Q: How long does it take to become a volunteer?
A: Applications are reviewed as volunteer roles become available. Although we cannot always predict the timing of open roles, in general, we keep applications active for 3 months. If a match has not been found and you have not been contacted by a manager after 3 months, we welcome you to reapply.
Q: Does every applicant automatically get a volunteer position?
A: We are extremely grateful for the overwhelming interest in volunteer opportunities with our hospital. Because the high level of applications often exceeds our volunteer openings, we regret that we may not be able to place every applicant. Multiple applicants may be chosen as candidates for each open role. Through interviews with volunteer services and program staff, the most qualified applicant is chosen for each position.
Q: What is my time commitment?
A: Adult volunteers are asked to commit to a minimum of one 3-hour shift per week (the same day and time each week) for at least 6 months. Some programs are willing to accept college students with only one semester of availability however; these roles typically require more than 3 hours per week. If you cannot make a 6-month commitment but are willing to volunteer for two or more shifts per week, please indicate that on your application.
Q: May I volunteer more than one shift per week or more than 6 months?
A: Yes! We ask that you begin with one shift a week for a minimum of 4 weeks. If you would like to increase your participation after 4 weeks please see a staff member to discuss your options. Many volunteers like the variety of working multiple shifts in different service areas. Some volunteers choose to serve multiple shifts in the same service area – often for years, accumulating thousands of hours. Through innovative programs and meaningful volunteer engagement we will work with our volunteers to find the right fit.
Q: Can teenagers volunteer?
A: Hartford Hospital runs a program for teens 14-18 years of age during the summer. Students must be available at least 6 of the 8 weeks of the program and commit to volunteering at least 48 hours total (full details on qualifications available in the application). Teens who have volunteered during the summer may volunteer during the school year.
Q: How much does it cost to volunteer?
A: The only out of pocket costs for our volunteers is their transportation to and from the hospital. We provide free parking and free uniforms.
Q: Is there a dress code?
A: Yes. Volunteers are required to abide by the professional image policies of Hartford Hospital. Volunteers cannot wear shorts, skirts above the knee, jeans, scrubs, and in patient care areas open-toes shoes/sandals are not allowed. More details are provided during orientation.
Q: Can I do my school community service at Hartford Hospital?
A: School mandated community service can be requested by applying to volunteer, however, our minimum hourly commitment must be met before documentation of service can be provided.
Q: Can I do my court ordered community service at Hartford Hospital?
A: A minimum of 100 hours (even if the court has ordered a lesser value) must be completed for court ordered Community Service. Volunteer Services cannot accept applicants whose charges involve drugs, larceny or violence of any kind. Service will take about 20 weeks and all 100 hours must be completed before documentation of service will be provided. You must be available to volunteer during the day and be willing to disclose information about the charge(s) as well as provide the name of a court contact when speaking to a manager. If you can meet these requirements, complete an adult application. If you do not disclose that you are completing court ordered community service at the time of application, no documentation of service will be provided.
Q: Does volunteering guarantee me a job at the hospital, if I decide to apply for a paid position?
A: No, we cannot guarantee that volunteers will obtain paid position. Employees are selected for jobs based upon their experience, skills, references and credentials. Volunteering is a good way to take a step towards future employment, but it does not guarantee that end.
Q: Will I need a flu shot to volunteer?
A: Yes, Hartford Hospital requires all staff and volunteers to have a flu vaccine during flu season. Certain exceptions can be made for medical or religions reasons. Individuals with approved exceptions will be required to wear a mask while volunteering during flu season.
Q: What medical information will I need to show to be a volunteer?
A: All new volunteers will be asked to provide documentation of completed MMR vaccinations, Varicella vaccinations or history of chicken pox, a flu vaccine during the flu (winter) season, and have a Tuberculosis skin test within the last 12 months. The Tuberculosis test and flu vaccines are the only tests that can be provided here at Hartford Hospital. If you do not have documentation of your vaccinations, you will need to provide proof of immunity through titer testing (blood test). Titer testing is not provided through Hartford Hospital. Applicants will need to obtain the titer test at their own expense, through their family physician
Q: Can I volunteer as a CNA or phlebotomist?
A: No, volunteers cannot provide medical care to patients. However we do have volunteer roles that will allow you to interact in a patient care environment even if you cannot utilize your specific skills in those areas.
Q: Can I volunteer in the Operating Room?
A: No. Although we do have various roles in the Department of Surgery and in our Day-Surgery Centers, we do not place volunteers in the operating rooms.
Q: Can I volunteer with children?
A: The Institute of Living has child and adolescent units however, the acceptance criteria is very specific for these areas. Qualified applicants are typically college students with a strong psychology background who are interested in behavioral health as a career. More opportunities for volunteering with children would be available at Connecticut Children’s which is separate from Hartford Hospital. They can be reached at 860.545.8540.
Q: I want to be a "baby cuddler".
A: We do not have pediatric patients in our hospital. Please contact the Connecticut Children’s at 860-545-8540.
Q: Can I volunteer on the maternity unit?
A: The maternity unit does utilize clerical support volunteers at times but there are no roles that would entail caring for/interacting with infants.
Q: I have a group that wants to volunteer for a day. Can we do that at Hartford Hospital?
A: Because of patient privacy laws and infection control issues we typically cannot accommodate these types of requests.
Q: I am “between jobs” and want to volunteer while I am looking for a new position.
A: If your primary goal is to find employment immediately, we ask that you wait to apply until you have secured your next position. Given that we have a 6 month commitment request it is likely that your availability will change significantly during that time period if you are hired in a new job. After starting your new job if you are still interested and your new schedule allows time for you to make a commitment to volunteering, we welcome you to apply.
Q: I do not want to work directly with patients. Are there other things I can do?
A: Yes, it is possible to volunteer in areas where there is little or no contact with patients. In these roles you indirectly support patient care by supporting staff.