Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers have a wide range of volunteer opportunities from which to choose. The Volunteer Services staff will help match your interests and skills with the needs of UVa's Health System. This list is a representation of the various programs in which you can volunteer. There may or may not be open shifts when you apply, however, please consider all your interests when you come to your interview.
BABY PHOTO
Volunteers take photos of one or two day old babies for the new parents before families go home. Photos are uploaded and printed at the hospital. Experience with babies, parents and computers a plus.
Hours: Monday-Saturday mornings
BEDSIDE VISITING: Palliative Care & Gerontology
This is a combined unit that serves acutely ill older adults and those with a terminal diagnosis. Duties include supporting patients and families with companionship and diversional activities; also assisting unit staff by stocking supplies.
Hours: Daily, daytime or evening shifts
CANCER CENTER
Volunteers staff the Radiation Therapy and Cancer Center Infusion waiting areas, providing a warm welcome, empathic listening, and refreshments for patients and families. Running errands, serving lunch and providing a good ear for patients.
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-12:30, or 12:30 PM-4:30 PM
CANCER UNIT, COFFEE HOUR FOR INPATIENT PATIENTS & FAMILIES
Provide hospitality and an opportunity to gather for refreshments and supportive listening to patients and families of the Inpatient Cancer Unit. Volunteers pick-up donated baked goods from local vendors before reporting to the hospital. Volunteers may work alone or with a partner.
Hours: Wednesday mornings, 10:00-11:00 AM (plus time for set up, clean up, and retreiving baked goods)
CRAFTERS: knitters/crocheters/seamstresses/quilters/painters
A great opportunity for those who want to help from home! Volunteer knitters make baby caps, and other layette items given to newborns. Other hand-made items used include shawls, lap robes and quilts. Please call to check our current needs: 924-5251.
DENTAL CLINIC
Volunteers assist staff at the UVa Dental Clinic. A great opportunity for those interested in a dental career.
Hours: Weekday daytime, 8:00-11:00 AM; 1:00-4:00 PM
EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT CLINIC
Assist staff and patients in the back of the Emergency area stocking supplies, offering patient companionship once patient is stable.
Hours: Daily shifts: 9:00 AM-Noon, Noon-3:00 PM, 6:00-9:00 PM
EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT PATIENT REPRESENTATIVE
Volunteers staff the waiting room in the E. D. supporting the families of patients receiving emergency treatment. Volunteers track patients' progress, facilitate communication with medical staff, direct families and patients to hospital resources and offer support as families await news of their loved ones.
Hours: Daily, 3 hour shift, between 10:00 AM-1:00 AM
FLOWER DELIVERY
Volunteers deliver florist arrangements to the patients' bedsides, and may visit if the patient desires. Morning shifts are combined with Wayfinding.
Hours: Monday-Friday: 8:30 AM-Noon or 2:00-3:30 PM (approx.)
FLOWERS FOR PATIENTS
Volunteers arrange flowers donated by area Garden Clubs, and then deliver them to patients who have none. A creative role; flower arranging experience not required.
Hours: Tuesday mornings, 9:00-11:30 AM
GIFT SHOP
Volunteers help staff with sales of flowers, balloons, stuffed animals, gift items, magazines, snack foods, and toiletries. Volunteers run the cash register, stock items, and offer excellent customer service.
Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM-8:30 AM; 9:00 AM-1:00 PM; 1:00-5:00 PM; 5:00-8:00 PM; Saturdays & Sundays, 9:00-1:00 and 1:00-5:00 PM
HEALTH RESOURCE CENTER
Volunteers create consumer health information packets in response to requests from callers or visitors. Learn to conduct medical literature searches on the internet and with books, journals and other traditional resources. Computer skills a definite plus! All packets are reviewed by professional staff before being sent to a patient.
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:30 AM-12:30 PM; 12:30-4:00 PM
HOSPITALITY HOUSE
The Alex Sawyer House provides close, low-cost lodging and companionship for patients and families far from home. Volunteers register new guests, help keep the Hospitality House running smoothly, and speak with guests as a friend. Hospitality House also has numerous opportunities for one-day events with guests.
