Frequently Asked Question's

How do I become a volunteer at Nuvance Health?

We appreciate your interest and enthusiasm in volunteering with Nuvance Health. We welcome you to submit a volunteer application.

We have several positions available for which we are seeking specific skills. You may reach out to the volunteer administrator at your local hospital to determine current availability of open roles.
We recognize that the volunteer application process can be lengthy, and we appreciate the time you are taking to complete this procedure.The process is a thorough one as we need to evaluate a wide range of variables that we believe to be crucial to the effectiveness of applicants in our program. Your application will be carefully considered to determine if there is a good fit.
Are paper applications available?

Online volunteer applications are preferred; however, accommodations will be made for individuals requesting a paper application.
Is there a specific commitment for volunteers?

Yes. Six months for year-round volunteers and six to eight weeks for summer student volunteers.
How long does it take to become a volunteer?

The typical turn around time varies from person to person depending upon when medical clearances have been obtained. It could take anywhere from two weeks and up to be cleared. It is the responsibility of the volunteer to obtain medical clearances. Once you are provided an application, the ball is in your court to complete the application in its entirety. Otherwise, this may cause a delay in processing.
Sometimes there are certain volunteer roles/assignments, for example, Healing Hugs Baby Cuddling Program for which we do not have current availability. We ask for flexibility with your desired assignment. If you can pivot to another role, besides your first choice, please let us know and we will place you accordingly.
We do not maintain a waiting list for the Healing Hugs Program as this is a highly desirable volunteer program and we are currently at capacity.
Is there a minimum age requirement?

It is our policy that junior volunteers must be at least 16 years of age at the start of their service.
Can I volunteer if I am not a United States Citizen or Green Card Holder?

All volunteers aged 18 and up are required to submit to a criminal background check. The background check is based on your address, not a social security number, so if you donï¿½t need a to have a social security number to become a volunteer. Volunteers 18 and older will need to pass the criminal background check to become a volunteer.
Canines for Caring Animal-Assisted Activities Volunteer Program

We welcome comfort/therapy dog teams who've been special trained to provide comfort, smiles, and a sense of well-being to patients, simultaneously providing the same for staff and visitors.
Teams must carry their own insurance policy or be aligned with a hospital approved national or local organization such as Good Dog Foundation, Pet Partners or Therapy Dogs International. If you are a member of the Alliance of Therapy Dogs, you will need to sign a Memorandum of Understanding prior to your service.
Dogs will also need to pass an on-site inspection of behavior conducted by the Manager, or Coordinator of Volunteer Services.
There are certain areas designated by each hospital, where teams are not permitted to go for the safety of patients such as surgical suites, NICU, Family Birth and other areas. Please check with the volunteer administrator at each hospital for an updated list of restricted areas.
What is a Patient to Patient and Family to Family Emotional Support Volunteer?

Peer-to-peer supporters are people who have "been there." They are empathetic and compassionate, working with those who have similar life circumstances to their own. Although the experience of one person can never be the same experience as another, having someone to relate to can be incredibly supportive and reassuring. A peer-to-peer supporter, using the appropriate skills, can help an individual navigate their health journey from a physical, emotional, and spiritual perspective.

Peer-to-peer supporters are active listeners who can help you facilitate self-exploration and decision-making. They are not acting in the role of a therapist or professional counselor, but they have received specialized training to assist them in helping others think through and reflect on problems they may be experiencing. Peer-to-peer supporters have the capability to provide patients or family members with any of the following:
- Connections with others who understand what you may be going through
- Awareness of available resources that support self-empowerment and self-advocacy
- A role model who has made a personal adjustment to illness and the resulting life changes
- Encouragement on how to maximize one's quality of life
- Information about Nuvance Health, and how to navigate the health care system
- Personal knowledge of the Peer Supporter's experience as a patient or family member
What is a Patient and Family Advisory Council?

A commitment to ongoing improvement is a critical mission of Patient and Family Advisory Committees (PFAC), where we put your needs into action across our health network. If you're passionate about healthcare and have recent experiences with Nuvance Health, we invite you to partner with us as a volunteer.
What is the Summer Youth Volunteer Enrichment Program?

