Rehabilitation Services Volunteer

In outpatient physical therapy, volunteers will assist physical therapy staff by keeping physical therapy gyms and exercise areas clean and safe. Volunteers also have many opportunities to observe physical therapists from many different specialties within the unit. Volunteers are expected to ensure a safe and productive unit by cleaning treatment mats, stocking linens and therabands, assisting physical therapists with exercises, and escorting & conversing with patients.

At the Sports Medicine Clinic, which is located offsite near the Hawkeye Tennis and Recreation Center, volunteers assist physical therapy staff by keeping the physical therapy gym clean and safe. Volunteers are expected to restock linens & therabands, clean treatment mats, monitor patient exercises, converse with patients during rest periods, and prepare heat or ice packs. Volunteers will have many opportunities to observe physical therapists and physical therapy aides.

Inpatient physical therapy is typically reserved for returning Rehabilitation Volunteers, or those with previous inpatient volunteering experience. In Inpatient Physical Therapy, volunteers will be directly assisting physical therapy staff in order to ensure a quality experience for the patient. Duties will include moving IV poles & oxygen tanks, following patients with wheelchairs, conversing with patients, assisting with exercises, and preparing linens. Multiple areas are available for volunteers to choose from to assist, and include: Orthopedic Inpatient Unit, Neuroscience Intermediate Inpatient Unit, and Short Stay Unit. Volunteers may also have the opportunity to work with occupational therapists.

The dress code for this unit is a Volunteer Services polo, khaki pants, and closed-toe shoes. Shirts are available for purchase at Wild Rose Gifts (Main Entrance Lobby) Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Volunteers must follow the professional appearance policy, which includes wearing the volunteer badge at all times.

Students who are interested in pursuing health care profession; pre-physical therapy, pre-occupational therapy, pre-medicine, pre-physician assistant, pre-dentistry, nursing, etc., are best suited for this unit.