Volunteers

Since our opening in June 2010, volunteers have played a vital role in our ability to provide the best patient care and experience. Our dedicated team of volunteers has been instrumental in the growth of our hospital to support colleagues and patients.

Is volunteering right for me?

Do you have a passion for customer service and a dedication to the community? Is your schedule flexible and accommodating for volunteer opportunities? Some of our volunteers perform exceptionally well in balancing academic requirements, athletic endeavors, extra-curricular activities, employment, parenting, grandparenting, hobbies and volunteering. Other volunteers struggle because they cannot balance volunteering with the other activities in their life. Before you submit an application, take stock of your activities and availability to determine whether a commitment to our patients and guests is one you can make at this time.

Not sure what to expect? Check out some of our frequently asked questions below for more information!

Not sure what to expect? Check out some of our FAQ below for more information.

Are there any certain requirements to be a volunteer at the hospital?

While we appreciate the enthusiasm we see from people wanting to volunteer, we do have some requirements for our participants:

• At least 16 years of age
• Agree to serve at least 100 hours over a period of six months
• Have a genuine desire to help people in the healthcare setting
• Be able to read, speak and understand English
• Have a valid Social Security number

We are now accepting volunteer applications. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please fill out our application.

How often are orientation sessions held?

Orientation sessions are generally held once per month. The dates and times of upcoming orientation sessions will be discussed in the interview.

I am under 18. Will my parent/guardian need to attend the interview or orientation with me?

No. Only the applicant will need to attend the interview/orientation.

Are shifts available on weekends? During evenings?

We require at least one scheduled four-hour shift per week, but you may increase your hours to as many as you’d like. Volunteer opportunities are available mornings, afternoons, and evenings, every day of the week.

Do you allow volunteers year round or only in the summer?

Volunteering occurs throughout the year, including during the school year. You may also choose to lend your time to us three seasons per year. We may not always be able to accommodate individuals in the same role and same time, but we will do our best to find an opportunity that fits your schedule and desires. We accept applications on a rolling basis. We will discuss your availability in the interview.

I can't commit to 100 hours, but can I still volunteer for short-term or one-time volunteer opportunities?

Given the effort and expense involved in bringing a volunteer into our team, we require that all volunteers pledge to a commitment of at least 100 hours by volunteering one four-hour shift per week. We do have rare occasions where our volunteer team welcomes the assistance of outside individuals or students who wish to volunteer during summer breaks. Please send an email if you are interested in helping in these instances. Note there are no short-term opportunities to volunteer inside the hospital.

What happens if I miss a shift?

Our volunteers are asked to minimize callouts and absences and make up all missed shifts within 30 days of the absence.

What duties will I be doing as a volunteer at the hospital?

We have more than 30 different roles, ranging from clinical areas to office settings. Possibilities include greeting guests upon their entrance to the hospital, serving customers in the gift shop or providing support for our patients and our staff. The role you fill will be discussed in an interview where we’ll match your availability and goals as a volunteer with the hospital’s needs.

Please email Christine Slattery for additional information.

I want to volunteer with children and/or infants. What types of roles are available?

At this time, there are no volunteer opportunities that exclusively deal with children/infants, however, most of our roles deal with individuals representing all age groups.

Are there roles that involve interaction with patients?

Almost every role has at least the potential of patient interaction. Some of the roles on the patient care units involve a significant amount of patient relations, while others may only communicate with patients in passing. Your comfort level around patients and guests is one of the many topics that will be discussed in the interview.

Can I observe procedures?

We do not provide opportunities to observe procedures.

Will I come in contact with blood or body fluids?

While any role in the hospital has a small chance of contact with blood or body fluids, the role of volunteers does not include tasks that involve such substances.

What is the application process like?

To start the process, please fill out an application by downloading it from our hospital's website or pick one up at the facility. Once the completed application and two reference forms are received, you will be called for an interview. At the interview, we will discuss your interests, decide on a role and a weekly scheduled shift, and discuss the next steps in the process.

The next steps in the application process include a background check, verification of immunizations, tuberculosis testing, a flu shot (in season) and orientation. The entire process can take as few as two weeks or as many as six weeks, depending on your schedule and the date of the next orientation.

What do I do with the reference forms?

