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Volunteer Services
Commonly Asked Questions
Do I have to
volunteer at Ben Taub or LBJ Hospital?
No. The Harris County Hospital District
includes 3 hospitals, a dental clinic, an AIDS/HIV clinic as well as 11 other
community health clinics. Volunteers can work at any of these facilities.
Also, there is always a need for Special
Projects Volunteers. This is a great opportunity for people to volunteer their
time off-site. Special Projects include anything from knitting baby hats to
assisting with a one-day event.
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Do I have to
schedule my volunteer time in advance?
You will set your own schedule. We ask that each
volunteer give at least three hours a week for three months. Of
course we would love for you to stay with us for longer than three
months.
When can I
volunteer?
Depending on where you would like to
volunteer, you can work anytime during the day or night. For example the
Emergency Center and nurseries are open 24 hours a day.
Are teenagers
allowed to volunteer?
Yes. The
Junior Volunteer Program was
specifically created for teenagers from 14-17 year old. Junior Volunteers can
work Monday through Sunday from 8:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.
Where can I volunteer?
The HCHD Volunteer Program encourages
Volunteers to find and area where they feel comfortable. A book of “job
descriptions” is kept in the Volunteers Office. The book lists the departments
that have requested assistance. Volunteers can work in a variety of departments
both inside and outside of the hospitals. Please meet with a Volunteer
Coordinator and check out all of the areas available to Volunteers.
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In what areas can
I volunteer?
There are numerous volunteer
opportunities within HCHD. Some of the areas in greatest need are listed below:
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Hospitality Desk\Concierge Service: Staff
members & volunteers at the Ben Taub and LBJ Hospital Hospitality Desks are
responsible for taking in-coming calls and assisting patients and visitors
with directions and patient information. While there is always an employee
at the information desk, additional Volunteer support is needed. Being
bilingual is a plus for this volunteer placement.
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Interpreters: Because
many of our patients do not speak English, volunteer interpreters are in
high demand to assist patients and medical staff in communicating with each
other. Potential interpreters are given an interpretation test to qualify.
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Floor Hospitality Host:
Volunteer floor hosts will be brightening the day of patients, visitors and
staff. Strategically placed throughout the hospital, these Volunteer and
Guest Services representatives will provide information, and assist
customers with access to hospital district resources and services, assist in
minor problem resolution, and serve a vital role in insuring overall patient
and customer satisfaction.
-
Guest Transportation:
Volunteers are needed to assist with in-hospital patient transportation. You
must be at least 18 years of age and you will be given a brief training
session regarding proper techniques and wheelchair information.
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Medical Records: Staff in the
Medical Records department is in need of assistance to sort clinical reports,
place reports in files, pulling and organizing charts as well as assistance
with clerical duties.
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Pharmacy: Assists the
Pharmacist with answering the telephone, checking medication expiration dates,
returning medications to stock, helping to file filled prescriptions and
assist with general office duties.All volunteers for the pharmacy must be
either in an accredited/approved pharmacy/pharmacy technician program or
registered with the State Board of Pharmacy as a pharmacy technician. (A
pharmacy school student is also eligible if he/she is classified as a pharmacy
intern with the State Board). After completing the requirements to become a
volunteer set forth by the Community Outreach and Volunteer Services
department, all pharmacy volunteers must also attend a mandatory Pharmacy
Orientation. A list of scheduled Pharmacy Orientation dates may be obtained
through the Volunteer Office.
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Radiology: Volunteers are
needed in the Radiology Department to assist with sitting with patients during
tests; preparing scanning table for patients; answering telephones, and
assisting patients at window; taking film jackets to file room; picking up
supplies from Central Supply; testing preparation (tube labeling, etc.);
assisting employees with clerical and other duties
-
Sunshine Cart Program:
Volunteers are needed to deliver much needed care products such as toothpaste,
a toothbrush, deodorant, soap, shampoo/conditioner, etc. to our patients. The
Sunshine Cart also contains books and magazines to be distributed to patients
in our waiting rooms.
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Nursing Units: Volunteers are
needed to assist the nursing staff throughout the hospital with answering
incoming calls, running charts and lab reports to various departments,
preparing rooms for incoming patients, answering patient call bells and
manning the nurse stations.
-
Nurseries: Our "littlest"
patients are in need of volunteers to feed, hold and/or rock them to sleep.
Volunteers in the nurseries also get to play and entertain children in the
playroom.
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Are there volunteer
assignments or special projects that can be done
outside of the hospital/community health centers?
Yes! Throughout the year the HCHD
Foundation and the Volunteer & Guests Services department host events to benefit the
Hospital District such as the Foundation Silver Tea, Golf Tournament, Fun Run
and the Volunteer Appreciation Banquet. Extra assistance is always needed to
prepare for these events.
Volunteer duties include: Setting up for
events, stuffing and mailing invitations, helping on the day of the event,
organizing volunteers for events, and much more. Special projects include, but
are not limited to:
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Knitting/Crocheting baby items
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Sponsoring a baby shower for the
newborn babies
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Making lap covers for wheelchair-bound
patients
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Making armrest pillows for recovering
breast cancer patients
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Hosting a magazine/book drive for
English and Spanish speaking
patients
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Making bereavement gowns for babies
that are stillborn or pass
away while in the hospital
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Sponsoring a personal care items
(toiletries, socks, slippers,
blankets, etc.) drive for hospitalized patients
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Assembling quilts to display in the
Pediatric units
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Volunteers
Where you can volunteer
How do I get started?
Types of Volunteers
Commonly Asked Questions
Parking
Application
Orientation
Schedule
Contact Us
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