Erie Shores HealthCare Volunteer Program
Quick Links
Who Can Volunteer
Why Volunteer
Volunteer Roles
How To Apply
Making a Real Difference
At Erie Shores HealthCare, our volunteers are not just helpers; they are integral to our mission of delivering exceptional care. Each day, they bring their unique perspectives and talents, significantly impacting our patients' lives and the broader community.
WHY VOLUNTEER?
- Make a Lasting Impact: Your role as a volunteer directly enhances patient care and experience, contributing significantly to our community's health and well-being.
- Personal Growth: Volunteering with us is an opportunity to develop new skills, gain valuable experience, and make meaningful connections.
- Giving Back: Many of our volunteers have personal stories of how Erie Shores HealthCare has touched their lives or their loved ones. Volunteering is a heartfelt way to give back.
- Career Exploration: Especially for students, volunteering offers insights into the health and social care sector, aiding in future career decisions.
Who can volunteer
Our volunteers range from teenagers to seniors, representing the diversity and vibrancy of our community. Key qualities we look for:
- Empathy and good listening skills
- Reliability and initiative
- Attention to detail
To volunteer, you need to be able to display some key personal qualities, such as empathy and the ability to listen and observe. You also need to be reliable, a self-starter and show initiative and attention to detail.
We ask you to give us at least three hours of your time a week for at least six months, so please consider whether you can realistically fit this commitment in with your other responsibilities. There is the possibility of volunteering in the evenings or at weekends, but please note these are our busiest times, and if you are able to volunteer between 9 to 5, Monday to Friday, there will be more opportunities for volunteering.
Students
High School Students
We are happy to accept students who wish to volunteer to enhance their volunteer hour requirements. If you are volunteering to support your volunteer hour requirements, please begin the process in plenty of time. Remember, our primary focus is our patients and providing the best quality care to them and their families.
Requirements:
- Students must be at least 16 years old or older to apply.
- Commit to at least one weekly shift for a school semester or four months.
- Complete a medical form with proof of COVID-19 vaccination (TB test is optional)
- Attend volunteer orientation and training.
Interested in applying? Find the student volunteer application here:
https://www.volgistics.com/appform/970521551
Post-Secondary Students
Requirements:
- Students must be at least 18 years old and currently enrolled in a post-secondary program (or be of that age group)
- Commit to at least one shift per week during the school year
- Complete a medical form with proof of COVID-19 vaccination
- Complete a Criminal Records check
- Attend volunteer orientation and training
Interested in applying? Find the student volunteer application here:
https://www.volgistics.com/appform/970521551
High School Co-op Program
Our Co-op Program runs from mid-September to the end of January and again from mid-February to the end of June. The Co-op Program offers students an excellent opportunity to observe different departments within the hospital. Students interested in this program should consult with their guidance department/co-op coordinator at their school. We do not offer co-op placements over the summer.
Interested in applying? Find the student volunteer application here: https://www.volgistics.com/appform/970521551
Adult Volunteers
The Adult Volunteer Program is geared towards adults who are recent retirees, working professionals, or individuals who do not meet the criteria of the Student Volunteer Programs above.
Requirements:
- Commit to at least one shift per week for 6 months
- Complete a medical form including a TB test with proof of COVID-19 vaccination (those aged 65 and older will require a chest x-ray instead of a TB test)
- Complete a Criminal Records check
- Attend volunteer orientation and training
Volunteer Roles
The following roles are available across our organization. Learn the different areas where you can make a difference.
Emergency Department
Play a crucial role in supporting vulnerable patients in a fast-paced environment. Volunteers provide emotional reassurance and practical support to ensure the best possible patient experience during a stressful time.
Responsibilities include:
- Providing water to waiting patients
- Offering snacks to patients who have no restrictions
- Folding and stocking linen
- Stocking medical supplies
Reception
You will be the first point of contact at either the hospital’s main entrance or the Diagnostic Imaging entrance. You will meet and greet patients, family members and visitors to the hospital and help make their visit as smooth as possible. As a reception volunteer, you have the opportunity to make someone's arrival and experience a positive one.
Responsibilities include:
- Greeting patients and visitors
- Directing/escorting people to the appropriate area of the hospital
- Assisting patients with appointment registration
- Ensuring that there is a sufficient number of wheelchairs in the
- ER and registration area
- Delivering flowers and e-cards to appropriate units
Day Surgery (O.R.)
You will provide non-medical support to patients and visitors before and after the surgical process.
Responsibilities include:
- Directing patients and families in the O.R. waiting room
- Escorting patients upon discharge
- Stocking and shelving supplies
Inpatient Unit
You will work with hospital staff to support patients on our wards and ensure they have a positive experience while in the hospital.
Responsibilities include:
- Providing water to patients
- Assisting during meal times
- Folding and stocking linen
- Stocking medical supplies
Gift Shop
Work in a retail environment in our hospital gift shop. The role includes helping customers, some light shelf stocking, and helping to raise necessary funds for our hospital.
Responsibilities include:
- Greet customers, answer their queries and assist them when selecting and finding merchandise.
- Perform the checkout process and conduct all transactions and duties related to billing and payment at the gift shop counter.
- Maintain the overall appearance of the gift shop and ensure that it is clean, restocked, and properly organized.
How to Apply
Ready to make a difference? Applying is easy! Click the links below to start your journey as an Erie Shores HealthCare volunteer. Remember, the application must be completed in one session.
Should you require any additional support with completing the application form, please contact the Volunteer and Community Outreach Coordinator at volunteer.coordinator@eshc.org.