Give the reference forms to adults who have known you for at least one year and are not related to you. Ideal choices include work colleagues, neighbors, coaches, church members and employers. If you are still in high school, one reference must be from a current teacher or guidance counselor.

How do I turn in a volunteer application?

Completed applications and reference forms can be turned into the front desk or mailed to:

Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center
ATTN: Volunteer Coordinator
4604 Spotsylvania Parkway, Suite 135
Fredericksburg, VA 22408

My immunization records are long gone or incomplete. How can I verify my immunizations?

Immunization records will be discussed at the interview. If you are in high school or college, we will accept an immunization record from your doctor or school. If you are beyond your college years, we will draw blood (at no charge to you) to determine what immunizations you may have received in the past. If you were born prior to 1957, you will fill out a form attesting to which diseases/immunizations you may have experienced. In all three cases, it is highly unlikely you will need additional immunizations, and any blood tests will be done at no cost to you.

Where do I get my TB tests?

All volunteers will have two TB tests done prior to starting. If a volunteer has taken a TB test within the last year and can submit proof of a negative TB test, they will only need to take one additional test. Those who have tested positive (or who will test positive) for TB will be provided a chest x-ray in lieu of a TB test. All TB testing is done at our hospital at no charge to the applicant. The process and procedure will be discussed in the interview.

What about flu shots?

Volunteers are strongly recommended to get flu shots during the flu season, which runs from September through March. Flu shots will be offered free at our hospital.

Are volunteer opportunities available for court-ordered volunteering?

We do not offer opportunities for court-ordered volunteering or volunteering as part of a court sentence. No verification or acknowledgment of hours will be provided to those looking to fulfill a judicial requirement.

Can I volunteer with a friend, sibling or other family member?

Absolutely. Many friends have volunteered together, as siblings, husbands and wives, mothers and sons, mothers and daughters, and grandparents and grandchildren. Some volunteer on the same unit, while some split up and go to different areas. The only limitation on pairing friends and family members together is availability and scheduling.

What do I wear? Is there a volunteer uniform?

All volunteers wear a volunteer uniform top, consisting of a polo shirt, and the volunteer t-shirt can be worn by emergency department volunteers and marketing department volunteers. There will be optional tops consisting of charcoal cardigans and charcoal sleeveless vests. All volunteer tops will be worn with dress pants, such as khakis, and you will need to wear closed-toe shoes. Uniforms may be purchased on your first day of volunteering or after orientation. Details about the cost of the uniform are discussed at orientation.

What type of benefits will I receive as a volunteer?

While the satisfaction rate for volunteering is quite high, the pay rate for volunteering is quite low. However, we value the effort of each and every volunteer and have built an outstanding benefit list that matches the dedication of our fine team members. Current benefits of volunteering include:

• Recognition at the annual Volunteer Appreciation Event, held in April
• Free flu shots in the fall
• Recommendation letters upon request (after completion of 100 hours of service)
• A free meal during your volunteer shift
• Inclusion in hospital-wide events
• Occasional gifts, food, and prizes, as appropriate

Will I receive a meal break?

All volunteers performing a four-hour shift are entitled to a break of 25 minutes. During this break, you may visit our Spotsy Café, where free meals are offered to volunteers who have performed at least three months of service. More details about the meal benefit will be discussed at orientation.

I am a nurse or nursing student looking for experience. Can I get clinical experience as a volunteer?

Volunteers do not perform clinical tasks and are not permitted to take vital signs, perform tests or practice CPR. We do not provide opportunities to shadow a member of the clinical staff.

I am looking for a job here. Does volunteering guarantee me employment?

No. While you will gain experience in the hospital environment while serving our patients, guests and staff, the volunteer service you provide is offered without the guarantee of remuneration or employment. To search for a job, go to the HCA Virginia Health System careers page.

I don’t drive in snow or ice. Can I still volunteer?

While we greatly appreciate your service and count on your passionate commitment to our patients, we want to make sure that you are safe in inclement weather. Volunteers are asked to stay home if they believe that poor weather conditions may make it difficult to attend their weekly shift.

Are there leadership opportunities available?

Yes. We have numerous leadership opportunities for both adults and teens. Leadership roles are available in some of our many projects as well as on our volunteer leadership board.

I have additional questions. Who can I contact?

Please email Volunteer Coordinator.