FAQs
- How much time do volunteers usually spend volunteering each week?
Volunteers usually commit to one shift per week that lasts between three and four hours, or they may choose to substitute for different shifts. This may vary based on the service area. - What type of commitment is expected?
Volunteer commitment varies based on the program, service area and your availability. Our organization strives to remain flexible and considerate of individual commitments and schedules. While many volunteers prefer to serve during regularly assigned shifts, others opt for the adaptability of assisting with special requests or serving as substitutes. - What do volunteers wear?
Each volunteer's dress, grooming, hygiene and demeanor must support our standards of professionalism in healthcare. It is the responsibility of each volunteer to dress, groom and conduct themselves in a manner that is appropriate to their work setting and presents a positive image of Mayo Clinic Health System. All volunteers wear a uniform along with a photo identification badge - What types of positions do volunteers hold?
Volunteer opportunities range from transporting and escorting patients and visitors to providing information to visitors and guests and assisting staff with special projects. Your skills, interests and availability will determine assignments. - What is required of volunteers?
All volunteers must complete an application, confidentiality agreement, background checks, health screening, general orientation, HIPAA training and on-the-job training. - Why do I need to have a health screening?
The safety of our patients comes first. To ensure that our patients, and you, are safe from infectious diseases, each potential volunteer must receive certain health screenings, including a review of tuberculosis status and immunizations. This screening may include blood tests and vaccinations. - How do I sign up to volunteer?
Once your application is received and reviewed, you will be contacted with more information and possibly set up an appointment for an interview. Submit the volunteer application. - At what age may I begin volunteering?
The minimum age to begin volunteering at Mayo Clinic Health System is 14, depending on location and positions available. - Do I have to work with sick people?
Not all our volunteer opportunities are in the healthcare setting. Some are behind-the-scenes and in clerical areas. What fits best for you will be determined at your interview. - What is HIPAA?
HIPAA is the Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act of 1996. The federal government enacted the act on Aug. 21, 1996. HIPAA works to protect patients' private information. Whether that information deals with benefits, healthcare or something else, it is protected under federal law. As a volunteer, you will receive HIPAA training that will be documented in your official volunteer file. - All I want to do is data entry. Do I have to have a background check?
All volunteers, staff and contractors must complete a background check. Again, the needs and safety of our patients come first. - I'm looking for a paying job. Will volunteering help me get hired here?
No. Volunteers supplement the work of paid staff. However, being a volunteer looks great on a resume. In addition, it provides a real-world experience. - Can't I just show up and visit patients? Why do I need to register?
Each volunteer must record their time for many different reasons. It protects volunteers from lawsuits, should something happens while volunteering. The Federal Tort Claims Act protects volunteers who are acting under the scope of their assignment. - I'm required to do a minimum number of hours of community service. Is it possible to get a certificate or letter of verification?
We do not accept volunteers for court-mandated community service regardless of the offense. Volunteers who are admitted to the program and need hours validated for other purposes can request a report at any time. - I have a gentle Labrador Retriever. Can I bring him to visit the patients?
Pets visiting patients in a medical setting must be registered through a qualifying pet therapy organization. They also must be active volunteers and complete the standard requirements. Alliance for Therapy Dogs and Pet Partners trains and screens volunteers and their pets for visiting animal programs in hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, schools and other facilities. These programs ensure that both ends of the leash — people and animals — are well-prepared to participate in animal-assisted activity and animal-assisted therapy programs. Once trained, dogs and their handlers can become part of the Caring Canine volunteer program.