Adult Opportunities
Below is a partial list of the volunteer opportunities available at Pennsylvania Hospital. If you have an interest other than those listed, please ask if volunteers are accepted in that specific area. We have many more opportunities available than those listed below. This is just a sampling of opportunities.
The availability of these opportunities is based on the current needs of the requesting department and the volunteer's suitability, experience and time commitment. Volunteers are asked to work a minimum of four hours per week. Evening and weekend hours are available in certain areas. Individuals can work one or more volunteer shifts each week. Upon joining the hospital, most volunteers are asked to make a minimum commitment of fifty hours or four months.
Public/Patient/Visitor Services
Information Desks: Greet patients and visitors and provide information and directions. A highly visible and interesting position located in one of three lobbies. Requires any four-hour shift between 8 am and 4 pm (weekdays).
Gift Shop: Operate cash register, assist with sales of gift items, notions, and candy. Requires any four-hour shift between 9 am and 4 pm (weekdays).
Bargain Shop: Assist in Hospital's thrift shop from September through June (closed July and August). Requires any four-hour shift from 10 am to 3 pm.
Admissions Desk: Greet patients and families and assist staff with the admission process for patients. Requires any two to four-hour shift between 8 am and 5 pm (weekdays).
Patient Care
Nursing Unit Volunteer: You will assist clinical staff in caring for our patients on numerous nursing units, (i.e., medicine, surgery, critical care, etc.). Duties will include making rounds on patients, inquiring about their pain status, and various other duties as requested by staff. You will interact with nurses and physicians, visitors, patients and families in addition to learning about the important ancillary departmental interactions between nursing units and other departments (i.e. Pharmacy, OR, Physical Therapy, etc.). This is an outstanding opportunity for pre-med, post baccalaureate, PA and nursing students.
Opportunities are available from 7 am - 9 pm.
A 3 - 4 hour training session is required for this position. Training will be given three times per year for this program (September, January, June). Training will be scheduled as follows: one late afternoon/evening session and one day session. Attendance at one of these sessions is mandatory for participation in the program.
Meal Mates: Assist with feeding patients at lunch, socializing with patients during meal times, and helping to fill out patient menus.
Volunteer Patient Representative: Visit new admissions to welcome and orient them to the non-medical hospital services and address their concerns. Requires any two to four-hour shift between 8 am and 5 pm (weekdays).
Skilled Care Center: Provide room visits to patients and assist Activities Coordinator and Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (e.g. read to patients with poor vision). Assist staff with older adults in activities, exercises, music, discussion and crafts. Available daily and some weekends. Requires at least one two-hour shift from 10 am to 4 pm.
Cuddler: Hold infants and other duties as assigned by nursing staff. Requires one two-hour shift either 8 am to 10 am or 1 pm to 3 pm (weekdays). Volunteer must be 18 years of age and older.
Bookmobile: Take library cart to patients' rooms, help patients select reading materials and organize library. Requires any three-hour shift between 9 am and 8 pm (weekdays). Some weekends are available.
Escort/Transportation Aide: Assist discharged patients and their families. Escort wheelchair patients to testing areas. Help run patient elevator between 6 am and 6 pm (weekdays). Requires at least one two to four-hour shift.
Animal-Assisted Therapy: Make room visits to patients with your certified pet. Requires that pet be certified by official pet certification agency. Shifts are usually one to two hours and can be weekdays during the day or on weekends during the day. Please contact our office for further information.
Pharmacy: Assist pharmacists by pre-packing medications and IV tubing sets, mail newsletter, affix labels to medications and other duties. (Any two to four-hour shift from 8 am to 8 pm on weekdays. Some weekends are available as well). Great for retired pharmacists, those interested in entering the pharmaceutical profession, or anyone interested in helping out in the Pharmacy.
Emergency Department: Assist medical staff and patients by adding a personal touch; Act as the liaison for patients and families in the waiting room and between staff and patients; Provide comfort measures to patients such as water, juice, blankets; Make telephone calls for patients and run errands; Help maintain personal presence for patients and their families during times of stress. This is a great opportunity for pre-med and post baccalaureate students.
Non-Patient Services
Clerical: For those who would like to volunteer in non-patient areas, there are many administrative/business departments who need help with typing, database entry, various computer work, filing, photocopying, answering telephones and running errands. Requires at least one two to four-hour shift between 9 am and 5 pm (weekdays).
Many additional opportunities are available. Please apply online or call us at 215-829-5187 for more information.
