Serve the community, meet new people
Our volunteers provide a personal touch to our patient care.
As a volunteer, you are the backbone of the dedicated team that provides quality healthcare to Genesee County and the surrounding areas. The combination of your committed service and generous time allows hospital staff to allocate more of their energy to our patients and their families. We take great pride in our invaluable Volunteer Corps, the third largest department of the medical center.
What Should I Expect as a Volunteer?
Volunteerism at Hurley is constantly growing and evolving. We welcome new ideas for service here at the medical center and throughout the community. When you commit to volunteering at Hurley, you are welcomed into the Hurley family. As the third largest department of the medical center, we are dedicated to helping Genesee County and surrounding areas with a personal touch to our patient care. The combination of your committed service and generous time allows hospital staff to allocate more of their energy to our patients and their families. We hope this experience provides you with the comfort that you are devoted to the betterment of others. Our volunteer program is a great way to serve your community, meet new people and get hands-on experience in the hospital setting.
"I was taught at an early age that we are here to serve and help one another. As part of the Hurley team, I have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of those we have the privilege of caring for—and their families."
Volunteer Code of Ethics
Make a personal commitment to treat all individuals with respect and dignity and to recognize and celebrate cultural differences and lifestyle of every person I work with.
Be courteous and compassionate in my communication and avoid profane or offensive language.
Abstain from taking photos, video or audio recordings, unless given consent.
Respect patient confidentiality. I will maintain the confidentiality of the information I am exposed to, whether this information pertains to a patient, staff member or fellow volunteer.
Never pressure anyone to accept my political, religious or cultural beliefs.
Be punctual, dependable and committed to my volunteer assignment. Accept volunteer assignments that are in the scope of my interests and abilities.
Follow safe workplace practices. Report accidents, injuries and any suspicious activities. Honor and embrace the partnership of volunteer and staff, always follow the instructions of hospital personnel and follow workplace practices.
Not use, possess, or be under the influence of alcohol or drugs at any time.
Not smoke anywhere on the Hurley Medical Center campus.
Wear the volunteer uniform as presented in the Volunteer Handbook, with my volunteer badge displayed at all times.
Represent Hurley Medical Center in a professional manner and keep service at the forefront of all volunteer activities.
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Appearance & uniform
All volunteers must be in proper uniform while on duty.
Uniforms include:
- Designated volunteer smock or polo shirt. Solid dress pants in white, black, navy, brown or khaki. Solid colored scrub bottoms are also acceptable.
- Shoes must be closed-toe walking shoes; hosiery must cover the ankle.
- Volunteer badge must be worn at all times. There is a $10 replacement fee for lost badges.
- A volunteer’s appearance and attitude are a reflection of Hurley Medical Center. Please keep uniforms clean and neat.
- A cheerful and positive attitude is an essential aspect of being part of the volunteer team.
- Please keep strong perfume/cologne to a minimum.
Volunteer Information
Vaccinations
Influenza, Hepatitis B and Covid vaccines are available to all volunteers. A TB test will be performed during onboarding. Volunteers under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian present for a vaccination or TB test. The expense of the aforementioned will be paid by the foundation.
Service Hour Pins
Service hour pins will be awarded by request. Hour pins are distributed at the annual Recognition Luncheon.
Meal Period
A 30-minute meal period is granted. Food and beverages must not be brought from the cafeteria to the area of assignment.
Hospital Polices Affecting Volunteers
Injury or Illness
In case of illness or injury while on duty in the hospital, immediately notify the Volunteer Director regardless of how minor it may be. In cases of more serious injury while on duty, the Volunteer should be seen in Occupational Health. An incident report MUST be completed for on-duty injuries regardless of severity of injury.
Pregnancy
A Volunteer working during her pregnancy must have written permission from her physician stating limitations and restrictions and follow Hurley Protocol.
Benefits
Meal vouchers: Volunteers working at least a four-hour shift are allowed to one meal (cost determined by the Foundation) to be taken on the day assigned only. Anything in excess of this amount will have to paid for by the Volunteer personally. The food allowance is intended for only the Volunteer and does not extend to families and friends of the Volunteer.
Discount to the Lobby Shop
All active volunteers receive a 15% discount to the Lobby Shop. All proceeds of the Lobby Shop support hospital endeavors
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Student volunteers
We offer several opportunities for college and high school students to serve at Hurley including:
- Placement in various nursing units such as the Emergency Room, Neonatal Care Unit, Pediatric, Orthopedics, Medical Surgery, and more.
- Guest relations, helping guests navigate the hospital and receive the items they need.
- Emergency Room (ED) Ambassador where the volunteers act as a liaison between the patients and families and the healthcare team. (Volunteer must be 18 years of age or older).