Hours: Monday-Friday, 10:00-1:00, 1:00-4:00 PM, evenings, or one-day event
ICU FAMILY LIAISON VOLUNTEERS
Focus their care and attention on the families of Intensive Care patients. Moving from Lounge to Lounge, volunteers listen, assist with access to hospital resources and problem solve.
Hours: Daily, Daytime and evening shifts negotiated individually
INFORMATION DESKS
Welcome visitors, look up patients names in the computer, give out parking and visitor passes, and help provide friendly service and a warm and welcoming environment.
Hours: 5:00 PM-9:00 PM weekdays; Daytime and evening shifts on weekends
IN HOUSE PATIENT REPRESENTATIVES
"In-House" volunteers visit the same floor weekly, to talk with patients and families, help link them with needed hospital resources, run errands, assist with resolution of problems or concerns and provide companionship as needed.
Hours: 2 ½ hour shift, Monday-Friday, between 9:00 AM-5:00 PM
INTENSIVE CARE FAMILY SUPPORT
Volunteers focus their care and attention on the families of patients in Intensive Care. Visiting each Visitor's Lounge in turn, volunteers listen, visit, assist with access to hospital resources and problem solve.
Hours: Daily, daytime and evening shifts are negotiated individually
KIDNEY CENTER
In this position volunteers assist outpatients who are receiving regular kidney dialysis. Duties include helping patients get settled, companionship during dialysis, games, and assisting staff with telephones and occasional light clerical tasks.
Hours: Weekdays, 11:00 AM-1:30 PM; 3:00-5:00 PM; Saturday, 11:00 AM-1:30 PM
MAGAZINE CART
Volunteers distribute donated magazines to patients at their bedside. Patient care areas and family waiting lounges are covered by this service. Magazines are always needed--please bring yours to Volunteer Services.
Hours: Weekday mornings or afternoons
MAIL DELIVERY
Receiving mail from home can be the highlight of a patient's day, especially when a smiling volunteer brings it to the bedside! Sorting patient mail by floor and unit, delivering e-cards, and locating patients who have moved within the hospital are also part of this role.
Hours: Weekday mornings, 8:30-till done (usually 2 1/2 - 3 hours)
MALCOLM COLE Childcare Center
This center provides childcare for children of hospital staff. Volunteers will assist the childcare staff with playground supervision, reading stories, art & music activities, games, free play activities and feeding.
Hours: Weekdays, mornings and afternoon shifts, individually negotiated
MERCI PROGRAM
The Medical Equipment Recovery of Clean Inventory program shares our abundance with others in the world who need medical supplies, while preventing unused items from going to the landfill. Volunteers in the MERCI program help to sort, pack, and prepare a large variety of clean surplus medical supplies from UVa operating rooms, clinics and units for redistribution to medically needy areas.
Hours: Thursdays only, between 9:00 AM-4:00 PM, shift negotiable
MUSIC FOR HEALING Return to Top of Page
Soothing music can transform the busy hospital atmosphere and create a calm, relaxing environment. Volunteers who are pianists are invited to help create this feeling by playing in the Hospital Lobby. Others who play more portable instruments are able to play in certain patient care areas. Audition required.
Hours: Individually arranged
OFFICE VOLUNTEERS
Volunteers assist staff with general clerical duties, including filing, sorting mail, making copies and, in some areas, using basic computer skills. Areas requesting this support include TCV-PO, Emergency Department, Volunteer Services and others.
Hours: Monday-Friday, between 9:00 AM-5:00 PM; shifts individually arranged
ONE DAY EVENTS
One day volunteers are needed for various special events such as the Daffodil Day, Walk for Kids, the Annual Memorial Service, Community Outreach Health Clinics, Lights of Love, Prenatal Clinics, Family Days, Hospital Auxiliary Vendor Sales, Labeling Parties for large mailings, Valentine's Day Flowers, Photo and Mixed Media Art Exhibit hanging and more! Let us know if you'd like to be notified of these.
OUTPATIENT SURGERY CENTER
Volunteers assist patients having "in and out" surgery and their waiting families by offering support and information. Volunteers in this liaison role are based at OSC, 337 15th St., S.W. (parking provided.)
