When can I submit my application?
You can fill out our online application by clicking this link: Click here to view the Senior Volunteer Application (ages 18 and up)
We do not accept walk-in applications or questions.
If you have any questions, please call 631-444-2610 or email Volunteer Service at volunteerservices@stonybrookmedicine.edu The Volunteer Office is closed on Holidays and weekends.
Applications must be complete upon submission including the Healthcare Provider Medical Reference form, 2-Step [Tuberculosis Screening (PPD), and references. References are required for all new volunteers and should be sent in after your application is approved. We do not accept phone references. All required medical paperwork can be found on our webpage by clicking the "Forms" tab. Please be sure that the Physicians Medical Reference form has been signed and stamped by your physician and that the 2-Step PPD documentation indicates dates planted and dates read.
We will acknowledge receipt of your email. During peak seasons acknowledgment will be sent within 5 business days. It is strongly recommended that you call or email the office if you do not receive an acknowledgment. Please note: Volunteer Services is not open on holidays or weekends.
Individuals, who have had a past positive PPD, must provide a copy of a chest x-ray report. Employee Health will not administer chest x-rays for individuals who have had a past positive PPD.
Do you have a summer only volunteer program?
Not at this time.
How long must I wait before I can start volunteering?
It can take anywhere from four to six weeks before you can begin.
Senior applicants (18 years or older) must successfully complete a background investigation prior to starting their volunteer assignment. The background investigation will occur once a volunteer has received a schedule from a departmental supervisor and notifies Volunteer Services of the schedule. Only Volunteer Services can issue a start date and a Volunteer ID badge. Volunteers are prohibited from obtaining their Volunteer ID without our signed consent form.
You may find that it will take upwards of six weeks to begin if you apply during early fall, our busiest time of year.
Can I submit my application too early?
Yes, applications should only be submitted two months prior to your anticipated start date or the application will time out. See the following list in regards to time frames for applying:
Fall Semester: Do not apply any earlier than August 1
Spring Semester: Do not apply any earlier than December 15
Summer: Do not apply earlier than May 15
Submitting early may result in having to redo parts of your application and medical. If you have any questions, please call 631-444-2610 or email Volunteer Services at volunteerservices@stonybrookmedicine.edu
How much time should I set aside for volunteering?
Applicants are required to make a commitment of at least 100 hours of volunteer service. In general, volunteers schedule their assignment for a minimum of once a week for three hours.
Do I need to wear a uniform? Do I have to purchase one?
Yes, all volunteers are required to be in uniform when reporting for volunteer service. Volunteer uniforms are available for purchase on the volunteers first day of service. The cost of the uniform is $35.00 plus tax. Please report to Volunteer Services first to obtain your ID badge and then purchase your uniform in the Gift Shop. If the cost of the uniform will create an economic hardship for any volunteer, speak with the Volunteer Services staff privately for an alternative solution.
What about Volunteer Orientations?
All applicants are required to attend the virtual Volunteer Orientation. The Volunteer Orientation covers topics such as: fire safety, patient confidentiality, general procedures, attendance, infection control, etc. You will receive the orientation and volunteer manual via email after we receive your completed application and medical paperwork.
How do I find out what departments I can work in?
A description of assignments is available on-line by visiting:
https://www.stonybrookmedicine.edu/patientcare/hospital-volunteers/positions-applications#volunteer.
You choose the assignment from one of our current volunteer positions listed! Once your application is submitted you may start calling the department supervisor to discuss placement and a schedule.
A staff member from Volunteer Services will notify you via email of your medical clearance. This email will contain a volunteer schedule form to be filled out once you have worked out a schedule with the departmental supervisor. When we receive this form back, you will then be given a start date only if you have completed all onboarding steps. For Senior Volunteers, the start date given is tentative, pending a successful background investigation.
Who should I ask for reference letters?
Anyone who can speak to your character/work ethic such as a current Professor, past Professor, teacher, supervisor, co-worker, etc.
What about parking and snack cards?
All hospital volunteers are eligible for free parking on their day of service or when they are visiting the hospital for a volunteer-related appointment. When arriving at University Hospital, please park in the visitor’s parking garage and bring in your parking ticket for validation.
Volunteers are entitled to a snack card voucher which has a value of $4.50 and is issued daily after a minimum of 3 hours of volunteer service is completed.