Volunteer Services

For those with a desire to help others within a less structured setting, paying a visit to the NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens Volunteer Department is recommended in order to become familiar with hospital culture and find out where your particular strengths are most needed.

NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens Volunteer Department is dedicated to enhancing the hospital experience for our patients and caregivers.  The volunteer department is one of the most important components of our healthcare facility and it is our mission to recruit, train and place committed volunteers.  On a daily basis, people gravitate to the hospital to inquire about how they can offer their time, energy and talent to help.  These volunteers – men and women, students, working adults and active senior citizens – often find that by serving others, they enrich their own lives in ways they never expected.  In addition, many volunteers acquire new skill sets, explore careers in healthcare, gain new experiences and help us deliver exceptional care to our patients and guests by adding an extra dimension of care.

During the past year, NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens has had many volunteers from all walks of life giving nearly 40,000 hours of their time to serve our patients. They have rolled up their sleeves and become involved in areas of the hospital from Radiology, Mobile Crisis Unit, Pediatrics and Mental Health.

NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens dedicated volunteers inspire all of us as they act as ambassadors for the hospital by sharing their positive hospital experiences with their communities.

Our Requirements for Volunteers:

• Volunteers must be 14 years of age or older at the time of application. Anyone under the age of 18 must have working papers.
• Must be willing to complete at least 100 hours of service within a three month time frame. The Volunteer Department will work with you whenever possible to accommodate your needs and schedule.
• Exemplify high professional skills
• Maintain patient safety and quality of care for patients
• Make a significant impact on departmental outcomes
• Take ownership and pride in their duties
• Communicate well with patients and/or staff at all levels.

Getting Started:

It generally takes a few weeks to complete the process, so we encourage applicants to begin the process a month or so before they plan to start.  How quickly the process goes depends on how diligent you are about returning required forms, scheduling the interview and orientation.

• Volunteer Applicant Letter
• Volunteer Application
• Volunteer Department Form

Interview:

After review of your application, you will be contacted via e-mail to schedule an interview.  We use the interview to get to know you a little better and explore talents and interests to create the best fit experience for you and NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens.

Due to the large number of applications we receive, we are not always able to find a volunteer position for everyone.  We will however, retain your application, place your application on a waiting list and review your interests and background to see if your interests and qualifications match any future volunteer opportunities.

Summer Programs:

Perhaps you would like to volunteer for our Summer Program.  Our Summer Program accepts volunteers for a 10-12 week commitment each summer but the program fills up very quickly.  Please fill out and submit the application beginning May 1^st of each year to apply for our Summer Program.

Feel free to e-mail the Volunteer Department at qhcvolunteer@nychhc.org. and/or complete a volunteer application. The Volunteer Department is available Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Fridays by appointment only.

NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens does not offer volunteer positions involving direct patient care as volunteers are not allowed to touch patients.  Additionally, there are no shadowing opportunities available. For additional information, please contact:  Volunteer Department at 718-883-2280, Sandra Springer, Director.