 Volunteer Opportunities
The Volunteer Department offers a variety of assignments for adults and high school students. We strive to assign volunteers to areas that match both the interests of the volunteer and hospital department needs. Opportunities change from week to week. During the placement interview process, you will find out what volunteer assignments are currently available.
Adult Volunteers
All volunteers are required to make a commitment of at least six months with a four-hour shift per week. If you are 18 years of age or older and out of high school, you may download an application, call the volunteer office at 360.493.7482 to request an application packet be mailed to you, or request an application by e-mail. There are also packets available in the hospital at the Main Hospital Lobby Information Desk and in the Volunteer Services Department.
Junior Volunteers
Junior Volunteers are required to make a minimum six-month commitment with a shift of four hours per week. If you are 16 to 18 years of age and in high school, you may request a junior volunteer application by e-mail. Junior volunteer assignments are most available from June until September. If you are 13 to 15 years of age, you may call 360.493.5640 to volunteer on Saturdays at Providence Health International by sorting and packaging much needed medical supplies for the Providence Humanitarian Mission.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does the application process take?
A week to 10 days depending on your method of returning your completed application plus a week to run the background check required by law.
2. I turned in an application two weeks ago. Why hasn't anyone called me back?
Applicants are to call Volunteer Services one week after submitting their application to find out if their background check cleared. If your background check has cleared, we can schedule a 30 minute placement interview with the Director of Volunteer Services to go over volunteer assignments currently available.
3. Why does a person have to fill out all these forms?
It is largely due to the many laws and regulations governing the healthcare industry.
4. I need hours or credits for a college requirement or to get into a program, can I volunteer to get those?
Contact our Education department to discuss your questions about fulfilling any educational or career requirements.
5. I have one or more goals listed below. Can the Volunteer office help me?
Job experience - Volunteer Services does not provide on-the-job training for positions. Volunteering is not considered work experience by Human Resources toward any open or internal hospital position. Hospital volunteers are not considered "internal candidates" and may only apply for "open" positions based on their resume.
Community service hours - our department does not have a mechanism for fulfilling these short term requirements. However, if you are interested in donating your time on one or more Saturdays to improve people's lives all over the world by sorting and packaging medical supplies for the Providence Humanitarian Mission, you may call 360.493.5640.
Shadowing or clinical observation hours - Volunteer Services does not facilitate this for individuals or students. Please e-mail the Education Department for more information.
6. What is the commitment and how many hours do I volunteer each day?
You must be able to commit to at least six months with a minimum four-hour shift per week.
7. What are the health requirements?
Volunteers must be in good health and will be required to complete a short health screen conducted by our Employee Health Department, including an immunization screening and TB (tuberculosis) test, which is a blood draw that must test negative.
8. I don't have an immunization record, can I still volunteer?
Employee Health will determine and discuss your options when you call them to schedule a short appointment with their office.
9. What do volunteers do?
Volunteers help in many ways such as: special projects,sewing groups make patient rehab pillows, animal assisted therapy, general clerical assignments, information and admitting assistance, hospitality services, specific department related routine tasks that enhance the patient experience and provide more time for experienced and licensed staff to attend to patient care. A volunteer position is assigned after scheduling and completing a 30-minute volunteer placement interview to determine whether we have an available opportunity just right for you.
10. Will I wear a uniform or identification?
Adult volunteers are provided a uniform jacket and photo ID badge that must be worn during training and volunteering. Junior volunteers are provided a photo ID badge and are required to purchase a blue logo polo shirt that must be worn while training and volunteering.
11. What are the application steps from start to finish?
a. Obtain a volunteer application: Download an application, request by e-mail, pick up in the main lobby of the hospital or call 360.493.7482 to have an application mailed to you.
b. After submitting your completed application, allow one week for processing then call Volunteer Services 360.493.7482 to schedule a placement interview.
c. Attend your interview appointment wearing business casual attire -- no blue jeans or flip-flops. d. If we find a good match to place you in an assignment, you will be scheduled to attend a full day (7:45 a.m. - 4 p.m.) General Hospital Orientation at the hospital.
e. During orientation, your photo will be taken to receive your official photo ID badge.
f. After completing Orientation, you will contact Providence's Employee Health Department to schedule a health screening appointment to include a TB blood test.
g. Wait one week for Employee Health to receive results to clear you for volunteering then call Volunteer Services to receive the name of your Department's Volunteer Liaison.
h. Call your Volunteer Liaison to schedule training.
i. You are to report to Volunteer Services on your first day of training to get your uniform jacket or purchase a junior polo. You may also pick up a (optional) volunteer parking permit.
j. You must always sign in and out each time you volunteer.
12. What's the best way to contact the Volunteer Office?
E-mail Volunteer Services or call 360.493.7482.
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