(S2) The Jim Pattison Children's Hospital & The Royal University Hospital

High School students ages 16 - 18 can apply for an intensive volunteer experience at the Royal University Hospital/Jim Pattison Children's Hospital, St. Paul's Hospital, or Parkridge Centre in Saskatoon. Please select only the Summer Student Program under General Interests.

Further instructions will be sent after we receive your application.

 What will I do if I Volunteer at RUH/JPCH?

You will be a hospitality/wayfinding volunteer. If you enjoy talking to people and being active, this role is for you. You will provide patients and visitors with a warm smile and welcome as they enter the hospital. As a wayfinding volunteer at RUH/JPCH, you will become an expert on the hospital's commonly visited areas. You will interact with many people and walk a lot as you help patients and visitors find their way throughout the hospital.

What will I do if I Volunteer at Parkridge Center?  

Parkridge Center is a long-term care facility located on the city's west side. You will be supporting programs, residents and improving quality of life here at Parkridge Center. If you are independent, creative and comfortable in long-term care this position is for you.

What will I do if I Volunteer at St. Paul's Hospital?

At St. Paul’s Hospital you will be a Book Cart Volunteer. If you are an outgoing person that loves books and visiting, this role is for you. You will offer patients books, magazines, crossword or word search puzzles. You will have some opportunities to visit with patients as well.

Eligibility

Applicants must be in High School and at least age 16.  Application period is March 19th to April 17th, 2026.  Spots are limited and your application must be completed in full to be considered.

Volunteer Commitment

· Serve a minimum of 6 hours per week (two 3-hour shifts)

· Shifts are available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. 

· Complete a minimum of 42 service hours in 7 weeks

· Complete an online application to Volunteer Services, provide two references, review and sign a confidentiality agreement and Youth Declaration, attend an interview, complete the General Orientation and submit an application essay.

· Attend a mandatory site orientation and buddy shift during the week of July 6th. 

Earn Service Hours towards 1 High School Credit - Volunteerism 30 

The student must be enrolled in a regular 24-credit program, complete service hours in grades 10 to 12, and enroll in the Volunteerism 30-credit program.

If you need help with your enrollment, we can help!  

Benefits of Participating in the Program 

· Gain skills and experience in a healthcare setting.

· Give back to your community & make a difference!

· Earn hours towards Volunteerism 30.

· On request, receive a Letter of Recommendation.

· Meet new friends

· Enhance your resume and post-secondary school applications

Must have a pet and be certified through St. John Ambulance

The goals of pet visitation programs are to provide opportunities for patients to reach and maintain their optimal level of physical and mental functioning; to maintain or re-establish interests, social contacts and dignity, to alleviate anxiety and redirect attention from their own condition and try to provide an outlet for emotion; and to provide structured, meaningful daily activity. All dogs are to be certified, and temperament tested by a Certified Pet Dog Trainer or by St. John Ambulance. They will be placed in areas according to their certification level. Vaccinations are to be up to date prior to first animal visit. Handlers must complete all required SHA Registered Volunteer processes

Recruitment for All Shifts

Gift Shop Volunteers contribute to a facility’s healing culture and provide a service to patients, staff and the public in order to raise funds to purchase equipment. 

Volunteers greet and welcome visitors to the Gift Shop, assist with sales, light cleaning duties, and other tasks as required.

Qualifications:

• Provide remarkable customer service to visitors and staff.
• Possesses excellent communication skills.
• Receptive and accepting of diverse population.
• Sensitive to the needs of all.
• Sensitive to cultural and financial differences and age ranges of visitors.
• Must observe confidentiality of patients.
• Adequate conversational English is required in order that the individual be able to take direction, understand how to complete job tasks, communicate adequately with visitors and co-workers as necessary, understand and follow safety guidelines as well as hospital and department policies.

Opportunities available at Royal University Hospital.