Volunteering at Knapp

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Volunteering at Knapp – Volunteers make a huge difference at Knapp Medical Center and are one of our most valuable resources. Their kind smiles, helping hands and generous hearts are powerful means of helping our patients get well. Volunteers spread a spirit of caring and concern throughout the hallways of the hospital and clearly impact the lives of families touched by illness.

Volunteer Opportunities

Every effort is made to match the volunteer’s talents and interests with an available position.

Volunteers serve in some 35 different hospital departments ranging from patient care areas to office work.
The most visible volunteer placements are at the Information Desk, Outpatient Lobby, 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.

Volunteer Duties

Volunteers help out in many different ways, including:

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

Volunteer Work Areas

Volunteers may be located in the following areas:

Information Desk
Patient Transport
Coffee Service
Mail/Flower Delivery
Gift Shop
Accounting Office
Business Office
Nutrition Services
Foundation/Development/Public Information
Hospice
Laboratory Office
Junior Volunteers
Facility Services
Materials Management
Hospital Information Management (Medical Records)
Nursing Assistance

Nursery
Medical – adult patients
Telemetry – adult patients
Women’s Services
Pediatrics
Surgical
Emergency Department

Outpatient Services
Pharmacy
Rehab Services
Imaging Services

Time Required

Volunteers are asked to work one shift a week.

Each shift is approximately four hours.
Weekday, weekend and evening shifts are available.
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.
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 Knapp Medical Center.

Volunteer Opportunities for Students

The Knapp Medical Center Auxiliary sponsors a summer Junior Volunteer program for students ages 15-18.

Students must be 15 by June 1 to apply.
Applications and two recommendations by teachers or counselors are due back at the hospital by May 1.
Applications are available here or at the Information Desk or Volunteer Office during the months of March and April.

Language

As the Valley becomes more and more multicultural, we do not find it much of a barrier for volunteers who don’t speak more than one language. Valley folk are friendly and helpful by nature, and one can always find a friendly face and someone willing to help with translation.

How to Become a Volunteer

The process of becoming a Knapp Medical Center volunteer begins with the completion of an application and background screening.

Download Volunteer Application
Following the receipt of an application and a completed background check, a personal interview will be scheduled.

Uniforms

All volunteers are required to purchase their own uniforms. Smocks will be provided for adult volunteers who are permanent residents or Winter Texans.

Women:

Royal Blue Volunteer Smock or Polo Shirt
White blouse
Khaki Pants
Rubber-soled, comfortable shoes

Men:

Royal Blue vest or Polo Shirt
White shirt
Khaki slacks
Rubber-soled shoes

Orientation

All new volunteers must attend an Orientation class, which is very similar to the one all Knapp employees receive.

Orientation classes are scheduled as needed.
The Knapp mission, policy, rules, and regulations are discussed.
A tour of the hospital is given.
The orientation, which complies with federal and state regulations, helps volunteers feel comfortable with what is expected of them.
Following orientation, the volunteer is assigned to a specific area and receives task training from an experienced volunteer or Knapp employee.
Volunteers are asked to commit to working 4-5 hours a week, sometimes more.
All students must complete 50 hours of service to receive letters of recommendation.
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.
An invitation into the Knapp Medical Center Auxiliary is automatic after the initial assignment period.

Learn More

If you’d like to learn more about volunteering at Knapp Medical Center, please give the Volunteer Services Department a call at 956-969-5144. We’re here to help you find meaningful opportunities to serve both our hospital and our community.