The Social Work Department administers the Clinical Center Volunteer Services Program, which offers a range of volunteer opportunities–from helping patients to assisting in the laboratory.
Hospital volunteers serve in many ways to make your stay at the Clinical Center more pleasant. Some volunteers greet patients, visitors, and staff at the reception desk; others may volunteer in a patient care unit. They introduce patients to the hospital, answer general questions, or act as language interpreters. Others shop for patients, accompany them to appointments, or just spend time visiting. Volunteers in the recreation program help with crafts and special events and go on scheduled trips.
Red Cross volunteers provide a variety of hospitality services to make patients feel welcome and more comfortable. Volunteers are here because they understand how important it is to share time with patients who are away from home and family.
Prerequisites:
- Must be at least 16 years old; parental approval under 18;
- Sign the assignment/volunteer agreement;
- Commit a minimum of six months (unless you are applying for summer only);
- Documentation of negative TB test within the past six months or a recent chest X-ray;
- Complete an on-site interview;
- Undergo criminal background investigation as part of the ID badge process;
- Participate in mandatory volunteer orientation (guidelines, responsibilities, customer service, diversity, universal precautions, performance improvement and emergency procedures/safety) and on the job training.
Most volunteers can be recognized easily by their uniforms and volunteer identification. If you would like a helpful hand or have a special need, call the volunteer program office at (301) 496-1807 or visit room 2-3581. The office hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer at the NIH Clinical Center, please complete the following:
E-mail the completed application to duncanco@cc.nih.gov or fax it to (301) 480-5264. Or mail to:
Social Work Department
NIH Clinical Center
10 Center Drive, MSC 1160
Bethesda, MD 20892-1160
Patient ambassadors accompany patients to appointments and transport health care items within the Clinical Center. Opportunities are available Monday-Friday 6 am-8 pm. A one-year, 4 hour commitment per week is required.
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