Banff Mineral Springs Hospital

Location

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

Becoming a Volunteer

Volunteering with Banff Mineral Springs Hospital is a unique opportunity to support resident & patient care.

Banff Mineral Springs Hospital (BMSH) volunteers are individuals looking for a rewarding experience to provide meaningful support to residents, patients, and their families through a variety of roles.  Volunteers are a vital link in the important work of Covenant Health. It is our mission to provide patients and residents with superior care and services. It would be impossible to achieve this mission without the patience and dedication of our volunteers. Our volunteers offer their time, talents and energy to help create a nurturing, healing environment for the people we serve. Join our team and be a part of the success.

What is the role of the volunteer?

At Banff Mineral Springs Hospital, we offer a wide range of volunteer programs to meet the needs of our residents, patients, and their families. The diverse range of volunteer opportunities means there's something for everyone, no matter your skills or availability. Our volunteer programs allow our volunteers to:

• Broaden their experience.
• Gain new skills.
• Contribute to the lives of those we serve.

Volunteers provide assistance to residents, patients, and their families in a variety of roles throughout the health care journey.  Some of our key volunteer positions include:

• St. Martha’s Place Long Term Care Unit Volunteer: Volunteers working in St. Martha’s Place Long Term Care Unit provide friendly and caring support to the residents with an emphasis on creating a positive environment and meeting each resident’s individual needs.  A variety of assignments are available when volunteering on St. Martha’s Place Long Term Care Unit:
• Music Therapy: Under the direction of our Music Therapist, provide social companionship to the residents while assisting them to play musical instruments and singing along. No musical talent is required.  This assignment is really about having fun, singing along, and encouraging the residents to do the same.
• Fun & Games: Under the supervision of our Recreational Therapist, assist residents with a variety of recreational activities, porter residents in wheelchairs to and from the activity, and help with setup and cleanup.
• Arts & Crafts: Under the supervision of our Recreational Therapist or Occupational Therapist, assist residents with a variety of arts & crafts activities (e.g., painting projects, beading bracelets, pumpkin carving), porter residents in wheelchairs to and from the activity, and help with setup and cleanup.
• Outings, Picnics & Scenic Drives: Join the residents and our Recreational Therapist for scenic drives in the hospital’s handi-bus and picnics around beautiful Banff or come along for a special outing like High Tea at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel.  Assist with portering, serving, feeding, and providing social companionship.
• “Pub” Nights: Join the residents in an evening of fun at their very own “pub” night. Sing along with or accompany our Occupational Therapist on the guitar or your instrument of choice.  Assist with setup/cleanup, portering, serving, feeding, and providing social companionship.
• Pet Therapy: The Pet Therapy Program provides an opportunity for volunteers to visit with their pets. Interacting with a friendly pet can help many with physical or mental health issues.
• Adaptive Bicycle Rider:  Volunteers for this seasonal position receive special training in order to assist our residents on adaptive bicycle rides in and around Banff under the direct supervision of our Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapist.
• Friendly Visitors: Visiting with residents and patients to engage with them in conversation and activities to make their hospital stay a little more enjoyable.
• Hospital Special Event & Project Assistance: Volunteers in this position provide administrative assistance and support to various hospital special events and projects (Long Service Awards, Fundraising Galas, Professional Recognition Weeks, Staff Appreciation Events, Bake Sales, etc.).

What are the qualities of a volunteer?

If you are considering volunteering with BMSH, consider whether or not you are:

• Able to work collaboratively with health care providers to improve care and experiences for residents, patients, and their families.

• Motivated to help others.
• A compassionate listener.
• Able to show respect for the perspectives of others.
• Able to work independently or as part of a team.
• Willing to give your time on a weekly basis for a minimum of four months.

Want to apply?

If you think that volunteering with BMSH 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 information to see if you are a suitable fit for our organization and the positions available. This will also give you an opportunity to get your questions answered. You will also be asked to supply two (2) references.

Step 3: If it is agreed that volunteering with BMSH is something that you would like to pursue, you will be asked to complete our volunteering onboarding process including:

• Completing a Vulnerable Sector – Criminal Record Check.
• Completing a Baseline Health Screening Assessment and submit proof of immunity to Rubella.
• Participate in any necessary training.
• Signing a Confidentiality Agreement outlining the expectations of volunteers in the hospital.
• Participate in our online, site, and program specific orientations.
• Sign photo/media and email consent forms, if applicable.

Step 4:  Learn how to use our volunteer system, how to sign up for opportunities, and how to enter volunteer hours. This can occur during or after onboarding is complete.

If you have any questions, please contact the Volunteer Services Coordinator, Jane MacDonald at Jane.MacDonald@albertahealthservices.ca or by phone at 403-760-7222 ext.255.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I become a volunteer?

The first step is to submit a completed application. You will be contacted by the Volunteer Services Coordinator to discuss next steps, which include an interview, orientation, and job specific training.  Remember, applying to volunteer is just like applying to a job! We select those best suited for the positions available in our program.

How old do you have to be to volunteer?

We accept volunteers 13 years old or older. However, certain placements may have age restrictions. Volunteers under 16 years of age require parental/guardian consent to volunteer.

How long is a typical volunteer shift and how often am I required to volunteer?

Most of our shifts are 1-2 hours long with some shifts, such as special event support or outings, lasting anywhere from 2-4 hours. Although we offer flexible scheduling, we ask our volunteers to try to commit to one shift per week.

How long of a commitment do I have to make?

To volunteer for Banff Mineral Springs Hospital, we require a minimum commitment of four (4) consecutive months.

How long does the process take to become a volunteer?

The clearance process can take anywhere from two weeks to two months depending on the documentation provided during the interview.

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

Yes, we encourage you to seek new challenges and opportunities.  Each month, volunteers are presented with the various volunteer shift opportunities and are able to sign up for the shifts that are of interest to them and work with their availability. 

Can I do more than one volunteer position?

Yes!  

Do I need a criminal record check?

Yes, specifically a Vulnerable Sector Criminal Record Check is required to volunteer at the hospital.  The original document must be presented to Volunteer Services at the time of application and must be current within six months.

Can I get a reference?

Yes, our department completes verification references for our volunteers. 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.

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

While the majority of our volunteer opportunities occur during weekday business hours, there are some opportunities that live outside of the Mon-Fri 8-4pm time-frame.