Volunteer Services

Every effort is made to match the volunteer's talents and interests with an available volunteer position. Volunteers serve in over 32 different hospital departments ranging from patient care areas to office work. The most visible volunteer placements are at the Information Desk and Gift Shop. Although many volunteers join our service with the desire for patient interaction, positions are not limited to these assignments. Many positions exist that require little or no contact with patients. Depending upon the assignment, typical duties might include:

• Greeting visitors
• Delivering flowers and mail to patients
• Transporting patients in wheelchairs
• Feeding patients
• Visiting with patients
• Stocking supplies
• Answering phones
• Copying
• Filing
• Rocking babies
• Escorting visitors throughout the hospital.

Volunteers may be located in the following areas:

• Information Desk
  • Patient Transport
  • Coffee Service
  • Mail/Flower Delivery
• Knick Knackery Gift Shop
• Accounting Office
• Business Office
• Nutrition Services Office
• Foundation/Development/Public Information
• Hospice
• Laboratory Office
• Junior Volunteers
• Lifeline
• Maintenance
• Materials Management/Purchasing
• Medical Records
• Nursing Assistance
  • Nursery
  • Medical - adult patients
  • Telemetry - adult patients
  • Women's Services
  • Pediatrics
  • Surgical
  • Emergency Department
• Outpatient Services
• Pastoral Care Services
• Pharmacy
• Physical Therapy
• Radiology
• Sterile Processing/Central Supply
• Surgical Waiting Room

Volunteers are asked to work one shift a week. Weekday, weekend and evening shifts are available. Each shift is approximately four hours. Volunteers who would like to work more than one shift a week are welcome to do so. Students, Winter Texans, teachers, and those who work full-time, sometimes require variations, and we're always happy to find a way to work out a meaningful schedule for everyone.

All new volunteers receive a half-day orientation to KMC, which includes a tour of the hospital and an explanation of important volunteer and hospital policies. Following the orientation, each new volunteer is paired with an experienced volunteer or employee to learn necessary tasks.

As the Valley becomes more and more multi-cultural, we do not find it much of a barrier for volunteers who don't speak multiple languages. Valley folk are friendly and helpful by nature, and one can always find a friendly face and someone willing to help with translation.

The Knapp Medical Center Auxiliary sponsors a summer Junior Volunteer program for students ages 14-18. Applications are available at the Information Desk or Volunteer Office during the months of March and April. Students must be 14 by June 1 to apply. Applications and two recommendations by teachers or counselors are due back at the hospital by May 1.

All volunteers are required to purchase their own uniforms. Smocks and vests are available through the Volunteer Services office at cost. The uniform includes:
Women:

• Royal Blue Volunteer Smock - $16
• White blouse
• Khaki Pants
• Rubber-soled, comfortable shoes

• Royal Blue vest - $16
• White shirt
• Khaki slacks
• Rubber-soled shoes

An orientation class must be attended by all volunteers - these will be scheduled as needed. Volunteers receive nearly the same orientation as all employees at Knapp Medical Center. At that time, the KMC mission, policy, rules and regulations will be discussed, and a tour will be given. The orientation is designed to comply with federal and state regulations and helps the volunteers feel comfortable with what is expected of them.

Following orientation, the volunteer is assigned to a specific area and commits to working approximately 4-5 hours, once a week, sometimes more. After an initial assignment period of 30 hours, the volunteer may be asked to work more often at the discretion of the department director or the volunteer's supervisor. Invitation into the Knapp Medical Center Auxiliary is automatic after the initial assignment period.