Guest Ambassador
Volunteers will help patients and families who need assistance. Meet, greet and escort patients and visitors around the hospital during their stay or visit.
- Volunteers Needed: 7 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Friday; 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday-Sunday
- Volunteer Shift: 2-3 hours/week
- Minimum age: 18
In Patient Visitor
Volunteers will visit families and newly admitted patients and patients transferred from ICUs to welcome them to Vanderbilt/Unit, introduce the interactive Skylight TV System and all of its functions (educational videos, patient satisfaction survey, discharge video, etc), and discuss general hospital information including how to partner with us for a safe hospital experience. Placements include, but not limited to, Women’s Health, Heart Institute, and general Medical/Surgical floors.
- Volunteers Needed: Monday-Sunday 9:00am-9:00pm
- Volunteer Shift: 2-3 hours per week one year minimum commitment
- Minimum age: 18 years old
Music
Hospital/Inpatient areas: Help bring music into patients' rooms to lift their spirits and refresh them. Offer the patient a variety of song selections. May include performing at special lunch functions. Note: Musicians and guides must train through our partner organization Musicians On Call. Must have own instrument.
- Volunteers Needed: Sunday-Saturday, hours vary, based upon unit schedules
- Volunteer Shifts: 1-2 shifts per month
- Minimum age: 18 years
Pastoral Care
Support the pastoral staff by offering spiritual support to patients and their families from a variety of faith backgrounds and traditions. Previous related experience preferred. A second interview with Pastoral Care, a 6-month commitment and a special training class are required.
- Volunteers Needed: 9 a.m.-noon or noon-3 p.m. Monday-Friday
- Volunteer Shift: 2-3 hours/week
- Minimum age: 18
Pet Team Visitation
Teams (volunteer and therapy dogs) visit with patients and families. Teams must be certified through Therapy Animals (ITA), Pet Partners, or Therapy Dogs International (TDI) before attending hospital training.
- Volunteers Needed: Based on volunteer schedule and unit needs
- Volunteer Shifts: 2 hours/week or alternate weeks
- Minimum age: 18 (must be trained and certified by Pet Partners)
Waiting Room Hospitality/Activity Cart
Hand out toiletries, puzzles, activity packets, games, magazines and other items to families in various waiting rooms. Visit with families and offer directions and general hospital information.
- Volunteers Needed: 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Friday, plus limited weekend hours
- Volunteer Shift: 2-3 hours per week
- Minimum age: 18
In Patient Physical & Occupational Therapy
Observe staff/patient interaction. Assist the staff as they support patients in gaining the ability to return home to a functional life.
- Volunteers Needed: 9am-12n or 1pm-4pm; Saturday 9am-12n or 1pm-3pm
- Volunteer Shift: no maximum
- Minimum age: 18
- If a school letter of recommendation is need, a 6-month minimum commitment is required.