Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers serve in nearly every area of the hospital, including the following:

We are very aware of and attuned with the changing face of the volunteer today.  In years past, opportunities for volunteering were often limited to a couple of community focal points - church, local fire department, etc.  These social hubs for community gatherings and connection were part of the fabric of people's lives.  Volunteers mostly gave of their time and talent according to those central institution's needs. 

Today, community members have a much more diverse and varied array of opportunities in the community in which to volunteer.  People often support an institution that holds similar values to the searching volunteer's values.  Therefore, one's choice as to where to volunteer is based not only on the need of the institution but perhaps even more importantly on one's own values, areas of interest, knowledge, skills, and abilities. 

The Department of Volunteer Services at Rochester General Hospital supports the growth and fulfillment of our volunteers by offering creative, innovative, and meaningful volunteer opportunities.  We invest great care in listening to each prospective volunteer's hopes and desires for the volunteer experience.  We are committed to creating a win-win situation in which the volunteer feels fulfilled in doing worthwhile work that truly makes a difference in the hospital's mission to improve the health of the people and communities served.

Some questions for a prospective volunteer to consider in making the right volunteer choice are the following:

• Why do you want to volunteer at this time in your life?  Are you looking to make a contribution and "give back," develop new interests and explore career opportunities, meet new friends, gain recognition, spend time with a family member and/or friend, share skills and learn new ones, or simply enjoy the personal satisfaction that comes from helping others?
• When you evaluate your other life commitments, how much time do you want to spend in a volunteer capacity?  How does the time-commitment fit your schedule and lifestyle?
• When you think about your skills, interests, and life experiences, how might they be useful in a volunteer setting?
• What ability do you have for respecting the level of confidentiality required for the particular volunteer placement?
• Are you or do you think that you would be comfortable in a hospital or medical setting around patients, visitors, and family members in an acute-care facility?  Are you empathetic to their situation?
• Are you a clear communicator and do you speak fluent English?
• Can you work independently, with minimal supervision, after proper training?

Time Commitments for Volunteers 

 
Shifts may vary depending on the type of volunteer position you choose.  We offer morning, afternoon, evening, and weekend placements.

Volunteer Orientation  

Once you have completed the application, plan to attend volunteer orientation.  All applicants must attend an orientation and training session before they can actively start working as a volunteer. Volunteer Orientation and Training sessions are held at Rochester General Hospital.  Contact us for the current schedule of dates and locations.

Contact Eva Polito, Volunteer Coordinator, at eva.polito@rochestergeneral.org or (585) 922-2927 to discuss the need and appropriateness or any project being considered.  She will send you a form to verify the volunteer assignment and hours worked.  The form must be signed by a parent and one other adult, such as a teacher, and returned to the Volunteer Coordinator - Volunteer Services.

Subscribe to news feed