Volunteers Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
Volunteer Application Questions:
What is the application process for adults and college students?
- You must apply through the volunteer application (either as an adult or college student). For adults, if your schedule and interests match our current needs, we will invite you to an in-person individual or group interview. For college students, if you applied during the college student application period and your availability aligns with our needs, we will invite you to an in-person group interview. Applications are kept for two months before being removed.
What is the status of my application?
- If your application was successfully submitted, it is now in our portal. If your availability and interests align with our current needs, we will contact you via email as soon as possible. Please note that your application will be kept on file for two months before being removed. If you have not been contacted after two months, we welcome you to reapply.
Does every applicant automatically get a volunteer position?
- Our program is committed to selecting the most suitable volunteers for each placement, based on your interests and the hospital's current needs. Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we regret that not all applicants can be placed.
Can my child/teen come volunteer? What is the minimum age to become a volunteer?
- To volunteer in the hospital, your child must be a registered VolunTeen. Our VolunTeen Program is available to teens who are 16 years old or will be entering their junior year in the Fall before the summer program. Teens may only volunteer during the school year if they have completed the summer VolunTeen Program. Those who do not meet the age or grade requirements are not eligible for the VolunTeen Program.
Volunteer Onboarding Questions:
When do we onboard?
- Volunteer onboarding varies depending on your category: Adult, College Student, or High School Student. Adult applications are accepted on a rolling basis. College student applications are accepted during specific time periods with fixed deadlines: July 15th – August 15th and December 15th – January 15th. High School students can apply during the VolunTeen application window, which runs from January 1st – March 1st.
What are the interview sessions and when are they scheduled?
- The interview sessions, both group and individual, are intended to provide you with more information about the program, service areas, and shift placements, while also allowing us to better get to know you. For adults, interviews will be scheduled based on our availability. For college students, interviews will be arranged 1-2 weeks after the application deadlines in August and January.
Is there a cost to becoming a volunteer?
- Yes, we require a $45 commitment fee, which will cover the volunteer badge, jacket, and background check. We also provide free parking and a meal stipend.
Is there a time commitment for volunteering?
- Yes, we require all volunteers to commit to at least one shift per week for a minimum of 6 months. Shift lengths vary by service area and typically range from 2-4 hours. For college students, we understand that you may leave for school breaks during your commitment period; however, we ask that you resume and complete your 6-month requirement upon returning to campus.
Volunteer Opportunity Questions:
How do you determine which service area I will be assigned to?
- We consider your availability, interests, skills, and strengths when making our selection. With over 15 different service areas, we aim to match you with a role that fits your unique qualities and preferences.
Can I “rock the babies”?
- The NICU Cuddler Program at East Tennessee Children’s Hospital is dedicated to providing comfort and soothing care to our most vulnerable patients. Given the sensitivity of this population, all prospective Cuddlers are required to complete 90 hours in another service area within our program. After completing this requirement, you must attend a "Cuddler Workshop" to learn about our NICU, policies, and the care of the babies we serve. For more information about the Cuddler Program, please visit the relevant section on our website.
Can I bring my dog with me when I volunteer?
Can I volunteer at external hospital events?
- Yes, you can volunteer at external events like Fantasy of Trees.
Is this a shadowing or medical exploration program?
- Our Volunteer and VolunTeen Programs are not designed for shadowing or medical exploration. While you may work alongside medical staff in certain service areas, such as Child Life Specialists, to provide comprehensive care and services to our patients, you will not be shadowing them. Our volunteers are focused on meeting the needs of patients and families during their service.
Are there evening or weekend volunteering opportunities?
- Yes, our Volunteer Program has evening and weekend volunteer opportunities.
Does volunteering ensure that I will get a job at the hospital?
- No, we cannot guarantee volunteers will obtain a paid position; however, if you are interested in seeking employment opportunities, we invite you to visit the careers section at https://www.etch.com/careers/ .
Donation Questions:
What are your donation drop-off hours?
Our office is open for donations Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Please call us at (865) 541-8136 before you come.
Where can I drop off donations?
For non-monetary donations, please use the circle drop-off area located at the corner of Clinch Ave. and 21st Street. Follow the white arrows and park between the first two columns. Upon arrival, call (865) 541-8136, and a Volunteer Services staff member will come to your vehicle to collect the items.
What items can I donate?
All items that we can accept can be found here: https://www.etch.com/ways-to-give/non-monetary-donations/
Can my group/child/family come in and directly deliver our donations to the patients?
To ensure HIPAA confidentiality, infection control, and security policy compliance, we cannot permit individuals to directly distribute donations to patients.
