FAQ
- How do I apply?
- Do you have any programs I can volunteer with during the evening or on the weekend?
- Can I volunteer if I'm not 16?
- What about safety on the job?
- What about training?
- What do I do about parking?
- Are there short term opportunities?
- What are the standard requirements to Volunteer at Vanderbilt?
- What Benefits do Vanderbilt Volunteers enjoy?
- Who can I contact if I have a question?
How do I apply?
There are more than 400 active volunteers at Vanderbilt Medical Center and The Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt. Call the Volunteer Services office (615) 322-2379 or email volunteer.services@vanderbilt.edu and we will be happy to send you an application and questionnaire. Back to Top
Do you have any programs I can volunteer with during the evening or on the weekend?
Yes, we do have limited programs that offer evening and weekend opportunities. Evening volunteers often spend time in our Emergency Room and our waiting rooms assisting patients and families. Back to Top
Can I volunteer if I'm not 16?
Hospital volunteers at Vanderbilt must be 16 years or older. For our younger volunteer population we offer opportunities for service projects. Please call volunteer services at (615)-322-2379 for more information. Back to Top
What about safety on the job?
All volunteers receive Fire & Safety information which includes information on VMC Emergency contacts, Emergency preparedness, chemical spill, mercury spill, standards precautions, and fire response plan. Volunteers also receive Compliance training which includes 'Integrity in Action' and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) training. Although as a volunteer you'll provide only non-clinical support services, it's important that you understand and are knowledgeable about safety issues. Back to Top
What about training?
Before you ever begin your assignment, you'll receive training geared specifically to the job you'll be doing. You'll participate in either a group training session or work one-on-one with the program supervisor. You'll discuss the tasks you'll be doing, learn about the patients on the unit, meet many of the clinical staff, learn how to factor age-specific considerations into your job, perhaps sharpen your listening skills......and any other activities that may apply to your particular area. Back to Top
What do I do about parking?
Volunteers receive free parking privileges when they're here for their work assignment. You may have your parking ticket validated at first floor registration desk in Vanderbilt University Hospital lobby. Parking passes are also available. Back to Top
Are there short term opportunities?
No, because of training cost and the ongoing needs of our patients and families, each program asks for a 3 or 6 month time commitment. Back to Top
What are the Standard Requirements to Volunteer at Vanderbilt?
You need to:
- Fill out an Application and Questionnaire and mail it to the Volunteer Services office.
- Complete immunization requirements and pass a background check.
- Selected opportunities are available to VolunTeens (15yrs-19yrs) and additional volunteer opportunities available to adult volunteers.
- Complete required unit specific training with volunteer supervisor.
- Additional requirements may apply to specific programs Back to Top
What Benefits do Vanderbilt Volunteers Enjoy?
- The satisfaction of knowing you helped someone
- New friends
- Job skill development
- Appreciation gifts and events
- Reference letters (upon completing 48 hour commitment)
- Free parking
- Free immunization screening
- Award pins
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Who do I contact if I have more questions?
If you have questions directly related to volunteering in the adult hospital or clinics, please contact:
- Andy Peterson, Manager, at (615) 936--8871 or via email at andrew.peterson@vanderbilt.edu
- Julie Bulger, Activities Coordinator (part-time), at (615) 936-0281 or via email at julie.bulger@vanderbilt.edu
- Cynthia Warner, Administrative Assistant (part-time), at (615) 936-3078 or via email at cynthia.warner@vanderbilt.edu