Would you like to join our team of dedicated hospital volunteers and give back to your community? Learn new skills, make new friends and enjoy the feeling that comes from helping others.
At MidHudson Regional Hospital, volunteers make a difference. Join our team of dedicated hospital volunteers and give back to your community. Learn new skills, make new friends and enjoy the feeling that comes from helping others.
Volunteer opportunities are available in:
- Patient Care Areas
- Gift Shop
- Information Desk / Guest Services
- Greenhouse / Landscaping
- Print Shop
- Office / Clerical Duties
- Patient Transportation
- Dietary
- ER
Download our volunteer application
Send completed applications to:
Human Resources - Volunteer Application
MidHudson Regional Hospital
241 North Road
Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
Volunteer Program Contact Information
Manager, Integrated Guest Services: Jacqueline Forbes (jacqueline.forbes@wmchealth.org) 845.483.5823
Director Service Excellence: Latisha Balogh-Robinson (latisha.balogh-robinson@wmchealth.org) 845.431.8130
The Volunteer Process
Step 1:
Complete and submit a volunteer application with a letter of recommendation.
Step 2:
If your application is selected, you will be contacted by a Human Resources representative and an interview will be scheduled with the Volunteer Department.
3rd Step:
If you are accepted into the volunteer program you will be scheduled for a physical and will need to complete a background check. Once you’ve have medical and background check clearance, you will be given a photo ID and scheduled for a full day general employee orientation. Orientation always occurs on the first Monday of every month. Orientation starts at 8 a.m. and ends at 4 p.m. Please report to the Information Desk in The Atrium Lobby at 8 a.m.
4th Step:
After completing general orientation, contact Volunteer Services to schedule an introduction to your unit/area and to set up your schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I fit in?
Volunteers are a vital part of MidHudson Regional Hospital’s (MHRH) health care team. There are many areas throughout MHRH’s facilities that rely on volunteers for assistance. Volunteer roles include patient care areas such as the ER, nursing and physical therapy, as well as support areas such as Patient Registration, Human Resources, and Case Management. As a volunteer, you may be asked to perform any number of non-clinical duties throughout our organization. Anything from assisting with mailing and clerical services, to providing support to patients and their families are all roles where volunteers provide important services.
Why should I volunteer?
The reasons behind the decision to volunteer are as diverse and varied as volunteers themselves.
Some volunteers just want to give back to their community; some are seeking career experience, while others benefit from the friendship and camaraderie that can only come from people coming together to do what they love. Whatever your reasons are for wanting to volunteer (and there are too many benefits to be listed), as a MHRH volunteer, you will be a welcome and valued member of our healthcare team.
Where can I volunteer?
The Volunteer and Guest Services Coordinator will work with you to match your skills and interests with the hospital’s needs.
What are your time commitments?
Unless otherwise approved by volunteer services, the minimum time commitment is four hours a week for a total of 100 hours of services (approximately six months of service). You must be able to commit to coming in on a weekly basis.
How old must I be?
The minimum age to volunteer at MHRH is 16. Applications must be signed by a parent or guardian if you are less than 18 years old. There is no maximum age for volunteers.
What is the process?
Upon receipt and review of your application, if we have openings in the for the time, day(s), and areas you are interested in, you will be contacted for an interview. After the interview, you will have a medical screening and TB tests provided by the hospital at no cost to you. A background check will also be conducted on all applicants over the age of 18. (Please note that we require a social security number in order to complete the criminal background check.) Once cleared, you will be scheduled to attend general employee orientation. Orientation to your specific position will take place on the unit/area you are assigned. Once these steps are completed, you are ready to begin!
How long does it take the be processed?
On average, once you’ve been interviewed, it takes 4-6 weeks to be completely on-boarded and ready to volunteer.
Is there dress code?
Yes. Volunteers are not allowed to wear blue jeans, sweatpants, sweatshirts, leggings/jeggings, graphic t-shirts, open toed shoes or shorts. All volunteers will be given a blue jacket and photo ID to be worn while volunteering.
Can I volunteer just for the summer?
Yes. Summer volunteers must commit to a minimum of four hours a week for 8-10 weeks. Summer applications are due by April 1, and you must complete a physical, orientation and background check no later than June 1. Please Note: If you are not available to volunteer for the entire summer, please do not apply for the summer volunteer program.
If I volunteer at MHRH will I get a job?
Although some volunteers have found employment at the hospital, volunteering at MHRH does not guarantee employment.
How long do you keep applications on file?
Applications are held for 6 months only. Unless otherwise approved by volunteer services, if you do not complete the process within 6 month of submission, your application will be discarded.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers are utilized throughout MidHudson Regional Hospital in a wide variety of roles. The list below gives you a brief overview of only some of the departments and/or programs where volunteers provide their time and energy. We are continually developing new volunteer roles, so if you do not see the opportunity you are looking for, please feel free to contact the Volunteer and Guest Services Coordinator Francis Tkazyik (francis.tkazyik@wmchealth.org). Availability of assignments will vary depending upon the needs of a particular department or program at any given time.
