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Volunteering FAQs
Volunteer FAQs
After completing the application packet:
- You will be scheduled for an interview with Volunteer Services. The purpose of the interview is to determine an appropriate placement.
- If 18 years of age or older, you will also be required to pass a Criminal Background Check.
- You will be required to go see our Employee Health Nurse, who will give you a TB test & also talk to you about other immunities (MMR, Chickenpox, Hep B.) A titer testing your immunity may be given (provided at no charge.)
- Once you have successfully passed the Criminal Background check (if applicable,) completed the TB test and attended New Volunteer Orientation, you may begin training.
State law requires all health care workers (paid or volunteer) to be screened for tuberculosis.
You will need to have a chest x-ray and follow-up by your physician. If you have active tuberculosis, you will not be able to volunteer. However, most people who test positive do not have active tuberculosis. Your physician will need to provide a letter indicating that you do not have active tuberculosis. You are responsible for all costs associated with follow-up and treatment.
Types of criminal activity that would exclude you from volunteering at Samaritan include crimes against persons or property. Providing misleading or false information on your criminal background form, even if the charge itself would not automatically exclude you from volunteering, may also disqualify you.
Samaritan’s dress code applies to all staff, paid and volunteer. The basic dress code requires conservative, business-like attire. Examples of clothing that cannot be worn include: baseball caps, tee shirts, tube tops, shorts, see-through, provocative or revealing clothing, stirrup pants and spandex. A complete copy of Samaritan’s dress code will be provided and reviewed during orientation.
All volunteers have the option of changing volunteer positions within the organization. It is our goal to provide a meaningful experience for you, and find a placement that satisfies your needs as well as the needs of the organization. It is not uncommon for volunteers to try one position, and then switch to another.
Yes. Once you have completed training for one service, you are welcome to begin training in another service. Some of our volunteers work in several different volunteer positions.
No. Most of the service areas have substitute volunteers available to cover during your absence. In addition, many of your co-volunteers are willing to trade shifts.
- Passion: Give your best, every day.
- Respect: Treat all with dignity and courtesy .
- Integrity: Do what you say.
- Dedication: Do whatever it takes.
- Excellence: Go above and beyond.
All active volunteers are required to complete an annual education review, which includes information on health and safety, and the hospital emergency procedures. These requirements are regulatory mandates.
The Auxiliary was formed to promote and advance the mission of the local Samaritan hospital. All active adult hospital volunteers are automatically members of the Auxiliary and are not required to pay dues. Non-active volunteers who desire to be members are asked to pay annual dues (currently $10 to $15/year depending on the specific Auxiliary). Meetings are held bi-monthly to discuss Auxiliary business. These meetings also include an educational and social component. Meeting attendance is optional.
In addition to the intrinsic satisfaction and resultant health benefits from volunteering, Samaritan offers volunteers a free meal during their volunteer shift. Volunteers are also eligible to receive a free flu shot, and discounts offered by several local businesses.
Anyone can be a Hospice volunteer, all our volunteers are given a free 24+ training program before they are assigned to a patient.
We ask two to four hours a week; you decide how much you want to be involved.
We have a lot of community events our volunteers are present at to hand out information about Hospice. We always need medication couriers & supplies delivered.
Respite volunteers relieve caregivers. Friendly visitors visit patients to chat, read, share music or just listen. Med couriers help by picking up meds and other things and delivering them. Vigil and 11th hour volunteers are there for care facilities and family to relieve those sitting vigil and to support those close to dying.
Background Image: A volunteer exchanges a number ticket for food at the food bank.
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