Volunteers are utilized in various ways which align with their interests, knowledge and abilities. Volunteers are a vital part of our community, working toward fulfilling Bethany Children’s Health Center’s mission of maximizing the potential of patients with complex medical needs and disabilities. Our volunteers provide valuable services which contribute to the care, comfort and companionship needs of patients and families.
Bethany Children’s will provide all necessary training to all accepted volunteers to have a successful, meaningful and impactful experience. No medical experience or knowledge is required to be a part of our program! To work directly with patients, volunteers must be at least 17 years of age and meet the hourly service requirements for their specific assignment and schedule.
Adult Volunteer Positions
-
Patient Companion – Complex Care
Patients in Complex Care, ranging in age from birth to 20, receive medical, nursing and respiratory care, rehabilitative therapies and education. Volunteers serving as Patient Companions spend time with patients of all ages, with the goal of providing engaging activities, physical comfort, and joy.
-
Patient Companion – PMRU and Patient Bed Tower
Patient Companions in the Pediatric Medical Rehabilitation Unit (PMRU) and Patient Bed Tower provide entertainment and companionship to patients recovering from traumatic accidents or serious illnesses. Volunteers play board games or video games, facilitate small group activities, and read books to patients at bedside.
-
Play While You Wait
Aiming to transform the waiting room experience to a fun, anxiety-free environment, Play While You Wait volunteers provide engaging activities, such as crafts, games, and puzzles to patients and siblings in Outpatient Services.
-
Education Classroom Volunteers
Volunteers assist in each of the hospital’s six special education classrooms, assisting patients with language activities, music therapy sessions, craft projects and more. Classrooms are led by certified special education teachers who provide training and oversight to volunteers.
-
Therapy Gym Volunteers
The therapy gym volunteer program is open to college students who are currently pursuing degrees in physical, occupational or speech therapy, music therapy or recreation therapy. Volunteers facilitate one-on-one or small group activities for patients as they await therapy sessions in Bethany Children’s Health Center’s largest inpatient therapy gym, and sanitize and organize therapy equipment.
Adult Volunteer Requirements
- Volunteers must be at least 17 years of age, unless otherwise noted within a volunteer position.
- Volunteers must be willing to commit to the service requirements of their specific assignment and schedule.
- The Volunteer Services team will interview a select number of applicants each month, based on open positions.
- Volunteer selections are made by matching the interests, availability and Core Values alignment with the hospital, along with current scheduling needs and open volunteer opportunities.
- Volunteers must complete and pass a background check.
We are slowly and safely returning new and previous volunteers while adhering to COVID-19 precautions. We strongly encourage you to submit an application and join our amazing team!
For questions or additional information about the volunteer program, please contact our Volunteer Services team at volunteer@bethanychildrens.org. A team member will be in touch with you shortly!