Volunteering

Published On 01/09/2013

Summer VolunTeen Program

Our summer program offers a great, hands-on experience for teens who want to learn more about the healthcare industry while giving back.  We are accepting Summer VolunTeen applications through April 30, 2013. Please download the Summer VolunTeen Application Packet (PDF) for dates, times, requirements and application. Please do not use the regular online volunteer form to apply.

Hospital Volunteers

Our volunteers are an invaluable resource and help to provide the much needed support it takes to run a hospital each day. Whether you are a retiree wanting to give back to the community, a college student hoping to fulfill a service requirement, or just have a simple desire to help others during your free time, there are a variety of volunteer opportunities available. We also have a special Summer VolunTeen program for 15- to 17-year-olds. Teens can apply in April of each year for this program.

The Volunteer Services department actively recruits volunteers to support the staff in many areas of the hospital aimed at impacting patient and family-centered care. Below are just a few of the things our volunteers do:

  • Greeter: Greets and directs patients and visitors entering the hospital.
  • Information Representative: Responsible for opening the information desk, greeting and assisting visitors by providing hospital directions, patient room information and performing other duties.
  • Patient Escort: Assists patients from curbside to requested department and/or to their vehicle upon discharge from requesting department. 
  • Clerical Support: Assists visitors with hospital directions and patient room information. Answers telephone. Performs other duties such as operating copier, assisting with filing, etc.
  • Spiritual Care Volunteer: Greets and welcomes patients in their rooms, and identifies if they would like to visit with anyone from the Spiritual Care department. Provide non-sectarian spiritual care with all patients and be sensitive to the physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual state and need of each patient. 
  • Compassionate Companion: Provide non-clinical services to patients on designated floor assignments by collaborating with the clinical staff on specified nursing floors, such as a link between patients and medical staff, companionship for the patient and families, and emotional and spiritual support for patients and families.
  • Hospice: Find out more about becoming a Methodist Hospice Volunteer. 

Become a Hospital Volunteer

Volunteers are needed at all of our hospitals, including Germantown, North, South, University and Fayette. The steps to becoming a volunteer are listed below. If you have any questions throughout this process or would like to speak to someone about the program, please call 901.516.7481.

  1. For applicants over age 18, complete the online volunteer application form. If you would like to request a paper copy of the form, please call 901.516.7481 or email Johnekia Catron.  

    Please note that the minimum age requirement for volunteering is 18, unless you are applying for the Summer VolunTeen program. Information and the special application for this program are posted each year in April. Call the Volunteer Services office for more information.

  2. Once you submit your volunteer application, we request three character references. Character references may know you from other volunteer activities, work, personal friendship, etc. Family members may not act as references. Download the volunteer reference form. Please return completed references by mail, fax or email.

    Volunteer Services
    Methodist University Hospital
    1265 Union Avenue, E161
    Memphis, TN 38104-3499
    Fax: 901.516.7387
    Email: Johnekia Catron, johnekia.catron@mlh.org
  1. For our patients’ safety, and for yours, we require our volunteers to have many of the same immunizations and screenings that are required of our paid staff. Volunteer Services will help put you in touch with our Associate Health Department to assist you through this process. You can expect to be screened for tuberculosis, and you will also be asked to provide proof of vaccination or immunity to chicken pox, measles, mumps and rubella. A blood test may be needed to show immunity if you are unable to find documentation.
  2. The final step in the application process is the interview with a Volunteer Services team member. Once all your paperwork is complete, someone from Volunteer Services will contact you to set up an appointment.

To become a Le Bonheur Children's Hospital volunteer, visit lebonheur.org/beavolunteer.