Volunteering at UChicago Medicine

Located in the Duchossois Center for Advanced Medicine, volunteers in our Comprehensive Cancer Center make a difference in our patients’ lives.

Volunteers provide a healing and supportive environment to our patients and families in our hematology/oncology and infusion therapy clinics. They offer light refreshments, assist with directions, and most importantly, a listening ear. Additionally, volunteers assist with administrative tasks and restocking the food pantry on the unit.

Volunteers must be able to come in during weekdays between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. and commit to at least four hours per week.

The Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP) is an evidence-based initiative designed to prevent delirium and functional decline in hospitalized older adults, typically aged 60 and above. By providing targeted interventions and compassionate care, HELP enhances the well-being and overall hospital experience of older patients during their stay.

HELP Volunteer Roles and Interventions

HELP volunteers are integral to the program, engaging directly with patients through the following interventions:

1.  Orientation Communication

Volunteers provide companionship and socialization through structured visits. These interactions help patients maintain alertness, reduce confusion, and stay oriented to their environment.

2.  Feeding & Meal Assistance

Volunteers support patients during mealtimes, assisting with meal setup and offering partial feeding help as needed to promote adequate nutrition and preserve dignity.

3.  Therapeutic Activities

Volunteers deliver cognitively stimulating and enjoyable activities, such as puzzles, games, or reading materials, tailored to the patient’s preferences to improve their cognitive and emotional well-being.

HELP Volunteer Requirements:

• Must be 18 years of age or older
• Possess strong communication skills, with the ability to work independently and collaborate effectively with the nursing team.
• Commit to a 4-hour weekly shift for at least one quarter, serving on weekdays between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m.
• Successful complete 20 hours of service in our TLC (Tender, Loving, and Care) Adult Visitor program
• Complete specialized delirium prevention training, including Zoom instruction and hands-on shadowing training. 

Volunteer wayfinders provide a welcoming environment for patients and families in various locations on our medical campus. In high foot traffic areas, volunteer wayfinders provide stellar customer service as they guide patients and families to their destination while answering questions they may have along the way.

Wayfinder locations include the DCAM adult outpatient center and Comer Children’s Hospital’s main lobby.

This program is looking for engaging, self-directed, and friendly volunteers with great communication skills and a desire to work with a diverse community of patients, families, and staff.

Volunteer shifts are available Monday through Friday. Most needed times are between 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. There is a minimum of 2 hours per shift.

Volunteers are trained to hold infants in our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) to provide comfort and aid in their development. In addition to holding, volunteers are trained to read aloud to infants.

To be considered for this program, volunteers must:

• Be 18 years of age or older
• Complete 40 hours of service in our children’s playroom
• Receive recommendation from the Child Life and Volunteer Services staff

This program is highly prized and applicants must complete the prerequisites before advancing to the program. Waitlisting may apply.

Volunteers provide various activities to children in our pediatric outpatient clinic, promoting a more child and family-friendly experience during potentially long wait periods at Comer Children's. By facilitating quick crafts or helpful programming, volunteers help ease the hospital visit experience for children and caregivers.

In addition, this position will help to promote our Reach Out and Read program. Volunteers will assist in providing a literacy-rich environment, organizing books, and reading to children while they wait.

The outpatient waiting areas require a volunteer to be available during the weekdays, Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Scheduling is flexible but requires a recurring commitment of three to four hours per week.

Volunteer guides enhance the patient experience by welcoming and escorting patients to their lab appointment while providing an extra level of engagement, simultaneously improving the clinic’s patient flow.

This program is looking for enthusiastic, organized, and engaging volunteers who can work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.

Volunteer shifts are available Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. There is a minimum of 2 hours per shift.

Volunteers are paired with a child patient in our Child Life playroom. The playroom provides development activities that a child would normally do outside of the hospital setting. Activities include reading, arts and crafts, and playing games. Playful activities offer our pediatric patients a safe and fun escape from illness, tests and treatments. When a patient is unable to leave their hospital room, volunteers are trained to deliver and play activities at the bedside.

This program requires a volunteer to be engaging, interactive, friendly, and good with children of all ages.

Volunteers must be able to serve one of the following set shift times and serve the entirety of the shift each week.

Playroom shifts are: 

Monday through Thursday

9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

1 to 4:30 p.m.

4:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Friday

9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

1 to 5:30 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday (Waitlist may apply.)

1 to 4:30 p.m.

Our Recreational Volunteer Programs play an essential role in supporting patients’ well-being and healing through diverse therapeutic practices. Through the healing power of music, the creative expression of art, and the comforting companionship of pet therapy, volunteers offer critical support in creating moments of joy, relaxation, and emotional connection.

• Music Volunteers deliver the healing power of music, offering comfort and connection through sound, which can reduce stress, enhance mood, and promote healing.
• Art Volunteers facilitate opportunities for creative expression and cognitive stimulation, allowing patients to explore their feelings, reduce anxiety, and regain a sense of agency through art-making.
• Pet Therapy Volunteers provide emotional support and comfort through the companionship of trained therapy animals, which can ease anxiety, lift spirits, and foster moments of joy and connection for patients.

Volunteer opportunities are not available to B-1, B-2, H1-B, and H-4 visa holders. Applicants with Permanent resident cards must provide a copy during the time of the interview.

To become a Music or Art volunteer, you must meet the minimum requirements:

• Must be at least 16 years old.
• Applicants must interview with a Volunteer Services Program Manager, must be accepted, and complete the required onboarding requirements. Volunteer onboarding can take 2-4 weeks depending on the applicant’s personal schedule and commitment.
• Complete the Health and Drug screening through Occupational Medicine at UCM.
• COVID-19 and annual flu vaccines are required for all staff/volunteers.
• Pass a Criminal Background Check.
• Complete the required volunteer orientation and training.

To become a Pet Therapy volunteer, you must meet the minimum requirements:

Animal handler volunteers must:

• Be a minimum of 18 years old
• Obtain registration as a handler team through one of our approved organizations (Therapy Dogs International, Canine Therapy Corps, Alliance of Therapy Dogs, etc.)
• Provide annual documentation from approved therapy animal organization, liability insurance certificate, and updated veterinarian records for their animal
• Commit to a minimum of at least 1 visit per month

All approved animals must:

• Be a minimum of one year old
• Only domestic dogs that are well-behaved, housebroken, and under control at all times are allowed.
• Hypoallergenic dog breeds (see list below) are generally preferred; however, any dog that is certified, well-groomed, and sociable will be considered. 
• Pass a thorough annual examination and fecal culture which tests for the following: Salmonella, Shigella, Giardia and Campylobacter
• Be kept on a strict vaccination schedule (updated annually) including rabies vaccine and parasite prevention, administered and documented by a licensed veterinarian.
• Be clean, bathed, and well-groomed within 24 hour prior to their visit. They shall be regularly bathed and thoroughly brushed, nails clipped without any ragged edges, ears cleaned and free of any odor, eyes clean and have clean teeth and breath.
• Hypoallergenic dog breeds:
  • Basenji
  • Bedlington Terrier
  • Bichon Frisè
  • Chinese Crested
  • Irish Water Spaniel
  • Italian Greyhound
  • Kerry Blue Terrier
  • Labradoodle
  • Maltese
  • Poodle
  • Portuguese Water Dog
  • Samoyed
  • Schnauzer
  • Shih Tzu
  • Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier
  • Xoloitzcuintli
  • Yorkshire terrier

  If you are interested in becoming a Recreational Volunteer, each out to us at vservices@uchicagomedicine.org to learn how you can get involved.

Located in the Center for Care and Discovery’s Sky Lobby, surgery waiting room volunteers provide a welcoming and healing environment for families as they wait for news about their patient’s surgery. Volunteers escort and reunite the families with the patient once the patient is out of surgery.  Additionally, volunteers assist in light administrative tasks to help with the operational flow of the department.

Volunteers must be able to volunteer for at least four hours per week during weekdays between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.

At the Center for Care and Discovery and Mitchell Hospital, volunteers provide a helping hand to our patients, families and staff.

Volunteers round on our adult inpatient units, checking in with each patient to provide more comfort during their stay. Whether offering reading materials, comfort items, a listening ear, or support, visits from volunteers encourage healing and ease to our patients and families. Additionally, volunteers assist with requests from patients, families and staff.

In addition to this volunteer role, we are looking for volunteers that have an interest in art or playing music for our patients.

TLC PROGRAM UPDATE: Volunteers should have strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work independently. A minimum commitment of four hours per week, with a scheduled weekly shift, is required. Volunteers must be available to serve on weekdays between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m.

