HOW DO I VOLUNTEER IN A HOSPITAL?

The Career Center has partnered with Duke University Medical Center Volunteer Services so that you can gain volunteer hours by participating in their Patient Advocacy Program (see details below). Due to the amount of time and money it takes to train new volunteers, we can only hold the training ONCE each semester. If you cannot make this date you can either wait until the next training date, at the beginning of the following semester, or you can participate in one of the other 25+ volunteer programs at Duke Med. In order to accumulate your 40 volunteer hours to apply for the shadowing portion of HCEP, you may participate in ANY volunteer program at Duke Med that involves contact with patients (i.e., not the Gift Shop). Use the link below to identify other Duke Med volunteer programs that might be of interest to you. Each program’s coordinator, contact info and time commitment will be listed. Please contact those people directly to inquire about participation as well as upcoming training dates for their particular volunteer program.

Other Duke Med Volunteer Programs 
http://www.dukehealth.org/PatientsAndVisitors/VolunteerServices/Programs

 
Patient Advocacy Volunteer Program at Duke Med 
Each volunteer will be assigned to a unit at Duke Med on a first come/first serve basis. The primary focus of this program is helping our patients have a more comfortable hospital stay, while allowing our volunteer to experience the patient care aspect of working in a hospital setting. The volunteer will work with the Program Coordinator and the Unit Staff in order to achieve unit expectations. Each unit's needs will differ. However, each unit will be assigned a job description and will work with the volunteer to train and encourage their interaction with patients. The areas include both adult and pediatric units.

Once you accumulate 40 hours of volunteering you are then eligible to APPLY for the shadowing portion, which accepts applications at the beginning of each semester. After you’ve reached 40 hours, you may continue volunteering in the hospital if you wish. You may choose to stay with your same unit or, if there is availability, you may be able to switch to a different unit. 

The Duke Med Patient Advocacy Program accepts and trains new students at the beginning of each fall, spring and summer. Please sign up using the link below if you'd like to attend the next volunteer training. Registration is capped at 150 students each semester so sign up early.  

The Next Volunteer Training Will Take Place In January 2010
(please check back soon for the exact day) 

 

Light snacks will be served.  Lunch is own your own (Duke Med cafeteria does take Duke Flex).  This training includes your general hospital orientation, unit scheduling and tour of your assigned unit. Once you have completed this day of training you will be ready to begin your volunteer hours! Please bring the following with you:

• Your completed Duke Med Volunteer application
  

• Your class schedule

• Social security number (international students who don't have a SSN can fill out a separate form at training)

• Duke Unique ID number

• $15 (cash or check) to purchase your official Duke Med Volunteer shirt 

• A TB screening will be done if you haven't had one in the past three months