Walk with our patients on their journey of hope. Become a patient ambassador. Thank you for your interest in the NIH Clinical Center's Patient Ambassadors Volunteer Program. We have many areas in need of volunteer assistance and we hope you will decide to join our hospital family. The NIH Clinical Center, the nation’s dedicated clinical research hospital, translates scientific discoveries into new ways to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness. Our volunteers are carefully screened and asked for a specific commitment. Please review the prerequisites and volunteer agreement before completing the enclosed application to ensure you can meet the criteria to be a Clinical Center patient ambassador.

Patient ambassador assignment areas

• Radiology patient transport (20 positions, available 7am-3pm): Transports patients by wheelchair to and from radiology and the clinic, day hospital, or inpatient units. These patients may have IVs, oxygen, or other medical devices and they may be adults or children.

• Surgery patient transport (20 positions, available 6am-10am): Transports patients by stretcher or wheelchair after surgery to a day hospital or inpatient unit. A nurse will always accompany the patient and the patient ambassador.

• Medical records transport (10 positions, available 6am-10am & 4pm-8pm): Picks up and delivers medical records between the medical records department and other Clinical Center locations.

• Wheelchair inventory (6 positions, available at flexible times): Rounds up and returns all wheelchairs in the hospital to a central distribution location every day. Takes a weekly inventory of wheelchairs and documents any damage or repair needs.

Prerequisites:

• Must be at least 16 years old;
• Sign the volunteer agreement; 
• Commit a minimum of one year and at least four hours each week (Please note that due to the ongoing nature of this program, we can't accommodate weekend or summer-only volunteers);
• Receive a TB skin test and other medical evaluations provided by the hospital’s Occupational Medical Service as required by federal and state guidelines;
• Provide proof of health insurance coverage;
• Complete an initial on-site screening interview and a second interview with a department manager in your assigned area and/or a patient ambassadors volunteer program coordinator; and
• Participate in mandatory volunteer orientation.

To complete this application:

• Please print or type all the information except your signature.
• Sign the Patient Ambassador volunteer agreement.
• A parent or guardian signature is required if you are under 18 or enrolled in high school.
• Complete all sections of the application.
• Mail the completed application and signed volunteer agreement to the Social Work Department at the NIH Clinical Center at the address below or fax it to 301-480-5264. Mail applications to:

Social Work Department
NIH Clinical Center
10 Center Drive, MSC 1160
Bethesda, MD 20892-1160

A Clinical Center staff member will schedule your initial interview and orientation. Your placement will be finalized after the second interview. We also will schedule you for the appropriate, required training.

If you have any questions, call 301-496-1807 or email ambassadors@cc.nih.gov.  

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