Summer Program

The Summer Program has ended.  If you are interested in volunteering the summer 2010, please read the following information.  Interviews begin in December. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is a Summer Volunteer?  A Summer Volunteer is someone whose commitment begins and ends in the summer months -- May 1 through August 31.  College students, teachers, and others over age 18 with summer availability are invited to join us.

(Volunteers who are interested in a longer-term assignment -- 6 months or more -- are not considered Summer Volunteers, even if they begin in the summer months.)

Do I have to be available the entire summer in order to volunteer? No, however to be selected as a Summer Volunteer you must be able to make a substantial commitment of two shifts per week during the summer months, and to attend consistent weekly shifts.  Your volunteering start and stop dates will be arranged individually, and vacation trips can be accommodated in most cases.

How much time will 2 shifts a week take?  Up to 8 hours, depending on the volunteer role that you commit to.  Most assignments require a shift of 3-4 hours.

Wow... that's a lot!  Yes.  The time, energy and expense required by the start-up process leads Volunteer Services to ask for a larger time commitment from short-term volunteers.  This process ensures patient and volunteer safety and meets the Medical Center's regulatory requirements.

What kinds of volunteer opportunities are there?  UVA Health System relies on volunteers to assist patients, families and staff in a variety of non-medical ways.  You can expect to have patient and family contact, and to learn a lot about the environment of a world-class teaching hospital. The list of specific roles for Summer 2009 is below however these positions may vary next summer. 

When can I apply?  Interviews for summer volunteers begin in December, and will end on April 24, or when the program is filled, whichever comes first.  Interviewing early is encouraged.

I'm busy during the day.  Can I still volunteer? Yes.  Some parts of the Medical Center ask for volunteer support in the early morning, evening, or on weekends.  These shifts are limited, so get an early start on applying!

What are the Standard Requirements to Volunteer at UVA Health System?  Patient and volunteer safety are hallmarks of our volunteer program.  Our start-up process ensures that volunteers have a thorough, consistent screening and training process which answers your questions and leads to a positive volunteer experience.

You'll need to:

  • Interview with Volunteer Services staff.
  • Fill out an Application Form
  • Provide two references. (One in writing which you bring with you to the interview, the other reference with a name and a daytime phone number).
  • Be at least 18 years of age. (Except Junior Volunteers)
  • Have had chicken pox or chicken pox vaccine
  • Undergo a two-part screening for TB, which is provided free by UVA Employee Health.
  • Show documentation of immunizations and meet the hospital's immunization requirements
  • Complete Safety & Service Orientation, including HIPAA, Infection Control, Fire & Safety and more.
  • Sign an authorization for a Criminal History background check.
  • Obtain a Health System ID Badge.

How long does the application process take before I can actually start volunteering? The application process takes approximately one month from start to finish.   This can be lengthened if the applicant is living out of town.  Please contact us to arrange for an interview over Spring Break or another time when you are in Charlottesville.

Can I be placed in the volunteer program of my choice?  Yes, depending upon your skills and our needs. We strive to meet your wishes as closely as possible, and to look for a good "fit."

What about training? After attending Safety & Service Orientation, position-specific training comes next.  You'll receive a written position description and training geared specifically to the job you'll be doing. You'll participate in training sessions with an experienced volunteer, or work one-on-one with the program coordinator or other staff. You'll discuss the tasks you'll be doing, and learn the content of a Training Checklist for the specific role you are filling.

I'm a UVA Student.  Can I return to volunteering in September?  Yes, we have a large volunteer program for UVA undergraduates.  Volunteers who successfully complete the summer will be invited to continue volunteering through the Madison House Medical Services Program.  (See the College Student Volunteer section of this site.)

Will I be able to shadow a Doctor or have a clinical experience?  No. We do not offer shadowing or clinical experiences through the volunteer office.  As a volunteer you will be able to learn a lot about the hospital environment and the roles of different healthcare professionals in caring for patients. Volunteers never give medical care.

What do I do about parking? Community volunteers receive free parking privileges when they're here for their assignment. Validated parking passes must be presented to the parking attendant.  Sorry, parking is not available for UVA student volunteers, who are asked to bus, bike or walk.   Free bus service on the Charlottesville and University bus systems is available by showing your ID Badge. 

Is there a dress code? Yes. Volunteers follow the same dress code as employees.  Volunteers are not allowed to wear blue jeans, shorts, sweatpants, sweatshirts, open toe or heel shoes, or t-shirts with writing on them.  No halter tops or bare midriffs. Some patient areas have additional dress code requirements.  All volunteers must wear their hospital ID badge while on duty.  If a uniform is required for your role, it will be provided to you.  Uniforms are worn over the volunteer's street clothes.

How to I get started?  Call Volunteer Services at (434) 924-5251 to set up an interview with one of our Volunteer Coordinators.

 

Volunteer Opportunities Summer 2009 

ACUTE PEDIATRICS: Pre-School Classroom           Bedside Visiting
     Help staff lead educational and play activities for children. In addition to group activities, volunteers may be asked to make bedside visits to read a story or play a game.  Spend time with children in outpatient clinics as they await weekly treatments and checkups, including chemotherapy.  Volunteers help make the wait pleasant with games, books etc.

PEDIATRICS OUTPATIENT CLINIC:  Bookworms 
     Reading aloud with young patients and their siblings in the Pediatric Clinic waiting room.  Volunteers model book-sharing techniques for parents, showing them by example that reading aloud is fun for adults and children, and demonstrating ways to make it work.            

KLUGE CHILDREN'S REHABILITATION CENTER: 
Bedside Visiting      Swimming Assistant    
     Part of the UVA Children's Hospital, KCRC provides comprehensive rehabilitation services for children, both inpatients and outpatients. Volunteer options include working with children in therapeutic aquatic activities; volunteers must demonstrate strong swimming skills.  Evening and weekend volunteers spend their time making bedside visits to pediatric patients and their families to read a story, play a game, or just visit.

EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT:  Patient Representative 
     Volunteers staff the waiting room in the ED, tracking patients' progress; facilitating communication with medical staff, directing families and patients to hospital and community resources, and offering support as families await news of their loved ones.  This is a busy location suitable for high-energy volunteers.

FRONT DOOR TEAM: Hospitality Assistant 
     Escort patients arriving for treatment to their destination.  This role is physically active and requires friendly volunteers willing to receive wheelchair training.

SURGICAL FAMILY LOUNGE:  "Early Birds"   
     The Family Lounge serves patients who are having surgery and their families and friends.  Early morning volunteers assist with the busy "first cases," by escorting patients up to the Surgical Admissions Suite, and helping them prepare for the OR.

UVA OUTPATIENT SURGERY CENTER SURGICAL FAMILY LOUNGE: 
     This Family Lounge serves same-day surgery patients and their families.  Volunteers follow patients' progress and facilitate communication with medical staff.

HOSPITALITY HOUSE: 
     This home away from home for outpatients, family and friends of patients is located at 205 14th St.  It provides overnight lodging and a place to cook and do laundry.  Volunteers provide practical support to the Hospitality House guests and employees.

VOLUNTEER SERVICES:  Administrative Support:
     Volunteers greet department guests, other volunteers, visitors, and patients, answering the phone and running errands all over the hospital.  Computer skills a plus!