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Life member volunteers
Active Volunteers are those who are currently serving 50+ hours of service as volunteers of the Hurley Foundation.
Event Volunteers are those who participate in the events that the Hurley Foundation and Hurley Medical Center host in the community.
Life Volunteers are those who are physically or mentally unable to continue to serve but have been Active Volunteers for at least ten years. Such status should be designated by the Steering Committee.
Steps on Becoming a Volunteer at Hurley Medical Center
Step 1: Complete Application
Complete an application on the Hurley Medical Center website or turn in a completed application to Volunteer Services.
After receiving application Volunteer Services will:
Send an automated email requesting you sign up for a Volunteer Orientation date and run a background check.
The volunteer will sign up for orientation through the Director.
Step 2: Attend Informational Meeting
Potential volunteer will need to attend a Volunteer Informational Meeting which is hosted every second and fourth Wednesday of the month starting at 3:30 pm
Volunteer Services will:
- Use the Volunteer Orientation to educate the volunteer on policies, procedures and onboarding process.
Step 3: Schedule Volunteering
When all requirements are met, the potential volunteer is scheduled to volunteer.
Adult Requirements (18 years of age or older):
- Two-step TB test is complete
- Physician statement
- Two references
- Completed six online Healthstream courses
Student Requirements (Under 18 years of age):
- Proof of MMR/Varicella/Flu Vaccine and Covid-19 if applicable
- 16+ Student Volunteers
- Two-step TB test is complete
- Counselor eligibility form
- Worker's permit
- Copy of immunization record of physical
- Completed six online Healthstream courses
- Proof of MMR/Varicella/Flu Vaccine and Covid-19 if applicable
Step 4: Start Volunteering!
Congratulations you are ready to start volunteering with Hurley Medical Center!
Featured Opportunities to Serve
Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP)
Volunteers administer personalized interventions to elderly patients that evolve to match their changing needs throughout the course of hospitalization. (HELP training and shadowing required prior to start.)
NICU Cuddlers
Help with the development of the newborn by providing nurturing touch and holding. These volunteers are trained by the NICU Nurse Educator and Occupational Therapist.
Lobby Shop
Assist customers with their purchases, as well as stocking and manning the Lobby Shop and Goodie Cart.
Service Opportunities
Child Life
The goal is for the volunteer to make the pediatric patient’s stay in the hospital as pleasant as possible by providing activities in the playroom and at the bedside, while also overseeing the playroom.
Cut 'n Sew
Sewing volunteers make sewing projects for Hurley Medical Center patients. Sewing projects include breast cancer pillows, gait belts, IV bags, comfort blankets, newborn hats, booties and holiday stockings.
Emergency Waiting Room
Volunteers work in the waiting room alongside ER admittance staff. They act as a patient/family liaison. Their duties include but are not limited to greeting, providing escorts, wheelchair assistance and helping with phone calls.
Foster Grandparents
In alliance with the local Foster Grandparents Organization, the Foster Grandparent’s role is to help make the pediatric patient’s stay in the hospital as pleasant as possible by providing activities bedside and in the playroom.
Guest Relations
Are assigned to a variety of areas including GI Lab, Cath Lab, Information Desk, Admitting and Outpatient Clinic. These volunteers provide directions, wheelchair escorts and comfort measures.
HMC/Hurley Foundation Special Events
Volunteers assist in the events hosted by Hurley Medical Center and the Hurley Foundation at offsite functions.
Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP)
Volunteers administer personalized interventions to elderly patients that evolve to match their changing needs throughout the course of hospitalization. (HELP training and shadowing required prior to start.)
Lobby Shop/Goodie Cart
Assist customers with their purchases, as well as stocking and manning the Lobby Shop and Goodie Cart.
NICU
Assist with screening visitors, assembling discharge packets and providing comfort for babies in the Neonatal Care Unit.
NICU Cuddlers
Help with the development of the newborn by providing nurturing touch and holding. These volunteers are trained by the NICU Nurse Educator and Occupational Therapist.
On Call Chaplains
Ordained ministers and specially trained laypeople assist the Coordinator of Spiritual Care in meeting the spiritual needs of patients.
Office
Assists in various departments with basic clerical duties.
Pet Therapy
Escorts and handles the therapy dog throughout the campus making therapeutic visits with patients.
Physical Therapy
Placement is available for college-level volunteers in the Hurley Physical Therapy department.
Research Departments
Assist the Research team with data collection and entry.
Surgical Lounge
Volunteers act as a liaison between patients’ families and surgical and recovery staff. Responsibilities include checking in surgery patient’s families, updating patient progress to families, and providing overall comfort to the Surgical Lounge.
Wayfinders
Assist in directing patients and visitors in navigation of the hospital.
Want to Join Our Community of Volunteers?
We're always looking for people to join our team and we can't wait to discuss how you are best suited to help.