The Youth Volunteer program for teens and young adults is designed to acquaint both high school and college students with the roles and responsibilities of various healthcare occupations. Students can learn valuable job skills, observe department staff in action, and interact with patients, all while making a difference. For the safety of our patients, volunteers are not allowed to provide clinical care at any age.

Thank you for your interest in our summer youth Enrichment Program! We are very excited to meet you. If you are a current high school or college student, consider applying for the 2024 Volunteer Services Department Program for Summer Youth, applications will be available in January. Our program is highly competitive, and spaces are limited.
Our Summer Youth Enrichment Program takes place between May and August 2024. The program is a total of 8 weeks. Students are required to volunteer for at least six out of the 8 weeks. Some students, depending on the department assigned, may begin earlier if, available.
Please be advised that applications are accepted between January and April 15. After that we can't guarantee summer placement.

What is the Biomedical Research Institute Summer Training Experience?

The Nuvance Health Research Program at The Rudy L. Ruggles Biomedical Research Institute offers a two-week summer program designed to introduce high school students, college undergraduates and medical students to a variety of protocols and techniques used in research. The program provides an opportunity to work with a senior scientist to learn or improve technical skills and is designed to be a hands-on, authentic laboratory experience. Students will obtain a basic understanding of the biomedical research field by learning to perform common research techniques to include:

Pipetting accuracy
Bacterial growth
Protein lysis and quantitation
Agarose gels
Electrophoresis
Western blot analysis
Fluorescent microscopy
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent (ELISA) assays
Tissue microarrays and staining

This experience will work to broaden the studentï¿½s understanding of the research process and how it can affect the clinical setting and patient treatment.

Over a two-week period, students will be required to spend five days a week (9am - 3pm) at the Biomedical Research Institute performing technique stations under the guidance of a mentor.
Will I be able to get a letter of recommendation for volunteer service?

Volunteers who have successfully contributed to the hospital volunteer program will be granted a letter confirming their service. If they have not completed the program; for example, students who commit to 50 hours of service and only contribute 25 hours of service will not be granted a letter of recommendation
What types of opportunities are available for volunteers?

Patient-facing Volunteer Assignments
Ruddy Ruggles Research Program
Administrative and Program Support
How can I contact the volunteer administrators for each hospital?

Amy Faith Lionheart
Network Manager, Volunteer Services
Danbury, New Milford and Sharon Hospitals
Cell: 203-460-0289
Office: 203-739-7277
Contact Me

Kathleen Hearty
Assistant Manager, Volunteer Services
Danbury & New Milford Hospitals
Cell: 203-240-4694
Office 203-739-7384
Contact Me

Courtney Brown
Volunteer Coordinator
Norwalk Hospital
203-852-2023
Contact Me

Tiffany DeLaCruz
Manager Volunteer Resources
Vassar Brothers Medical Center
845-454-8500 x15664
Contact Me

John Mahoney
Manager Volunteer Resources
Putnam Hospital Center
845-230-4752
Contact Me
Jay Glynn
Volunteer Coordinator
Northern Dutchess Medical Center
845-901-4742
Contact Me
Expectations

We expect that all volunteers will make a serious commitment to a minimum of six months of service (adults aged 18 an up), once per week for a full shift.
Shifts tend to vary by hospital department and may range from 3-5 hours of service per day. For our Canines for Caring program the requirement is one hour per week at minimum.

If you are a student (either high school or college) the requirement is the equivalent of one full school semester or three-four months
.
We expect all volunteers to have a good time volunteering and will work to ensure that both our needs as well as the interests of the volunteer allow for an enjoyable experience.
Perks

There are many benefits to volunteering in a healthcare system or hospital. Some of these perks include free parking, a free meal for every shift worked, access to a network of staff and physicians to engage with, networking opportunities with other volunteers and staff as well as an opportunity to use our cardiac rehab gym free of charge.