Unit Description
Volunteers perform various tasks both in the office and throughout the hospital. Duties cover a wide range of activities including, but certainly not limited to completing special projects in the office to delivering flowers to patient's rooms to delivering printed emails addressed to patients throughout the hospital. Patient contact will be frequent.
Volunteers in this unit will quickly gain an understanding of the hospital layout and the many processes necessary to keep things at the hospital running smoothly.
This unit looks for outgoing volunteers willing to learn and try new things. Volunteers will need to be outgoing and motivated. A positive attitude is always appreciated.
Training
All volunteers will attend large group orientation, where they will receive general University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics information. Volunteers will then attend a small group orientation, where they will receive training and information specific to the Volunteer Services Unit. Finally, to complete the training, all volunteers will spend a half shift with an experienced volunteer mentor (more information about the mentor program will be provided during orientation).
Uniform
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.
Hours Available
The unit is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Volunteers may choose a weekly shift of two 1.5-hour shifts or one 3-hour shift. Volunteers from other units may sign up in conjunction with the Volunteer Services unit for one 1.5-shift to complete the required 3-hour commitment if the three hours are not able to be completed in another unit.
Areas of Study Best Suited
This unit is good for pre-medicine students looking to gain a better understanding of the hospital layout. Students with strong commitment to service and care are especially encouraged to volunteer in this unit.