What are the benefits of being a volunteer?
Although the highest rewards for volunteer service are both intangible and immeasurable, the Clinical Center recognizes your time and commitment by extending the these benefits.

How do I become a volunteer?
View our application process. Our goal is to assist you in finding a volunteer placement here at the Clinical Center that you will enjoy. We look forward to meeting you.

Are there any prerequisites?
Yes. Please review them before you apply for a vounteer position.

What kind of commitment is involved with being a Clinical Center volunteer?
Please review our commitment requirements. In return, the Clinical Center offers the Volunteer Bill of Rights.

Is Volunteering at the Clinical Center for me?
Read our "You Would Make a Good Clinical Center Volunteer if You…" feature.

Can patients and/or their family members or caregivers volunteer?
Unfortunately, current and recent patients and immediate family members/caregivers cannot volunteer. Volunteers abide by very strict guidelines and patient confidentiality policies. To ensure these are maintained, we cannot accept patient, caregiver or family member volunteers. We ask that patients, family members and caregivers focus on receiving the supportive services of the Clinical Center.

• Know what you want to get out of volunteering.
  You can volunteer in order to make a contribution, advance your career, meet new friends, gain recognition or simply enjoy the personal satisfaction that comes from helping others.
• Check the time it takes to do a particular volunteer job.
  How does the time commitment fit your schedule and lifestyle?
• Think about your skills, interests, and life experiences.
  How could your skills be useful in a volunteer setting?
• Be open and honest.
  What are your desires for a meaningful and satisfying volunteer experience?
• Be willing to give and take honest feedback.
  When necessary, be an advocate for change.
• Respect confidentiality.
  Be respectful of patient confidentiality within the Clinical Center and beyond.

What to Do If...

• What do I do if I will be unable to work my scheduled shift?
  If you are unable to work on a particular day, it is helpful to give the volunteer program as much notice as possible. This will help us keep track of who is responsible for the duties of the position for that day and time.
• What do I do if I want to change my shift time, day, or location?
  If you need to change your shift time, day, or location please contact the Volunteer Program to schedule an appointment to speak to the Volunteer Coordinator to discuss options in order to come to a mutually beneficial decision.
• What do I do if I am having problems with my supervisor or my coworker?
  If you are having problems with a supervisor, coworker, or any other individual while you are volunteering in the hospital, please alert the Volunteer Program to the matter immediately.