Volunteers
Across the hospital, our volunteers support a large number of invaluable services. There are opportunities for you to help us provide the high-quality care our community members deserve.
Become a Portsmouth Regional Hospital volunteer. Make a difference in the lives of others!
Volunteering is a rewarding and enjoyable experience that offers a unique opportunity to enrich one’s life while helping others. Volunteers are a vital part of our healthcare team and make a lasting difference in our patients' lives and healthcare experiences. Here are a few examples of volunteer opportunities offered at Portsmouth Regional Hospital:
- Help patients and visitors find their way around the hospital campus
- Assist staff with a variety of non-clinical tasks in patient care areas
- Provide loved ones with comfort in family waiting areas
- Offer supportive spiritual care to patients and families
- Bring cheer to patients with pet therapy visits and music
- Deliver books, magazines, newspapers, or a friendly visit to patients
- Serve as clerical support in non-patient department
Volunteer to make a difference for you!
- Meet new people
- Contribute to your community
- Bring joy to others
- Learn new skills
- Free meal per four-hour shift
- Volunteer celebrations
What are the requirements to become a volunteer?
- Volunteering is an ongoing commitment. Volunteers must be able to commit to a minimum of three to four hours per week (with the exception of certain programs) for at least one year.
- Volunteers should complete the application, background check, and interview process.
- Volunteers are required to pass a drug test and provide proof of immunizations along with their annual flu vaccine.
- Volunteers are required to attend initial orientation and complete annual education requirements.
- Volunteers should wear a hospital provided vest with a volunteer ID picture badge. Volunteer opportunities exist for people ages 14 and over in our Junior and Adult Program.
Student volunteers
If you’re a student who is looking to gain first-hand knowledge in a leading-edge hospital system, we can offer you a wide range of volunteer opportunities that require no previous healthcare experience. Our volunteer program encourages students as young as 14 years old to get involved in our care and learn about our impact in the Portsmouth community. Volunteer positions available include:
- Administrative support
- Information desk attendant
- Medical floor support
- Music therapy educator
- Patient companion
- Pet visitation handler
- Spiritual care specialist
Example volunteer opportunities available
Volunteers enthusiastically greet, guide, and escort patients and families as they move throughout the hospital campus.
- Morning and afternoon shifts available Monday to Friday
Volunteers work as a team with hospital staff to ensure our patients and visitors to the units receive prompt and customized service. Volunteers answer phones and call buttons, provide clerical support and compassionate service to patients, visitors and employees in a consistent welcoming manner.
- Morning and afternoon shifts available Monday to Friday
Volunteers will use their sensitivity and compassion to improve the hospital experience of patients and visitors. On any given day, the volunteer may bring their cheery disposition to a patient’s room to provide companionship and stimulation. They may read, chat, or help with a puzzle. Use your talents to play music or help a patient write their memories or guide them to take a stroll through the hospital when able. Volunteers will also deliver snacks and drinks to families in the waiting rooms during their most vulnerable time as they eagerly await for their loved ones.
- Varying shifts available 7 days per week
Volunteers will visit, in coordination with the hospital Chaplain, patients and families to help with the emotional and spiritual challenges posed by illness. Volunteers offer a supportive relationship to help make the most of their own spiritual strengths.
- Varying shifts available 7 days per week
Provide patients with the opportunity to receive a visit from a furry, friendly and specially trained dog and handler who is also a trained volunteer.
- Varying shifts available 7 days per week
The Volunteer Musician Program is designed to offer quality live music that supports a relaxing and personal experience for patients, families and staff.
- Varying shifts available 7 days per week
Our administrative volunteers provide assistance to various departments by assisting staff with office duties and projects. Duties may include data entry, filing, copying, collating, assistance with mailings and answering telephones.
- Varying shifts available 7 days per week
Volunteer Application
Dear Prospective Volunteer:
Thank you for your interest in volunteering at Portsmouth Regional Hospital. Volunteers provide service in a variety of areas of the hospital and are an integral part of our community. The information you provide will be stored in confidence. Your completed form will be held securely and confidentially.
Items to consider:
- Portsmouth Regional Hospital has a policy of conducting background investigations for all volunteer applicants prior to beginning a volunteer experience.
- Minimum commitment is 3-4 hours per week for 6 months.
- Minimum age is 14 years old.
- Before starting service, all applicants will be referred to the Occupational Health Department for medical clearance (flu shot and applicable immunizations).
- All applicants will be required to attend orientation and training.
- Please complete all applicable information on the Volunteer Application.
- Falsification of information on either the Volunteer Application may be grounds for denial of a volunteer placement.
- Portsmouth Regional Hospital is not obligated to provide a volunteer placement, nor is the applicant obligated to accept a position, if offered.
All fields with an asterisk (*) are required.