To become a volunteer, please apply through our online form.
To become a volunteer, you must:
- Complete a criminal background check
- Complete a medical history form and provide proof of immunization
- Attend a volunteer orientation
- You will receive a badge and uniform at orientation. Badges and uniforms belong to Baystate Medical Center and must be returned at the end of your volunteer service.
Contact:
Tanya Dorman, Coordinator, Volunteer Services
759 Chestnut Street
Springfield MA, 01199
413-794-4210
Volunteer.Services@baystatehealth.org
Volunteer Opportunities
There are many opportunities for you to make a difference as a volunteer at Baystate Medical Center and other Springfield based entities. This is a brief listing of some of the current areas that might have volunteer vacancies. Other possibilities may be discussed during the interview session. This listing will be updated from time to time.
NODA (No One Dies Alone) Volunteers
Mature adults are needed to provide a reassuring, non-anxious presence to actively dying patients who do not have sufficient support from family or friends. Volunteers may also provide support to families of actively dying patients to ensure that patients will not be left alone during their dying process if presence and company is desired. Volunteers provide companionship as requested which includes sitting at bedside conveying a reassuring, non-anxious presence and emotional support to patients and families, reading of requested literature, assisting with music or writing letters and assisting with patient and family needs as assessed in collaboration with nursing and other clinical personnel. We recruit for this program several times a year. Read a volunteer's story to learn more.
Geri Pals Volunteers
Volunteers can help to reduce loneliness and social isolation in older adults while making our communities more cohesive and engaged. This program aims to support homebound older adults and their caregivers as they are aging in place. We will identify underserved elders, through our Geri Pals Virtual Calls program, in the greater Springfield area to be candidates to receive support from volunteers. The program is largely geared towards serving individuals living with a cognitive impairment, mild, or moderate dementia. Our goal is to engage the home-bound person while providing some much-needed respite to their caregiver. Volunteers will spend a couple of hours per week on the telephone or video to bring joy to someone that can greatly benefit from this human-to-human connection!
- Volunteer receives training regarding dementia, habilitation therapy and ideas for activities/conversations as appropriate.
- Volunteers speak with up to 4 community members each week for a 6-month commitment.
Wayfinders and Escort Volunteers
We need volunteers who enjoy helping people and are physically able to walk unassisted for long distances. Volunteers will be stationed at the information desks in the Daly Lobby (main entrance to the hospital), the Chestnut Surgery Center entrance and the Wesson Women's Lobby. These volunteers escort patients and visitors throughout the hospital. These volunteers also push people in wheelchairs when needed. Information Desk volunteers are some of the first people that patients and visitors meet when entering the hospital and therefore need to possess excellent customer service skills. Teens, as well as adults, are welcome to apply for these positions.
Patient Visitor and Safety Volunteers
Patient Visitors help provide a positive patient experience by giving non-medical personal attention and assistance to patients that may not be receiving visits.
Emergency Department Volunteers
At this time, the Emergency Department is not able to accept volunteers.
Patient Visitor and Safety Volunteers
Various inpatient nursing units are looking for volunteers to help make the patient’s stay a positive and safe experience. As part of the patient care team, volunteers will interact with patients and their visitors and support the units’ goals of keeping patients safe and comfortable. Volunteers play a key role in making the difference between a good hospital stay and an excellent experience. These volunteers can be teens or adults but must have a very outgoing personality with the ability to follow directions, act independently (once oriented to the unit) and be very observant. These volunteers will need to be able to stand for periods of time and independently navigate the nursing unit in a safe and efficient manner.
ACE Unit Volunteers
Volunteers assist staff to help make each patient's stay a positive experience. As part of the patient care team, volunteers assist unit staff with the wellness needs of patients to attain established care team goals. The primary responsibilities focus on ambulating (walking) patients 70 years and older, as well as providing cognitive (mental) stimulation. These interactions help the patients avoid decline in physical and mental functioning while hospitalized, reduce the chance for falls and increase the chance that patients will be able to return to their pre-admission baseline status at time of discharge (avoiding transfers to extended nursing care or rehab facilities whenever possible). Volunteers must be at least 18 years old and out of high school. This assignment is particularly good for students pursuing careers as physician assistants or physical therapists.
