Adult Hospital and Clinic Volunteers

Adult hospital volunteers (18 and over) make an ongoing commitment to support the hospital through acts of service. Our hospital volunteers assist in many departments throughout Gillette Children's, offering support to staff, patients and families.

If you have questions about volunteering at Gillette, email volunteer@gillettechildrens.com.

Because extensive training is required to volunteer in a hospital, we consider applicants who meet certain requirements. All hospital volunteers must:

• Commit to volunteering 2-4 hours every week
• Commit to volunteering for at least 100 hours
• Be at least 18 years of age (teens who are 16 or 17 may apply for our student summer volunteer program)
• Be comfortable interacting with children who have disabilities
• Commit to maintaining patient confidentiality
• Pass a Minnesota Department of Human Services fingerprint-based background check
• Provide vaccination information and documentation of QuantiFERON®-TB Gold blood test (QFT-G).

When we are accepting volunteers, applicants must:

• Complete our online application for adults 18 and over.
• Obtain two non-family references.

We will review applications and contact potential volunteers for an interview when we have openings that match the applicant’s interest, skills and availability.

Volunteers interact with patients and families in a variety of ways. Some of our opportunities include:

• Surgery waiting room assistance: Greet families in our warm, welcoming, child-friendly surgery waiting room. Assist families, offer directions and help, as needed. Our waiting room is busy and families appreciate the help!
• Play date: Entertain children in the hospital by playing games, playing with toys, reading books or just being a friendly face!
• Therapy dog teams: Bring your certified therapy dog to visit Gillette patients and make them smile! Various shifts are available. Dogs must be currently certified through Pet Partners.
• Rehabilitation therapies: This opportunity is perfect for physical or occupational therapy students or those thinking about careers in rehabilitation therapies. Assist with setting up therapy sessions and other department support (making copies, running errands, etc.).