Volunteer

Wherever volunteers serve, their extraordinarily generous donation of time and service is vital to Bristol Health’s success, and helps make us, and our community, a special place.

Volunteering at Bristol Health

Sharing your compassion, talents and expertise is what makes becoming a volunteer at Bristol Health a rewarding experience. Our volunteers are an integral part of operations and help to create a comforting environment for our patients and families. More than 100 volunteers provide service to 30 different departments and programs at Bristol Health.

Wherever volunteers serve, their extraordinarily generous donation of time and service is vital to Bristol Health’s success, and helps make the hospital a very special place.

Adult Volunteer Program

The Adult Volunteer Program is designed to engage volunteers five days a week. Adult volunteers usually work shifts of two to four hours per day and may work one or more days/evenings per week depending on scheduling needs. Assignments are determined based on skills, personality and interests.

The following are some of the adult volunteer opportunities available:

Patient Care Unit Volunteers assist patients, families, and staff in the patient care area by performing safety checks and clerical duties, running errands, assisting with patient discharges, interacting with patients to make them more comfortable and ensuring patient needs are met.

The Cancer Care Center Volunteers provide assistance to staff in caring for patients. They will get nourishment and beverages for patients, offer comfort or other items as requested by the patient.

The Emergency Room Volunteers support patients and families in the Emergency Department and assist staff by running errands and helping with a variety of tasks such as bringing blankets to patients, searching for wheelchairs and other such jobs.

The Eucharistic Minister Volunteers distribute the Eucharist to patients who request and can receive it.

The Hospice Volunteers share their time and talents with Hospice patients and their families, providing companionship to patients and supporting caregivers and families in various ways (reiki, music, playing cards, reading, discussing hobbies, or just sitting quietly). Hospice volunteers receive ample training regarding basic Hospice principles and end-of-life care.

Patient Representative/Safety Support Volunteers meet and greet new patients, and introduce patients and families to the Patient Relations Program and the Patient Bill of Rights. They offer support, act as a resource, and report any patient concerns. These volunteers also check patients to ensure personal items are within reach, make sure patients understand how to utilize their call bells and make sure their needs are met.

Ingraham Manor (Adult Care) Volunteers assist the staff with transporting patients, talking to patients, playing cards or reading to patients and other patient related activities.

The Pet Therapy Volunteers bring their dogs to visit patients and offer comfort. Training and certification are required.

Reiki Volunteers are certified reiki practitioners who provide gentle hands-on healing touch and relaxation to patients.

Clerical Volunteers are utilized as receptionists. They assist with overall clerical tasks such as answering phones, mailings, filing and faxing. In addition, volunteers with computer skills may be involved with various computer projects.

Spiritual Care Volunteers are spiritual companions who, under the direction of the Hospital or Hospice Chaplain, provide a confidential and sacred space for our patients, families, and staff to process matters of the heart, mind, soul and spirit. Spiritual Care volunteers look to bring hope, purpose, meaning and connectedness to the bedside.

The Volunteer Process, for adults 18 and over:

Complete application
Participate in interview conducted by Volunteer Services
Have Medical Information form completed by your physician
Have a TB test
Attend/complete orientation

Adult Volunteer Application Volunteer Medical Information Form

The Junior Volunteer Program

The Junior Volunteers must be 14 years of age. They are assigned to work in most departments within the hospital. The program provides invaluable experience for young adults. The Junior Volunteer Program has two offerings:

The Academic Year Program

The Academic Year Program is coordinated with high school students, making it possible for them to gain valuable experience in the hospital setting. The Junior Volunteers report to the hospital after school and work until 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday.

The Summer Junior Volunteer Program

The Summer Junior Volunteer Program is designed to provide the Junior Volunteers with a meaningful experience and to explore different careers in healthcare. The Junior Volunteers work from 8:00 AM – 2:30 PM, Monday through Friday.

The Junior Volunteer Program Process

Complete application and e-mail the completed application to: volunteerteam@bristolhospital.org
Participate in interview conducted by Volunteer Services
Have School Reference Form completed by Guidance Counselor
Have Medical Information form completed by your physician
Have TB test
Attend/complete orientation

Junior Volunteer Application

Junior volunteer speaking to elderly patient at hospital

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