Volunteer How-To Guide

Step One: Complete an application form

The first step in becoming a St. E's volunteer is to complete our online Volunteer Application Form. The whole document normally takes less than 10 minutes from start to finish. If you do not have regular computer access, please call Volunteer Services at 617-789-2334 to request a paper version and we will be happy to mail one out as soon as possible.

  

Step Two: Come in for an interview

Once Volunteer Services has received and reviewed your application, we will contact you to schedule an interview. During that conversation we will discuss your areas of interest, confirm your available schedule, and take a look at our current openings. If possible, please bring the following forms to your interview:

• An official photo ID such as a driver's license, passport, or work/student identification card. Acceptable substitutes include a social security card and/or birth certificate.
• Your current immunization/vaccination record (if necessary, please reach out to your primary care physician or other health care providers such as student health services which also maintain such records. If you do not currently have a Primary Care Physician, you may obtain one by calling Steward DoctorFinder at 1-800-488-5959).
• Official date-stamped documentation of any PPD tuberculosis skin tests you have undergone within the past 12 months.

   

Step Three: Obtain medical clearance

St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center is required by state and federal health regulations to document that our employees and volunteers have the following vaccinations (or, alternatively, blood test results demonstrating immunity if an incoming recruit experienced these diseases but was never vaccinated):

• Varicella (aka "chickenpox")
• Measles/Mumps/Rubella (aka "MMR")

Annual tuberculosis reporting is also mandated for all staff, interns, and volunteers while working in St. Elizabeth's Medical Center. For those without a history of exposure to tuberculosis, PPD skin testing is required to verify a person's TB status. As an urban hospital, SEMC is required to have two initial PPDs on file for such volunteers and one PPD annually thereafter. Volunteers who test positive for tuberculosis need to complete a tuberculosis health questionnaire annually and submit one prior negative chest-xray to prove TB status. If necessary, a no-cost x-ray exam will be provided through SEMC. To schedule any necessary medical testing or other appointment free of charge, please contact Volunteer Services at 617-789-2334. 

  

Step Four: Attend an orientation session

After your interview, if both parties decide to move forward with your application, you will be invited to attend a hospital orientation session. Orientation sessions are currently offered on the 1st Wednesday and 3rd Monday of every month, from 4:15 pm to 6:30 pm. Advance registration is required because each session is limited to 12 attendees. Volunteer Services will work with you to identify the best orientation date for your individual schedule.

Note: Please be punctual for orientation - doors close promptly at 4:15 pm in order to ensure that all necessary information is covered during the allotted time period. Those who arrive more than 15 minutes late will be asked to attend another session. Remember to allow for late afternoon traffic conditions when traveling to St. E's for orientation.

    

Step Five: Become an official member of the St. E's family

After all prerequisites have been completed, Volunteer Services will contact you to confirm your start date and assignment. We will also begin arrangements to issue you a volunteer ID badge and reach out to your supervisor regarding your impending arrival to ensure all necessary advance preparations are in place.

    

Contact Information:

We look forward to meeting with you to tell you more about volunteer opportunities at St. Elizabeth’s. Please do not hesitate to contact Volunteer Services Coordinator Jacqueline M. Haley at jacqueline.haley2@steward.org or 617-789-2334 with any questions, comments or suggestions.