Come make a difference at Stamford Health
As part of our Planetree philosophy, Stamford Health is committed to personalizing the health care experience for our patients, families, and volunteers. As a volunteer, our staff will mentor and guide you to ensure that you are well-matched and recognized for your individual strengths and talents. You can choose from a broad selection of opportunities that fit today's busy lifestyles, while at the same time maintaining a focus on the needs of our patients.
At Stamford Health, we are committed to building an inclusive workplace that values diversity and inclusion and reflects the community and patients we serve.
See Our Volunteers In Action
Here is a glimpse of the day-to-day duties of Stamford Health’s volunteers. They support in our patients in so many ways!
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Adult Volunteers
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Junior Volunteers
Adult Volunteers (18+ years of age)
Our Spring cohort is currently full. We continue to accept applications for our ongoing programs, including the information desk, daytime administrative support (8 am to 4 pm), and our clinical support programs.
All new adult volunteers are required to:
- Submit an application.
- Interview: we will offer you an interview if your needs and availability align with ours.
- Attend required in-person orientation upon invitation.
- Undergo medical clearance, including:
- Proof of MMRV (titer check or documentation)
- TB test (blood test)
- Flu vaccine (in season)
- Background check (Adults only)
For most volunteer roles , we require a minimum of 8 hours per week, two shifts per week, for at least six months. For longer-term and specialized placements, the commitment varies.
Please contact the Volunteer Services Department by emailing [email protected] or by phone: 203.276.7521.
Junior Volunteers (16 – 17 years old)
Are you interested in learning about healthcare in a professional environment? Do you have time to volunteer twice a week (after school only)? Apply to join Stamford Health by submitting an application using the link above.
NOTE: If you are invited to volunteer, Employee Health will require a medical clearance consisting of vaccination records for Measles, Mumps, Rubella, and Varicella. The flu shot is required during flu season.
We are no longer accepting applications for our Junior Volunteer Program for the spring season. We will be accepting applications for our summer Juniors program starting Friday, February 14th, with rolling admissions.
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During the school year, we require a minimum of 100 hours over the course of 6 months.
- Spring Program: Runs from January through June.
- Summer Program: Runs from June through August.
Please contact the Volunteer Services Department by emailing [email protected] or by phone: 203.276.7358.
Current Volunteering Opportunities
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BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
Objective: Provide support to behavioral health inpatients to enhance their patient experience.
Location: Behavioral Health Inpatient Unit
Time: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday 6pm – 8pm. Wednesdays 5pm – 8pm.
Weekends and Holidays 2pm – 4pm and 6pm – 8pm.
Shift supervisor: Charge Nurse
Qualifications and Personal Characteristics:
- An individual with a passion or interest in psychology or behavioral health.
- Experience or education in a related field preferred.
Essential Functions:
- Assist the nursing team by greeting visitors as they arrive in the lobby, and ensuring belongings are secured prior to arriving to the unit.
- Escort the visitors on the unit as needed.
- Participate in serving the patients during the weekly Planetree buffet each Wednesday.
- Coordinating and facilitating evening recreational activities: bingo, board games, etc.
- Support patients in menu selections.
Training:
- The volunteer will be oriented with an experienced unit staff member / educator prior to being independent.
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Department of Research Internships
Stamford Health’s Department of Research and Discovery offers dynamic internship opportunities for students eager to gain hands-on experience in healthcare. Whether you are interested in contributing to cutting-edge research, developing grant proposals to support vital initiatives, or advancing patient care through high-fidelity simulation, our internships provide invaluable exposure to the real-world intersections of healthcare, education, and research. Explore our Clinical Research Intern, Grant Writing Intern, and Simulation Intern positions to find the right fit for your interests and career goals.
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INFORMATION DESK AMBASSADOR
Volunteers assist guests by triaging their needs and answering phones by relaying basic patient and hospital information. There are two information desks: Main Hospital and Tully Health Center. Each function differently depending on their location and the guests they serve. Volunteers are highly visible and are the first encounter a patient or visitor has, which sets the tone for a positive experience. Great customer service skills are essential.