Chestnut Surgical Center and Endoscopy Suite
The Chestnut Surgical and Endoscopy Suites are used for patients having minor surgery or medical procedures that require monitored sedation. Most patients come in for their procedure and are discharged a few hours later. Volunteers are needed to help escort patients at time of discharge as well as assist nursing staff with other duties within the suites. We have openings for teens (4-7 pm) as well as adults during mornings, afternoons, and early evening. Volunteers must be physically able to push patients in wheelchairs for an extended distance as well as tolerate being on their feet for long periods of time.
Office Volunteers
We have a few areas that are in need of volunteers who have good office skills. Office settings may require volunteers to do some data entry, make phone calls, and help with filing and office organization. Some assignments are located at the main hospital and others are located within the greater Springfield area.
Family Waiting Rooms
Waiting room volunteers spend time with families in the waiting rooms providing support and general information as needed. In general, these volunteers must be able to walk long distances, use tact and courtesy when interacting with people and be very outgoing and understanding of the stress level the families are under in these areas.We have three family waiting rooms in need of volunteers.
- Our Surgical Family Waiting Room is looking for early risers (Monday-Friday) to cover the early morning shift (6 am-9 am) as well as other time slots throughout the day. Volunteers in the surgical family waiting room also escort family members to the recovery room when requested.
- Our Intensive Care Waiting Room need volunteers who can cover four hour shifts from 10 am-6 pm. We cannot use teen volunteers in this waiting room due to the critical status of patients in the Intensive Care Unit.
- Our Heart and Vascular Critical Care Unit needs volunteers to assist in their waiting room. Volunteers are mostly needed for morning, afternoon, and early evening shifts. We cannot accommodate teens in this position given the critical status of the patients in this area.
Cafeteria Hosts/Hostesses
Volunteers are needed to assist diners in our hospital’s main café. This placement consists of helping to clear tables once vacated, offering to take trays and dispose of them for people needing assistance (this may include the elderly), and insuring that the overall seating area looks clean and organized. Volunteers may also assist visitors by giving out directions to patient floors or the main lobby.
Music Volunteers
Do you have a talent in singing or playing a music instrument? Our Music Volunteers share their talents in our Lobby and on our units for our patients, visitors and staff.
Pet Therapy
Pet therapy has been shown to reduce anxiety, decrease blood pressure and heart rate, and increase relaxation, socialization, and motivation. If you have a certified Pet Therapy Dog or are interested in knowing more about the program, you may call our Pet Therapy Volunteer contact at 413-794-4210.
Volunteering with Infants and Children
There are several areas with Baystate Children's Hospital and Women's Services where volunteer services are used.
BCH Buddies
Both teens (at least 18 years old) and adults are welcome to apply to this program, which involves comforting and playing with sick children ages infancy through school age in our inpatient setting. Applicants will be interviewed and selected by one of our child life specialists on the Infants & Children's unit. Make sure to mention that you are interested in volunteering with children when you set up an interview appointment.
PEDIATRIC SPECIALTY PROGRAMS
College student’s majoring in child life, child development, early childhood, or elementary education, or those currently working in or retired from these fields, are encouraged to apply. However, anyone interested in playing or providing arts and crafts to children or interacting with anxious parents are welcome to apply. Please note that our pediatric programs are very popular and open positions may not always be available.
Baystate Children's Specialty Center on Wason Avenue
Children who receive care for diabetes, seizure disorders, gastrointestinal diseases, and numerous other conditions are treated in this facility. Volunteers provide play opportunities and diversion to children as they and their parents wait for admission to treatment rooms. You may also provide one-on-one play for children who need to stay for longer treatments. The goal is to create a peaceful, welcoming environment and a “fond farewell” when the child and family leave the center. College students and adults are needed for this area. Applicants for this area will be asked to complete a written questionnaire submitted to the supervising child life specialist for review.
Cuddlers
We are no longer accepting applications for the cuddler program.
To become a volunteer, please apply through our online form.