Hours: Monday-Friday, 3-4 hour shift between the hours of 6:30 AM and 6:30 PM will be negotiated individually
PEDIATRIC BEDSIDE VISITING
At both University Hospital and Kluge Children's Rehabilitation Center, volunteers make bedside visits to inpatient children to read a story or play a game.
Hours: Late afternoons, evenings and weekends. Individually negotiated
PEDIATRIC BOOKWORMS
At UVa Hospital and Kluge Children's Rehabilitation Center, volunteers read to children in outpatient clinic areas, helping to make the waiting more fun.
Hours: Monday-Friday, Daytime hours vary
PEDIATRIC COMEDY CART
At the Primary Care Center, located next door to University Hospital, volunteers entertain children while they wait for weekly treatments and checkups, including chemotherapy.
Hours: Monday-Friday, Daytime hours
PEDIATRIC PRE-SCHOOL CLASSROOM
Help staff lead educational and play activities for children. In addition to group activities in the classroom, volunteers may be asked to make bedside visits to read a story, play a game, or give parents a break.
Hours: Monday-Friday, Daytime hours
PEDIATRIC PET THERAPY
Working through Therapy Dogs International, certified dogs and their handlers visit pediatric patients at KCRC and University Hospital. Dogs must be certified before visiting the hospital.
Hours: varies at the University Hospital and KCRC
PEDIATRIC RECREATIONAL THERAPY: AQUATICS, DANCE, HORTICULTURE, YOGA
Assist patients and staff at Kluge Children's Rehabilitation Center with patient care activities and routine unit activities. Great pre-professional experience for those interested in these fields!
Hours: Monday-Friday, late afternoons and early evenings
PHARMACY
Volunteers assist in cartfill and prescription delivery, stocking and repackaging non- narcotic medications, some clerical duties and other errands as needed.
Hours: Monday-Friday evenings, weekends, 3 hour shifts individually negotiated
PINKIE THE PUPPET
Volunteers at The Senior Center meet to sew "Pinkie the Puppet," given to pediatric patients and other children visiting the hospital. Receiving a Pinkie can give a frightened child a lift.
Hours: Monday mornings (at the Senior Center, Pepsi Place)
PRE-ANESTHESIA EVALUATION & TESTING CENTER
Patients who are preparing for surgery visit this department. Volunteers assist staff behind the scenes, and assist by escorting patients and families.
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-5:30 PM, shifts individually arranged
SHOPPING CART
The Shopping Cart is the Gift Shop on Wheels, taking snacks, magazines and newspapers to patients, visitors, family members, busy staff.
Hours: Monday-Saturday, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM, evenings before 8:00 PM
SURGICAL FAMILY LOUNGE
The Family Lounge serves families and friends whose loved-ones are having surgery. Volunteers follow patients' progress, facilitate communication with medical staff, direct families to hospital resources, and act as empathic listeners.
Hours: Monday-Friday, 6:00 AM-8:30 AM and 8:30 AM-3:00 PM
UVa HOSPITAL AUXILIARY
Numerous volunteer opportunities exist in support of the Auxiliary's work to benefit the hospital. Possible interest areas include: newsletter writing, the "Lights of Love" Holiday Tree, Book, Jewelry, and Uniform sales; Art Exhibits, Gift Shop, Daffodil Days, Special Events planning, or another role designed to match the Auxiliary's needs and your particular skills. For more Auxiliary information.
Hours: Days and times flexible, and individually scheduled
WAYFINDING
A customer service opportunity for those who like to walk! Volunteers greet patients and families and walk with them to their first destination. Friendly, gregarious volunteers are desired for this role. Morning Wayfinding is combined with morning Flower Delivery.
Hours: Monday-Friday, between 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
WELCOME GREETER
Volunteers greet and assist outpatients and visitors to find their destination in the KCRC facility and support a welcoming and comfortable visit. Requires good interpersonal skills and a willingness to provide excellent customer service.
Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 9AM-Noon.
MISCELLANEOUS
Single volunteers perform many other services at the hospital. If you have a skill to offer or an interest that is not listed here, let us know! The Volunteer Services staff will work with you to determine whether your talent can be used at Medical Center.