St. Elizabeth Pet Therapy Information Session
- Pet Partner/ TGPC Mini Workshop
- Pet Partner/ TPGC Evaluations
What types of animals are allowed in the Pet Therapy Program?
- Cats
- Horse
- Birds
- Pigs
- Llamas & Alpacas
- Rabbits
- Rats
- Guinea Pigs
Items That You Can Donate to St. Elizabeth
- Behavioral Health
- Cancer Care
- General Patient and Family Needs
- Hospice
- Indigent Patients
- Inpatient Unit Activity Boxes
- Maternal Child
- Neonatal Intensive Care/ Family Birth Place
- Pastoral Care
Donations For the Department Wish List
You can learn more about individual needs by clicking on the wish list for the specific department that you are interested in donating.
Popular Volunteer Positions at St. Elizabeth
- Guest guides
- Patient Liaison
- Skill units
- Pastoral care
- I’m right here volunteer
Under the Radar Volunteer Positions
How Can You Become A Volunteer at St. Elizabeth?
Popular Volunteer Positions for Students
High School Volunteer Programs at St. Elizabeth
High school volunteers help benefit the hospital in more than 40 departments at St. Elizabeth, including 21 inpatient units.
The volunteer program at St. Elizabeth is a great way for students to explore a career path in the medical field before committing to it in college.
St. Elizabeth Volunteer Services offers two programs for High School students:
The High School Volunteer Program is a year-round volunteer program that is divided into three sessions annually for training and scheduling purposes.
Most student volunteers serve after school or on weekends.
The High School Senior Internship is a program for seniors to explore careers within the healthcare field during their school day (and for school credit).
Students should apply in February of their junior year if they are interested in the High School Senior Internship.
The minimum age to volunteer at St. Elizabeth is 14. If you meet this age requirement, please choose the Program that best applies to the experience you are interested in.
Positions Run Mostly By Volunteers
- Information desk
- Gift shop
- Surgery waiting – lots of volunteers
- Cancer resource center 100%
- Guest guide 100%
- Mail and flower delivery – deliver e-cards
Brighten A Patient’s Day By Creating A Care Card
Special Volunteer Opportunities for Groups
Shop or Donate for a Good Cause at the Second Time Around Shop
Did you know that St. Elizabeth volunteers staff the Second Time Around thrift store that sells gently used and donated items?
The proceeds benefit specific needs that fund programs for patients as determined by the St. Elizabeth Foundation. Any items not sold are donated to another non-profit, Master Provisions.
St. Elizabeth Volunteers Share Their Stories
I hope that the following interviews will inspire you and encourage you to explore if volunteering at St. Elizabeth is right for you.
Meet St. Elizabeth Student Volunteer, Madeline Brock
How long have you been volunteering at St. Elizabeth?
I have been a volunteer for just over 1 year. I started on January 21, 2019.
In which department do you volunteer?
When I first started as a volunteer, I volunteered in the Emergency Department. I volunteered there for 100 hours before I switched to 1B Women’s Health, where I have spent around 60 hours.
Why did you choose that area?
Emergency: I chose the Emergency Department because I was curious about the trauma that would come through the doors and how the Emergency Department was able to treat so many patients while providing the best care.
Women’s Health: I chose this department because I have always been interested in the Mother/Baby aspect of nursing as well as the Med/Surg aspect of it when it comes to the mother’s care.
Overall I chose the departments I did to get experience throughout the hospital and for a feel of what I am interested in.
What do you like about volunteering at St. Elizabeth?
I love every aspect of the whole program. I love how I have the ability to get experience in the hospital as a high schooler before I enter the nursing program at Northern Kentucky University, I am very grateful for the doors and opportunities it has opened for me.
In the departments I have volunteered, I have been welcomed with open arms, The nurses, physicians, nurse aides, and nurse managers have been extremely helpful and grateful for the time I put in.
There have been many times where I have been walking through the hallways and other employees that are from other departments have thanked me for my help and all that I do.
I also enjoy helping patients and their families with as much as I can to improve their stay.
What advice would you give to someone who is considering volunteering at St. Elizabeth?
I would first tell them to just for it, I was nervous at first about being in the hospital setting but it has opened so many doors for me. I have learned so much from the nurses and other hospital personnel.
The nurses are extremely nice and understanding. They will help you with whatever you need.
Do not be scared to ask a nurse or other personnel where something is or how to do something. They are willing to take the time to explain things to you because the more you can for them, the easier it is for the department to run smoothly.
Secondly, I would tell them to try to step out of their comfort zone in their department once they get the hang of it all. Stepping out shows you are passionate and ready to learn.
This also shows the nurses you are ready for the next step. Through my experience the more comfortable I became with the departments and staff, the more opportunities I had and the more they taught me.
Meet St. Elizabeth Volunteer Sally Bruce
How long have you been volunteering at St. Elizabeth?
14 Years
In which department do you volunteer?
Cancer Resource Center and Nurse Navigator’s Office
Why did you choose that area?
Being a cancer survivor, I can relate to the cancer patient just by understanding what he/she is going through.
What do you like about volunteering at St. Elizabeth?
It’s an opportunity to give back to my community, helping others while also helping myself.
What advice would you give to someone who is considering volunteering at St. Elizabeth?
Everyone has a special talent or gift that he/she can use to find the perfect spot to volunteer.
Meet St. Elizabeth Volunteer Ginny Yancey
How long have you been volunteering at St. Elizabeth?
I’ve been a volunteer at St. Elizabeth Hospital since 1993 and I have enjoyed every minute!
In which department do you volunteer?
I’ve volunteered in several departments and enjoyed each one. At present, I volunteer in the Volunteer Office.
Why did you choose that area?
A friend mentioned there was an opening in the Volunteer Office and that’s where I am now.
What do you like about volunteering at St. Elizabeth?
It’s a pleasure helping people whether it’s just a smile or whatever makes the person feel relaxed and comfortable.
What advice would you give to someone who is considering volunteering at St. Elizabeth?
At St. Elizabeth, there’s a warm and welcoming feeling, with a variety of options for which you can volunteer. Mention the type of volunteering you like- that is very helpful.
Meet St. Elizabeth Hospital Volunteer Jim Corbit
How long have you been volunteering at St. Elizabeth?
6 Months
In which department do you volunteer?
Patient Transport & Same-Day Surgery
Why did you choose that area?
I wanted something that would keep me moving and not sitting behind a desk.
What do you like about volunteering at St. Elizabeth?
It is rewarding to help people and have them thank you. Not a day goes by without a patient, family member, or St. Elizabeth associate doesn’t say “Thanks for volunteering.”
What advice would you give to someone who is considering volunteering at St. Elizabeth?
If you like helping people, this a good place to give your time to.
More Information About Volunteer Services at St. Elizabeth Healthcare
Visit the St. Elizabeth Healthcare website for more information about volunteering.
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