Frequently Asked Questions

How do I become a volunteer at Community Howard Regional Health?


Thank you for your interest in volunteering at Community Howard Regional Health. Below are the steps needed to become a volunteer.

  1. Complete the online application.
  2. The Volunteer Services Coordinator will call you to set up an interview after application is received.
  3. Background checks are completed for anyone 18 or older which will include minimum of 2 reference checks.
  4. A New Volunteer Physical, vaccination and health clearance done by Employee Health. Yearly flu shots are mandatory.
  5. Complete online orientation and pass quiz with no more than 3 wrong.
  6. Complete 3 days of training.
  7. Set up a schedule

**Disclaimer: If this process is not completed within 30 days, we reserve the right to remove your application from our records and discontinue the process.

What is the minimum age to volunteer?


Our volunteers range in age from 15 to 64 years old.

Anyone under 18 will need a parent signature authorizing the applicant to volunteer. Once the authorization is signed, all communication will be between the Volunteer Services Coordinator and the applicant directly, including applications, interviews and scheduling. We look for students that show responsibility and maturity. Part of demonstrating this maturity is communicating on your own behalf whether by phone, email or in person. For parents or guardians wishing more information about a student's progress, we ask that you speak with your student as we are not able to provide you with that information.

What hours do volunteers work?


Normally, volunteer shifts are set in 4-hour increments as follows:

  • Weekdays: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Weekends: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., (some positions may vary.)

Minimum schedule requirements (which do not include orientation or training time) are two 4-hour shifts a month for 6 months, or 96 hours. For students only, you have the option of once a week for 8 weeks. Letters of recommendation nor school forms will not be signed until this requirement is met. Please note, working more shifts in a week will not shorten the 8 week timeframe.

What type of volunteer jobs are available?


Community Howard has a variety of volunteer positions to choose from. We have volunteers that transport patients and run errands for the hospital, greet and direct visitors in our lobbies, help in the Emergency Department, and assist in some administrative offices, among other opportunities in different departments. We even have 4 legged volunteers to help bring smiles to our patients and staff alike.

What is shadowing?


Community Health Network offers those considering a career in healthcare the opportunity to participate in a job shadow experience. Through job shadowing, students are able to supplement what they are learning in the classroom with direct exposure to the hospital environment. This is not the same as volunteering. Learn more about job shadowing.

Interested in helping but not able to make the commitment required to become a consistent hospital volunteer?


Community Howard Regional Health Foundation is dedicated to help improve the quality and availability of healthcare provided to all persons served at Community Howard. We need your help to keep this commitment. Please consider making a gift to support these efforts.

What do we look for in an applicant?


Applicants must be 18 years or older, or 15 and up with parental consent.

Must have a clear criminal background and good professional references.

Must be willing to work minimum requirements.

For student applicants, we look for students that show responsibility and maturity. All communication will be between the Volunteer Services Coordinator and the applicant directly, including applications, interviews and scheduling. Part of demonstrating this maturity is communicating on your own behalf whether by phone, email or in person. For parents or guardians wishing more information about a student's progress, we ask that you speak with your student as we are not able to provide you with that information.

What should you consider before applying?


Prior to applying to volunteer, please consider your ability to fully commit to the program and the patients at Community Howard. We enforce a very high standard for attendance and punctuality and expect all volunteers to adhere to Community Health Network policies and Standards of Behavior.