Adult Volunteers
Nationwide Children's Hospital Adult Volunteer Program
Who: Adults, 18 years and older and out of high school
What: Volunteers provide support to patients, families, and staff in a wide variety of roles. Some assignments have direct patient contact, others are more supportive. Assignments can include patient units, clinics, the information desk, sibling clubhouse, and in office settings.
When: Assignments will be same day/same time each week, typically 2-3 hours. Weekend and evening positions are limited.
Where: Primarily at the main campus; however, there are some limited opportunities at the Close to Home locations.
Cost: Volunteer polo shirt is $20 or vest is $22, plus tax.
Commitment: Initial commitment of 50 hours
Process: The application process includes:
- Application
- Reference checks
- Information session
- BCI and/or FBI Background check
- Phone interview
- General hospital orientation (available monthly)
- Training for specific volunteer position
Application: Download the Adult Volunteer Application and additional information.
Frequently Asked Questions about being an Adult volunteer at Nationwide Children’s Hospital
If you have additional questions, we will be happy to answer them.
Email: Volunteering@NationwideChildrens.org
Phone: (614) 722-3635
Fax: (614) 722-3641
Volunteering at Nationwide Children's Hospital is not a good match for everyone. We are happy to share about our program to make sure you are well-informed.
Thank you for being so excited to volunteer! Part of the process; however, is making sure we look after the safety and security of our young patients. This means we require references, a background check, and training in areas such as confidentiality, infection control, safety and security, among others before a volunteer can begin. Generally, this means the application process takes about 6 weeks.
Patient unit volunteers are self-starters who need to feel at ease interacting with patients and their parents/adults who are with them. The hospital’s units; however, are not divided by age. So on a unit, a volunteer would need to enjoy interacting with any age patient—infants, toddlers, school-age, teens and even the occasional adult.
We do not have an official volunteer-to-work program. All of our volunteer assignments are in areas where the department has requested a volunteer. The objective of being a volunteer is to support patients, families, and staff.
Yes, we have a large number of college students in our volunteer ranks. Communicate with your coordinator and every effort will be made to work with your schedule. If you are a college student home for the summer, you will need to apply early in the spring to allow for our application and placement process.
Many people think assignments only involve playing with children. We have many departments requesting volunteer assistance in more clerical/support roles.
It may be possible to place you in assignments on the same day and at the same time, but generally, departments request only one volunteer per shift. So, you would not be in the same assignment.
Those interested in being involved in the dog visit program are encouraged to contact the Capital Area Humane Society Canine Connection at 614-777-7387 ext. 291 to inquire about upcoming screening dates.