Activities volunteers will perform include the following:
- Meet and greet guests with a warm welcome.
- Direct and/or escort guests to their destination.
- Transport patients or guests via wheelchair to treatment areas or to the exit upon discharge.
- Visit with patients or guests who need companionship.
- Communicate information to patients or guests.
- Deliver flowers or cheer cards to patient rooms.
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RECEPTION AND TREATMENT AREAS
Volunteers are welcomed in other departments as well. Responsibilities will vary according to the departments' needs, but basically be assured that a warm reception, registering the patient in some cases and some general clerical duties might be required. Training and expectations by the staff will be offered.
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PATIENT LIAISONVolunteers are assigned to a nursing unit, where they assist the nursing staff by rounding on patients. They tend to their non-medical needs: visit a lonely patient, adjust pillows, educate on Get Well Network, assist in ordering meals, or most importantly, bring patients' concerns to the appropriate staff member. Patients are more comfortable sharing with volunteers because they don't want to "bother" the staff.
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OFFICE ASSISTANT
Volunteers provide clerical, computer and project assistance to staff. Assignments are based upon experience and interest. They may include organizing filing, make packets or data entry. Computer assignments may include researching information for a special project or assisting with data entry.
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EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT AMBASSADOR
Volunteers are an essential presence in this department. They are a liaison between patients, families, and staff. By relaying information regarding time it will take for test results, holding a hand or offering a beverage if permitted, anxiety is lessened knowing they are not forgotten.
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BENNETT CANCER CENTER
We have ambassadors that greet patients, offer directions, or assist with a wheelchair if necessary. They set the tone for the warm environment at the Bennett Cancer Center.
Our infusion volunteers assist in outpatient medical oncology, where patients stay for long periods of time receiving chemotherapy. These volunteers assist with lunches, restocking, and transporting. Conversation and smiles are part of the treatment.
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PLANETREE COMFORT PROGRAMS
A sampling of a few of our special programs:
- Tender Touch offers patients a gentle hand massage, bringing relaxations and the comfort of human touch.
- Healing Hounds is a pet therapy program where owners bring their dogs to visit patients to offer diversion and comfort.
- HAHA - Health and Humor Associates are our hospital trained clowns. They are low keyed in their act and sensitive to our patients, visitors, and staff.
- NODA - No One Dies Alone is a program where volunteers can give the greatest kindness of sitting bedside with patients during their final hours. Some patients have outlived their families and friends, or families are out of town and can't be there in time. Volunteers go through special training and are notified by email when a vigil is called or companionship is needed for a lonely patient. For more information, call ReBecca Sala, Manager of Spiritual Care at 203.276.7445 or email [email protected].
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SUPPORTING OUR DEMENTIA PATIENTS
There are many forms of Dementia; Alzheimer's is one of them. In CT, almost 80,000 people are affected by the disease and nearly 180,000 Dementia Caregivers.
The Alzheimer's Association is collaborating with Stamford Hospital on a vital initiative to support our dementia patients. As a volunteer at Stamford Hospital, you'll help provide activities for patients with memory impairment to support patients and families in making their hospital stay more comfortable and familiar with
tool kits provided by the Alzheimer's Association.Contact Us
For more information, call ReBecca Sala, Manager of Spiritual Care at 203.276.7445 or email [email protected].
Benefits
Aside from becoming part of the hospital family, you will benefit from:
- Discounted membership to the Sarner Health & Fitness Institute during a volunteer tenure.
- Free flu & COVID-19 shots.
- Participation in events and lectures sponsored by Stamford Health.
- Letters of reference, if volunteer requirements are met.
- Opportunities to join hospital committees.
- Participation in the employee credit union.
- Participation in the Concierge program, which offers restaurant and entertainment discounts and other perks.
Placement
Your placement as a volunteer is based on skills, interests, and availability. All volunteer positions are subject to an assessment period and the satisfaction of the department and the volunteer. Acceptance and placement as a volunteer are not guaranteed to any applicant.