Contact:
Katie Caron, Volunteer Coordinator
164 High Street and 48 Sanderson Street
Greenfield MA, 01301
413-773-2204 or 413-773-2318
Katie.Caron@baystatehealth.org
BFMC is honored to have over 300 dedicated volunteers doing a variety of tasks in 30 different departments. Assignments are based on the needs of the hospital and to support staff in service to patients. Whenever possible, we honor volunteers' requests in regards to scheduling. Volunteers span from students to seniors and range in age from 16 - 90 years old. The process begins with a completed application, continues with an interview, clearances, group orientation and then observing seasoned volunteers to determine the best fit. Volunteers receive additional benefits, including one free meal during volunteered shift, free flu shots and annual recognition for their service
Volunteer Tasks May Include:
-
Assembling Patient Materials
- Blood Pressure Clinic and Bloodmobile
- Cardiopulmonary and Cardiac Rehabilitation
- Chaplaincy program
- Childrens’ Advocacy Center
- Clerical and other office projects
- Compiling charts
- Emergency Department
- Gift shop
- Human Resources
- iPad lending Project
- Mail room
- Music Therapy
- OBS/Maternity
- Oncology
- Patient Family Advisory Council
- Patient Services
- Pet Therapy
- Physicians’ offices
- Quilt and Soft Toy Makers
- Radiology
- Reception: front lobby, surgical building and medical practices
- Special Events
- Surgical Services
- Volunteer office
- Waiting Room Greeter
- Wound Center
The Volunteer Services office also runs several educational programs for high school students. Please contact our office to learn more about those opportunities.
Requirements for Baystate Franklin Volunteers
- You must be at least 16 years of age.
- All volunteers must be medically cleared, pass a background check and attend a hospital policy orientation.
- We require a commitment of once a week for a minimum of 6 months.
To become a volunteer, please apply through our online form.
Contact:
Michele LaPrade, Volunteer Services Coordinator
40 Wright Street
Palmer, MA 01069
413-370-5295
Michele.LaPrade@baystatehealth.org
Please see our frequently asked questions for more information.
Volunteer Opportunities
There are many opportunities for you to make a difference as a volunteer at Baystate Wing Hospital and other entities in the Eastern Region. This is a brief listing of some of the current areas that might have volunteer vacancies. Other possibilities may be discussed during the interview session. This listing will be updated from time to time.
Greeter Wayfinder Volunteers
We would welcome prospective volunteers who enjoy helping people and are physically able to walk unassisted for long distances. Volunteers will be stationed at entrances to the hospital, and various locations These volunteers escort patients and visitors throughout the hospital, as well as assisting people in wheelchairs when needed. Greeter and Wayfinder volunteers are some of the first people that patients and visitors meet when entering the hospital and therefore need to possess excellent customer service skills. Teens, as well as adults, are welcome to apply for these positions.
Emergency Department Volunteers
Volunteers are needed to provide comfort and support to patients and their families in our Emergency Department. Interested adults who want to help our patients and families and feel comfortable in a fast paced and often emotionally charged environment are welcome to apply.
Patient Visitor and Safety Volunteers
Various inpatient nursing units are looking for volunteers to help make the patient’s stay a positive and safe experience. As part of the patient care team, volunteers will interact with patients and their visitors and support the units’ goals of keeping patients safe and comfortable. Volunteers play a key role in making the difference between a good hospital stay and an excellent experience. These volunteers can be teens or adults but must have a very outgoing personality with the ability to follow directions, act independently (once oriented to the unit) and be very observant. These volunteers will need to be able to stand for periods of time and independently navigate the nursing unit in a safe and efficient manner.
Environmental Services - Clerical Support Volunteers
The clerical support volunteer will provide administrative support to E.V.S Supervisor by organizing, filing paperwork/files, supply inventory. A applicant interested in this volunteer position should possess good organization skills.
Human Resources - Clerical Support Volunteers
The clerical support volunteer in Human Resources will provide administrative support to Human Resources staff by organizing, filing and purging confidential HR paperwork/files. Providing basic customer service to employees and others who enter the HR space. Occasional data entry.
Cafeteria Dining Room Support Volunteers
The cafe/dining room support volunteers will help keep the Wing Cafeteria clean and stocked.
Auxiliary Gift Shop Volunteers
Gift shop volunteers will help with a variety of retail functions and assist visitors in a cheerful manner.
Surgical and Endoscopy Service Volunteers
Volunteers provide transport for patients who have been discharged from Surgical and Endoscopy Services via wheelchairs to their waiting vehicle and assist nursing staff with indirect patient care.
To become a volunteer, please apply through our online application form.
