How To and What is Required to Volunteer at ...?

Question

I am feeling a bit selfish these days. I know my life is better than some. Notice I did not say "better than most". Volunteering, I think, will let me contribute to my community and also remind me of many things that have bless me.

I'd like to volunteer some of my time. What is required to volunteer at a "retirement" home, "rest home" or even a hospital?

How do I go about finding a place to volunteer? Which places will let me volunteer? Which will not?

Answer 1

Our local hospital has a volunteer coordinator's office and they handle all of the applications, requirements and selection of volunteers.  In our state, they require some tests (TB for example) and a vaccination record, so check to see what your state requires.  Unfortunately, many of the retirement homes aren't listed with the volunteer matching organizations, so you have to call them directly to see what their application process is and what they require because in my experience, each one is different.  (Like one requires a flu shot and another does not.)  Sometimes our senior center posts volunteer opportunities that are short term on their community activities board though, so you might want to check there, too.

Answer 2

Call the hospital and and to be connected to volunteer services. They will require a background check and want to know why you are volunteering. Just say for community service. They may also require personal references.  

Answer 3

http://www.volunteermatch.org

http://www.idealist.org

Also, contact your local United Way and ask if they have a volunteer center or an online database of volunteering opportunities.

What is required to volunteer at a retirement home or hospital is that you undergo a criminal background check, reference checks and an interview, as you will be working with vulnerable populations.

Finding a volunteering opportunity is like finding a job -- it may take several tries before you find what you are looking for.