Healthcare Volunteer Summer Program

Overview

OHSU’s Healthcare Volunteer Summer Program is designed to provide a meaningful volunteer experience for students, high school or college, who are only available during their summer breaks from school to volunteer. Volunteers in the summer program will gain valuable, introductory experience in a healthcare environment at Oregon’s only public academic health center. The Summer Program asks volunteers to commit to 2 weekly, regularly scheduled shifts for a minimum of 26 shifts and 10 weeks.

This will require volunteers pick up shifts in addition to their weekly scheduled shifts. Summer Program volunteers get the unique opportunity to understand healthcare from the perspective of the patient, while making a difference in their community by participating in the following programs:

• Guide Volunteers: Guide volunteers assist in patients and families find their appointments on Marquam Hill and South Waterfront. These volunteers get to opportunity interact with patients and families directly, and will provide invaluable assistance in simplifying the complexity of OHSU Campus for everyone unteer guides much be at least 14 years old.
• Art Cart: Art cart volunteers spend time doing crafts with children and their siblings, in the clinic waiting room of the Doernbecher Children’s Hospital 7th floor. Volunteers are tasked with engaging with children to provide distraction while they wait for their appointments, while also adhering to infection prevention precautions to help keep everyone safe and healthy. Art Cart volunteers must be a minimum of 16 years of age and have experience with children.
• 8S Pediatric Surgery Ambassadors: 8S Ambassador volunteers assist the unit both behind the scenes in pre/post surgery area and in assisting families in the surgical waiting room. 8S Ambassadors get the opportunity to engage with the dynamic and exceptional Pediatric Surgery team, assisting with patient needs and learning from seasoned staff. 8S Ambassador volunteers must be at least 18 years of age.
• Adult Inpatient Programs: Volunteers over the age of 18 also have the opportunity to volunteer in a variety of Adult Inpatient Units. This gives volunteers the opportunity to work closely with nursing staff, forge connections with patients, and gain experience in a healthcare setting.
• Healing Through Music: Healing through music volunteers provide ambient music for general areas at OHSU, including lobbies and waiting areas. Volunteers must be able to bring their own instrument to play at OHSU (with the exception of piano.) Volunteers will be auditioned to be placed in this role. Healing Through Music volunteers play for a 2-hours shift and must be at least 14 years old.