Looking for a meaningful way to support patients at UChicago Medicine? Our Volunteer Services Amazon Wishlist makes it easy to donate comfort items that directly benefit adult patients and their families.

Each item is thoughtfully selected by our team to support volunteer-led programs such as TLC (Tender Loving Care) and HELP (Hospital Elder Life Program). Donations like cozy blankets, puzzle books, coloring supplies, and stress-relief tools help bring comfort, connection, and care to those we serve.

Shop and Donate

UChicago Medicine Volunteer Services Amazon Wishlist

Our inpatient volunteer programs benefit greatly from reading materials that help patients stay oriented, engaged, and connected. Volunteers use these resources during one-on-one visits to spark conversation, reduce anxiety, and support cognitive well-being—especially among older adult patients.

We are currently accepting the following donations:

• New or gently used magazines (published within the last 3 months)
• Daily print newspaper subscriptions for inpatient use
• New or gently used paperback books (all genres welcome, especially fiction, mystery, biographies, and uplifting stories)

If you or your organization would like to donate materials or sponsor a subscription, please contact us at vservices@uchicagomedicine.org

Thank you for helping us create a more comforting and engaging environment for patients and visitors at UChicago Medicine.

Sixteen (16) is the minimum age to volunteer. We are legally unable to accept applicants younger than 16 years of age. Some select programs require volunteers to be at least 18 years of age.

Hospital volunteers are required to serve a minimum of six (6) consecutive months and complete 100 hours of service within a year. Most of our volunteer programs require a weekly shift of 3-4 hours.

Applicants accepted into our volunteer programs must meet the following requirements:

• Be at least 16 years of age, 18 years of age for select programs
• Complete 100 hours and commit to six months of service
• Pass a mandatory health and drug screening completed through UChicago Medicine
• Complete and pass criminal background check
• Provide immunization history or be willing to receive missing immunizations including an annual influenza vaccine
• Receive general volunteer training and attend program specific volunteer training
• Volunteer opportunities are not available to B-1, B-2, H1-B, or H-4 visa holders

This opportunity is not available for B-1, B-2, H1-B, and H-4 visa holders. Applicants with permanent resident cards must provide a copy of their card to our office during the time of the interview.

Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate group volunteering or short-term volunteer opportunities. If you are interested in hosting a special event for children or making a donation, please contact the Child Life Department at 773-702-0407.

UChicago Medicine is a multi-site institution. There are three primary medical facilities that have hospital volunteer opportunities at this time:

• UChicago Medicine and Comer Children's in Hyde Park (main campus)
• UChicago Medicine Ingalls Memorial in Harvey
• and UChicago Medicine Center for Advanced Care in Orland Park

Each location has different volunteer programs available that best suit the needs of the patients and families for that facility. Please be sure to read the volunteer programs offered at each facility and apply accordingly.

We do offer a summer-only program. The minimum requirements remain the same however volunteers must serve their 100 volunteer hours in 12 weeks. The open application begins in early March. The deadline to apply is mid-May. Those that do not apply by the application deadline are not eligible to begin the upcoming summer program.

UChicago Medicine does offer these types of opportunities, but they are not coordinated through the Volunteer Services office. If you are interested in an internship or to shadow a doctor, please contact the department you are interested in interning/shadowing directly. Opportunities are select and custom to each department. There are formal requirements and the approval and onboarding process can take up to six weeks.

All applicants must submit a volunteer application, be invited and attend an in-person interview, and complete the onboarding process (health/drug screening, background check, and training). Volunteers typically complete this in two to five weeks from the time accepted. There is no cost to volunteer at UChicago Medicine.

Ingalls Memorial offers unique opportunities to help patients and their families on our Harvey campus.

Learn how you can apply to serve as a volunteer at Ingalls Memorial.

Patient Experience Support

A high profile position that enhances our patient experience, volunteers are responsible for providing a warm and welcoming atmosphere for patients and visitors as they visit UChicago Medicine - Orland Park. Volunteers are stationed in our lobby and clinic areas, ready with a smile to address questions and take visitors to their destination.

Hours

You must be able to volunteer for at least four hours Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or Saturday between 8 a.m. and 12 noon.

How to Apply

Complete a volunteer application for our Orland Park location