Contact:
Michele LaPrade, Volunteer Coordinator
115 West Silver Street
Westfield, MA 01085
413-571-0573
Michele.Laprade@baystatehealth.org
Volunteers are an important part of Baystate Noble’s success. When you choose to volunteer at Baystate Noble Hospital, you are joining a dedicated staff in an environment that is friendly and welcoming. Our volunteers meet new people, are part of a team, develop skills, and gain valuable experience. Volunteers enrich the lives of our patients, families, visitors, and staff by providing comfort and support.
What types of volunteer opportunities are available?
Volunteers and Interns donate their time in many different departments throughout Baystate Noble Hospital. Based on your interest, we try to place you in an area you will enjoy and where you will be engaged.
Some of our volunteer roles include:
- Emergency Department
- Patient Experience Visitor
- Food Production
- Housekeeping Support
- Materials Management Warehouse
- Surgical Services Support
- Discharge Follow-up
- Patient Advocate
We welcome high school internships!
We partner with high schools around the area who have internship programs. Students participating in these programs will get the opportunity to experience firsthand what the healthcare environment is all about. We are grateful for their contributions to our hospital and the greater Westfield community!
To become a volunteer, please download and complete our volunteer application form.
To inquire about hospice volunteer opportunities, please call:
Lynn Landry
Hospice Volunteer Coordinator
413-798-5452
Lynn.Landry2@baystatehealth.org
Hospice Volunteers are vital members of the Hospice Interdisciplinary Team.
Volunteers provide support to patients, families, and caregivers in their homes, skilled nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, group homes, and /or hospital settings.
Volunteers can also provide support to staff in the office, while others offer their assistance within the community, staffing tables at health fairs and providing assistance at picnics, patient gatherings, and other community events.
Baystate Hospice programs provide free, comprehensive trainings to ensure that Volunteers are comfortable with all aspects of their duties. Monthly Volunteer meetings and special in-service events are also offered throughout the year, providing both camaraderie amongst volunteers and staff, as well as more in depth trainings on a variety of topics. Special recognition events are also held throughout the year.
Volunteers are not allowed to provide personal care to patients; they cannot lift or transfer patients; they cannot feed patients; they cannot provide medication. However, what they can provide is patient and caregiver companionship, support, and respite.
The overall time commitment needed to be a volunteer is dependent upon the patient/caregiver needs; however, the Volunteer Coordinator works very closely with each Volunteer to ensure that their assignment is a good fit for their schedule and specific needs.
All Hospice Volunteers must be interviewed, complete an application with two references, be medically cleared, pass a background check and pass a Nurse’s Aide Registry check. The applicant will be required to complete a comprehensive training program, and can then begin their volunteer service.
Attendance at monthly Hospice meetings is not required; however, volunteers are encouraged to attend these meetings when they are able to do so; Hospice meetings are held at three locations – East, Central and West areas.
Types of Volunteer Opportunities Available:
Companion Volunteers
Companion volunteers provide patient and caregiver companionship – playing cards, reminiscing, sharing a hobby, reading a book, poem or prayer, or watching a movie. They are also available to be a quiet and reassuring presence, as needed. Bilingual Volunteers are always needed, as well!
Vet-to-Vet Volunteers
Vet-to-vet volunteers are a group of Veteran Volunteers who provide companionship and support to fellow veterans. Baystate Hospice is a proud member of the We Honor Veterans program, a program of the National Hospice & Palliative Care Organization. We provide all veteran patients with a special Certificate of Appreciation, service pin, and other recognition at veteran holidays and our patient memorial service. We provide veterans to visit with other veterans to provide an extra level of trust and comfort at this critical time of life.
Respite Volunteers
Respite volunteers visit with a patient to provide respite to caregivers, allowing the caregiver to run an errand, go to an appointment, enjoy an hour away, or have peace of mind that a volunteer is sitting with their loved one at a skilled nursing facility or hospital when they cannot.
Vigil Volunteers
Vigil volunteers provide bedside vigils with patients so that they are not alone at their end of life, either in a hospital or skilled nursing facility setting.
Complementary Therapy Volunteers
Complementary therapy volunteers are certified/trained in Reiki, Healing Touch, Energy Work, and Massage Therapy.
Licensed Hairdresser Volunteers
Licensed hairdresser volunteers provide haircuts for patients who can no longer get to their own hairdresser.
Pet Therapy, Music Therapy, and Art Therapy Volunteers
These volunteers all bring comfort to patients and caregivers by offering these special gifts.
