Volunteer Opportunities

Shriners Hospitals for Children — Twin Cities depends on volunteers to help carry out our mission of providing the very best orthopedic care available for children.

Volunteers are a big part of what makes our hospital such a special place. Volunteers are needed in different areas of the hospital, so we’re sure to find a place for you that utilizes your talents and abilities, and allows you to make a difference in the lives of children.

The Application Process

• Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older
• Applicants must provide names and addresses of two references
• The volunteer department reviews all applications to match skills and availability with hospital needs
• Applicants are called for an interview when a potential match is found
• Applications are kept on file for six months
• Hospital volunteers must attend an orien­tation session
• Application process takes 2-4 weeks

Health Requirements

• All hospital volunteers are screened for tuberculosis
• Volunteers must provide a vaccination record to show that they have been immu­nized against measles, rubella, chicken pox
• All hospital volunteers must undergo a drug test and background check

Volunteer Placements

The volunteer coordinators make every effort to assign individuals to specified areas of interest. Volunteer opportunities at our hospital include:

Direct Patient Contact

Child Life Department:

• Provide recreational opportunities for patients in the hospital or clinic
• Greet families and patients that come for appointments in the clinic area
• Shifts are generally Monday through Friday, 9-11AM, 1-3PM, and 3-5PM
• Tutor: An on-call position helping kids with their homework. Most of the time the assignments are high school level math and science
• Weekend/Evening Helpers: On-call posi­tions based on patient volumes. Helpers will provide activities to kids in their room or in the playrooms on the inpatient unit

Rehabilitation Services: Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy

• Volunteer positions are generally reserved for students studying in these areas
• Escort patients to and from their therapy appointments
• Provide distraction to patients during therapy sessions
• Positions are generally Monday-Friday

Little/No Patient Contact

Health Information Services:

• Assist medical record staff with filing, an­swering phones, and other clerical duties.
• Shifts are Monday-Friday 3:30-5:30PM
• Mailroom; sorting mail to all departments within the hospital
• Shifts are Monday-Friday beginning at 10:30AM
• Weekend receptionist in main lobby

Registration-Scheduling:

• Place reminder calls to parents regarding upcoming appointments.

Public Relations, Tour Guide:

• Give scheduled tours of the hospital to visitors

Clerical/Patient Contact

• Work in the lab answering phones, running errands, and counting supplies
• Will also assist Lab staff when patients come in for lab draws

Outpatient Department, Patient Escort:

• The escort guides new patients around the hospital during their first visit

The Benefits of Volunteering

• A sense of accomplishment in that your work contributes to the mission of the hospital and that you are helping our patients and their families
• A feeling of belonging
• A community of active and engaged volunteers
• A chance to be a part of a legacy of helping children
• Volunteer recognition reception
• Complimentary meal in the hospital cafeteria on volunteer days
• Free parking in our covered ramp
• Free annual TB test
• Opportunities to participate in educational forums