(Note: Volunteers must be able to commit to at least four hours of service per week. Once you’ve submitted an application we will contact you only if you will be invited for an interview.)
Atrium and Directional Concierge: Greet and assist patients, families and visitors in our Atrium lobby. Volunteers provide additional directions and way finding when our visitors need it most. Must have excellent communication, customer service and interpersonal skills. Additionally, volunteers must be able to walk and stand for extended periods of time. Training provided. This opportunity is available Monday thru Friday between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Clerical Volunteers: Assist office staff throughout the hospital with clerical duties including filing, faxing, answering phones, data entry, running errands and greeting visitors. Strong customer service skills are required and knowledge of Microsoft Word is preferred. This opportunity is available Monday thru Friday between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
ER Liaison Volunteer: Greet and assist visitors and patients to our busy Emergency Department. Volunteers are also needed to assist Nursing staff with providing an extra component of care and compassion to patients and their families. Volunteers will act as a liaison between patients and the ED staff. They will provide appropriate non-clinical opportunities at the bedside and in the waiting area to enhance the patient’s experience. Must be self-directed and possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills. This opportunity is available Sunday thru Saturday between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.
Eucharistic Minister Volunteer: Roman Catholic who is a diocesan approve Minister upon being cleared by Chaplaincy leadership may volunteer under the supervision and scheduling of MHRH’s Chaplaincy Department. The Eucharistic Minister brings Communion to Roman Catholic patients and/or assists with Communion distribution at Mass.
Food Services Volunteer: Provides a variety of related services under the guidance, scheduling and supervision of Food Services management. Duties include, but are not limited to, wiping tables, stocking, sorting, and assisting in the delivery of dietary items to patient care units in between meal passes. This opportunity is available Sunday thru Saturday between the hours of 9 a.m. and 7 p.m.
Gift Shop Volunteer: Greet and assist customers in our busy gift shop. Volunteers also help maintain and organize the store and perform point of sale transactions. Must have an attention to detail with exceptional customer service and organization skills. This opportunity is available daily (every day) between the hours of 9 a.m. and 8 p.m.
Greenhouse Volunteers: Works in hospital greenhouse to grow and maintain plants that are sold at greenhouse sponsored plants sales. Monies earned are donated to the hospital Foundation for the benefit of MHRH’s patients. This opportunity is available Monday thru Friday between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Information Desk Volunteer: Supports Guest Services staff by providing a variety of services including but not limited to greeting guests, delivering mail to inpatient areas, answering phones and providing way-finding assistance. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are essential. This opportunity is available Sunday thru Saturday between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.
Inpatient Unit Volunteer: Works closely with inpatient unit staff and leadership to assist Nursing staff with providing an extra component of care and compassion to patients and their families. Under the direction of the nursing staff, in addition to providing non-clinical assistance to patients, inpatient unit volunteers can provide clerical assistance, stocking, and cleaning equipment. This opportunity is available Sunday thru Saturday between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.
LifeWings Volunteer: NEW! In an effort to improve patient safety by ensuring that accurate and effective communication of patient information consistently occurs, LifeWings Volunteers participate in an ongoing study and safety initiative by conducting audits off handoff communication between caregivers where patients are being cared for. Other duties include, but are not limited to, data entry and clerical duties. College students pursuing a career in healthcare, Communications majors, and/or students who are interested in research methods are encouraged to apply for this exciting and unique volunteer experience. Qualified applicants must be 18 years old or older. This opportunity is available Monday thru Friday between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Patient Representative Volunteer: Acts as liaison between patients, visitors and hospital staff, keeping lines of communication open. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: visiting patients, providing information regarding hospital policies and patient rights and responsibilities, assisting with distribution of general information including patient service guidebooks and safety brochures, assisting in resolving problems, either by acting independently to resolve simple issues, or reporting a complaint to patient representative, or other appropriate staff member, and generally helping to insure patient satisfaction. Minimum age requirement is 18 years or older. This opportunity is available Monday thru Friday between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
PT/OT Volunteers: Help transport patient to and from therapy appointments and keep patient company between sessions. Assists therapists and other staff as needed and help maintain a clean and organized therapy area. Other tasks include, but are not limited to filing, data entry, and cleaning equipment. Minimum age requirement is 18 years or older. (limited positions available) This opportunity is available Monday thru Friday between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Snack Cart Concierge Volunteer: Assists Snack Cart Concierge in bringing snacks and beverages to patients and guests throughout patient care and waiting areas. (limited positons available) This opportunity is available Monday thru Friday between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Surgical Waiting Area Volunteer: Assist family members in surgical waiting area. Volunteer duties include answering waiting room phone, providing updates, escorting family members to recovery rooms and assisting visitors with navigating lobby area. Must be personable and patient with excellent interpersonal and customer service skills. Minimum age requirement is 18 years or older. This opportunity is available Monday thru Friday between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Transportation Volunteer: Works closely with and assists Transportation staff with transporting patients throughout clinical areas of the hospital. Transportation volunteers may also wheel discharged patients from their rooms to the patient pick up area. This opportunity is available Sunday thru Saturday between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.
Download our volunteer application