Vigil Choir Volunteers
Heartsong Choir provides bedside singing, a capella, to patients and caregivers, bringing peace and harmony at end of life.
Eucharistic Minister Volunteers
Eucharistic minister volunteers provide communion to those who can no longer attend church services.
Office Volunteers
Office volunteers provide support to staff by performing general office duties—mailings, phone calls, data entry, and a variety of other special projects.
Bereavement Volunteers
Bereavement volunteers are specially trained to offer phone call support to patients and families.
Legal Volunteers
Attorneys provide services to assist patients and caregivers – examples include assistance with obtaining Power of Attorney or guardianship for loved ones.
Floral Volunteers
Floral volunteers arrange the flowers, donated by a local florist, into bouquets that can then be brought to patients and caregivers by our staff and other volunteers.
To become a volunteer, please download and complete our volunteer application form.
To inquire about pediatric palliative volunteer opportunities, please call:
Laurie Gilbert
Pediatric Palliative Care Volunteer Coordinator
413-798-5159
Laurie.Gilbert@baystatehealth.org
Pediatric Palliative Care volunteers provide support to patients, families, and caregivers in their homes and hospital settings. Additionally, they can provide support to staff in the office, while others offer their assistance within the community, staffing tables at health fairs and helping at picnics, patient gatherings, and other community events.
Volunteers are not allowed to provide personal care to patients; they cannot transport patients in their vehicles; they cannot lift or transfer patients; they cannot feed patients; they cannot provide medication. However, what they can provide is patient and caregivers companionship and support.
The overall time commitment needed to be a volunteer is dependent upon the patient/caregiver needs; however, the Volunteer Coordinator works very closely with each Volunteer to ensure that their assignment is a good fit for their schedule and specific needs.
All Pediatric Palliative Care Volunteers must be interviewed, complete an application with two references, be medically cleared, pass a background check, DCF check as well as pass a Nurse’s Aide Registry check. The applicant will be required to complete a comprehensive training program, and only then can they begin their volunteer service.
Types of Volunteer Opportunities Available:
COMPANION VOLUNTEERS
Companion volunteers provide patient and caregiver companionship – playing cards, reminiscing, sharing a hobby, reading a book, poem or prayer, or watching a movie. They are also available to be a quiet and reassuring presence, as needed. Bilingual Volunteers are always needed, as well!
RESPITE VOLUNTEERS
Pediatric Palliative volunteers support patients and their siblings by providing interactive play, reading, singing, arts and crafts, music, or a being a quiet presence at bedside to provide the caregiver with respite. Respite volunteers visit with a patient/sibling to provide respite to caregivers, allowing the caregiver to do a chore, read a book, or have peace of mind that a volunteer is sitting with their child. The parent/guardian must remain in the home with pediatric patients.
COMPLEMENTARY THERAPY VOLUNTEERS
Complementary therapy volunteers are certified/trained in Reiki, Healing Touch, Energy Work, and Massage Therapy.
LICENSED HAIRDRESSER/BARBER VOLUNTEERS
Licensed hairdresser volunteers provide haircuts for patients who can no longer get to their own hairdresser/barber.
PET THERAPY VOLUNTEERS
Pet therapy has been shown to reduce anxiety, decrease blood pressure and heart rate, and increase relaxation, socialization, and motivation.
OFFICE VOLUNTEERS
Office volunteers provide support to staff by performing general office duties—mailings, phone calls, data entry, and a variety of other special projects.
LEGAL VOLUNTEERS
Attorneys provide services to assist patients and caregivers – examples include assistance with obtaining Power of Attorney or guardianship for loved ones.
EDUCATIONAL ADVOCATES
Education advocates help families navigate the special resources available to pediatric patients in a home school or in a school setting.
LANDSCAPERS
Trained individuals who can provide lawn care, spring clean ups or simple pulling of weeds to our families.
HANDYMAN
Trained volunteers who would be interested in helping with simple household tasks.
SPECIAL EVENTS VOLUNTEERS
Help to staff tables at health fairs and help at picnics, patient gatherings, and other community events.
HOMEWORK HELPER VOLUNTEERS
Help children with schoolwork and projects.
DECK MY ROOM VOLUNTEERS
Dec My Room is a unique charitable organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of children and young adults who are admitted for 3 or more consecutive weeks. Dec My Room will decorate their hospital room with items that complement the patient's likes and interests. Additional training required.