
Volunteer
Thank you for your interest in Garnet Health Volunteer Services!
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Volunteer Services at Garnet Health
Thank you for your interest in Garnet Health and Volunteer Services! We have re-started our volunteer program. Every effort has been made to insure the safety and health of our volunteers as they return and we are very happy to see so many familiar faces after being apart for so long.
Volunteer Opportunities
About Us
Garnet Health’s volunteer program is an integral part of the hospital’s operations. For over 20 years, volunteers have provided invaluable assistance to our patients, visitors, and staff. The Garnet Health Volunteer Corps, more than 250 strong, use their special talents to contribute to the well-being of our community all year long.
Garnet Health Medical Center offers a friendly environment and a broad range of volunteer opportunities in medical and support areas throughout the hospital and outpatient facilities. If you are not sure about how you may fit in, contact us and we can help you choose an opportunity based on your background, experience, and interests. We accept volunteers at specific times of the year, so please see below for any open applications.
Program Descriptions
The process to become a volunteer at Garnet Health requires a number of steps before you are cleared to begin onboarding and volunteering. All applicants must be vaccinated against COVID-19, complete a medical clearance and attend orientation.
Adult Program: We accept applications three to four times per year; typically in January, May, July and October. You must be at least 18 years old and able to commit to a weekly shift throughout the year. Please note that all adult volunteers must complete a background check.
College Summer Program: The application for this program is opened for the month of February, phone interviews are held in March and orientation in offered several times in May. You must be currently enrolled in a college/university in order to qualify for this program. Please note that Volunteer Service assignments are not considered clinical hours.
High School Program: The High School program opens up for new volunteers 2-3 times/ per year. The applications for the summer program are available starting May 1st, and we accept applications in August and November for the academic year program. Please note that you must be at least 15 years old to participate and 16 years old to volunteer on a nursing unit.
Areas of Interest
- Cardiac Cath Lab
- Cardiology (non-invasive)
- Clinical Decision Area/Observation
- Community Health
- Emergency Department
- Foundation
- Front or Information Desk(s)
- General Clerical
- Gift Shop
- Graduate Medical Education
- Guest Services
- Health Information Management
- Human Resources
- Infection Control
- Infusion
- Inpatient Rehabilitation/Art Therapy
- Marketing & Corporate Communications
- Nurse Float/Staffing
- Outpatient Rehabilitation (OT/PT)
- Palliative Care
- Pastoral Care
- Patient Advocacy & Experience
- Patient Transport
- Registration/Registration Desk
- Same Day Surgery
- Supply/Storage Room
- Telemetry/Bio-Med
Nursing Units assignments include:
- Geriatrics
- Med/Surge
- OB/GYN
- Orthopedics
- Oncology
- Orthopedics
- Pediatrics
- Progressive Care Units
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the time commitment? The program is structured in a way that you will be scheduled for one, 4-hour shift each week on the same day and at the same time. We require at least 60 service hours before exiting the program, although you are welcome to stay for as long as you would like.
What is the application process? Most of our application periods are one month and once your application is received, it is reviewed and assessed. We will offer New Volunteer Information Sessions when the application period closes so we can answer any of your questions and discuss next steps. The onboarding process includes a background check, reference check, medical clearance and orientation.
Is there a dress code? Yes. All volunteers will be given a volunteer ID, Garnet Health uniform/polo shirt and are required to wear khaki (or black) slacks and closed shoes while volunteering. Scrub pants are permitted, but volunteers may not wear scrub tops. Volunteers are not allowed to wear jeans, sweatpants, sweatshirts, leggings, shorts, athletic wear, t-shirts, sandals, or baseball caps.
If I volunteer, will I get a job at the hospital; can I use my hours as clinical hours or can I shadow? Volunteering at the hospital does not guarantee employment and volunteer hours cannot be used for clinical credit.
For more information on Clinical Hours, please call Medical Staffing Services at 845-333-3528. To discuss shadowing opportunities, please contact Organizational Development & Learning at 845-333-0226.
To apply to the Volunteer Program, please visit the application portal.
Contact Us
Maureen Roche
Manager, Volunteer Services
845-333-0213
Mroche1@garnethealth.org
April Alvarado
Coordinator, Volunteer Services
845-333-0218
Aalvarado@garnethealth.org
Volunteers provide valuable services at Garnet Health Medical Center – Catskills in Harris and in Callicoon. Our volunteers come from all walks of life: seniors, business people, students, seasonal residents and homemakers.
For more information about our volunteer program, please call us at: 845-794-3300 ext. 2185
Volunteer Service Activities
Hours and days are flexible. Volunteers can create their own schedules. The following service activities for volunteers, include:
- Patient Care
- Health Services
- Patient Advocacy
- Radiology
- Laboratory
- Human Resources
- Public Relations
- Pastoral Care
- Music Therapy
- Fundraising
- Gift Shop
- Lobby Services
- Hospitality
- Clerical
- Recreation Activities
- Patient Escort Service
- Patient Room Service
Garnet Health Medical Center – Catskills provides complimentary meals in the hospital cafeteria for volunteers who work at least 4 hours.
Patient and Family Advisory Council
Garnet Health Medical Center – Catskills is proud to announce a new Patient and Family Advisory Council to enhance the overall patient experience. We are currently seeking community members to become advisors.
Ideal candidates from the community will:
- Not let their personal experiences affect their contribution to the Council
- Share insight and experience in productive ways
- Have an open mind and respect opposing opinions
- Be excellent listeners
- Collaborate effectively to reach solutions
- Have a passion for enhancing the healthcare experience
To learn more about the Patient and Family Advisory Council, download our Patient and Family Advisory Council Flyer.
Apply
To apply to become a Patient and Family Advisory Council member, please download the following Application Form.
Please submit application to:
Garnet Health Medical Center – Catskills
Attn: Jodi Goodman
P.O. Box 800 Harris, NY 12742
For more information on becoming a Patient and Family Advisor, contact Jodi Goodman at jgoodman@ghvhs.org or call 845-397-3508