Grey Nuns Community Hospital


Location

Please click the picture to see our location on a map.

Becoming a Volunteer

Volunteering with Grey Nuns Community Hospital is a unique opportunity to support Patient Care.

Grey Nuns Community Hospital (GNCH) volunteers are individuals looking for a rewarding experience to provide meaningful support to patients and their families through a variety of roles.  Volunteers are a vital link in the important work of Covenant Health.

What is the Role of the Volunteer?

Accessing health care can often be an overwhelming and stressful experience.  Volunteers provide assistance to patients and their families in a variety of roles throughout a patient’s health care journey.  Although there are a variety of volunteer opportunities available at each site, some of our key positions include:

  • Volunteer Visitors: Visiting with patients and engaging with them in conversation and activities to make their hospital stay more enjoyable.
  • Volunteer Greeters: Arriving at a hospital door, stressed by the need to have to come to a hospital, struggling to find a parking spot and be on time for an appointment – our volunteer greeters will welcome patients, families, and visitors and offer guidance and support.
  • Volunteer Supported Retail Shops: Volunteering in our beautiful gift shop while providing compassionate retail service to patients, visitors, and staff. Funds raised are used to support patient comfort and care.
  • Emergency Programs: Arriving at the door of an Emergency department either for your own needs or arising from the call of your family can be overwhelming. The ER volunteer will support patients and families in getting the support they need.
  • Please check out our list of "Current Opportunities" below. Press the button to see the available shifts.

What are the qualities of a Volunteer?

If you are considering volunteering with GNCH, consider whether or not you have an interest and ability in:

  • Being able to work collaboratively with health care providers to improve care and experiences for patients and their families
  • Having a strong desire to help others
  • Being a compassionate listener
  • Having an ability to show respect for the perspectives of others
  • Having an ability to work independently or as part of a team
  • Have a willingness to give your time on a weekly basis for a minimum of six months.  Unfortunately, we do not have "summer only" positions available for students.

Want to apply?

If you think that volunteering with GNCH is right for you and you are ready to get started, just follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Click the [Fill in an Application] button on the right-hand side of this page and complete the application form.

Step 2: Volunteer Services will review your application to see if you are a suitable fit for our organization. 

Step 3: If we find you a suitable candidate, we will schedule an interview with you and you will be asked to complete our volunteering on-boarding process including:

  • Completing a Police Information Check
  • Completing a Baseline Health Screening assessment: applicants should be prepared to provide their immunization records which include proof of immunity against mumps, measles, and rubella. This clearance can take 2 weeks - 4 months to obtain. Do not expect to start volunteering right away.
  • Providing proof of completion of COVID19 vaccination. 
  • Complete a site orientation and participate in any necessary training
  • Signing a Confidentiality Agreement outlining the expectations of volunteers in the hospital
  • Sign photo/media and email consents forms, if applicable.

Step 4: Please contact GNCH.VolunteerServices@covenanthealth.ca if you have any additional questions.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I become a volunteer?

Please review all of the information on this page and then complete an application for consideration. Remember, applying to volunteer is just like applying to a job. We select those best suited for the positions available in our program.

Can I volunteer in a work related position/working position?

GNCH does not offer any type of volunteer work that is similar or related to a working position (Administration, Portering, Kitchen, Laboratory, LPN, Health Care Aide, Unit Clerk, Doctor, Nursing, etc.). Volunteering here is an excellent way to exposure yourself to a hospital environment but it is not a program to gain work experience.

How old do you have to be to volunteer?

We accept volunteers 15 years old or older. However, most placements may have age restrictions for 18+.

Can I be a baby cuddler?

Unfortunately, we are no longer recruiting for this position and are not accepting wait list names.

How long are the volunteer service periods?

Most of our shifts are 2 hours, once a week. However, some positions do require a 4 hour commitment, once a week.

How long of a commitment do I have to make?

Our program requires a 6 consecutive month commitment.  Unfortunately, we do not have "summer only" positions available for students.

How long does the process take to become a volunteer?

The clearance process can take anywhere from 2 weeks to 4 months depending on the documentation provided during the interview. To ensure the quickest clearance window, ensure you have an up-to-date record of your immunizations including measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) available.

Is there an opportunity to move from one volunteer role to another?

Yes, we encourage you to seek new challenges and opportunities, but ask that you commit to your initial placement for at least three months. Depending on your availability, you may wish to volunteer in more than one department.

Can I do more than one volunteer position?

Yes, depending on your availability and the vacancies.

Do I need a Police Information Check?

Yes, these are required when working with vulnerable persons.

Why do I need to do a Health Screening?

Volunteers are required to provide immunization records including proof of immunity to Mumps, Measles, and Rubella. This is a requirement of all volunteers who are interacting with patients. This ensure their safety as well as yours. If you do not have immunity or proof of immunity, we recommend contacting your physician.

Can I get a reference?

Yes, our department completes verification references for our volunteers once their commitment is completed. However, we cannot complete detailed references (such as medical school or employment references). Since we do not directly supervise volunteers in most positions, we ask that our volunteers get to know the staff they are working with each week as they are able to see them in action every time they volunteer.

If my work schedule changes, is there flexibility in changing my volunteer placement?

Yes! However, this is limited to what is available in our program and the qualifications required.

I only want to volunteer after school, after work, or on weekends. What are my options?

Please check our "After School, Evening and Weekend" opportunity by clicking the  icon to see if there is an evening or weekend position that matches your availability before applying. If this opportunity is not visible, we are not recruiting for evening or weekend.

I would like to volunteer

Fill in an application

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Current Opportunities

Covenant Health Mission, Values, & Vision

Our Mission

We are called to continue the healing ministry of Jesus by serving with compassion, upholding the sacredness of life in all stages, and caring for the whole person - body, mind, and soul.

Our Values

As a Catholic organization, we are committed to serving people of all faiths, cultures, and circumstances according to our values: compassion, respect, collaboration, social justice, integrity, and stewardship.

Our Vision

Inspired by our mission of service, we will be leaders and partners in transforming health care and creating vibrant communities of health and healing.