Volunteer Opportunities in Delaware, New Jersey and Pennsylvania

Volunteering at Nemours Children's allows you to gain experience preparing for future endeavors in health care and particularly in a pediatric medical setting. We offer volunteering opportunities throughout the year, working on a semester basis for college students. You must meet the standard 50-hour requirement within six months in order to be a participant in the college program. The college program provides services to more than 80 departments throughout the hospital and the Delaware Valley. Many college students work directly with patients and their families. 

You would make a great college volunteer if you meet the following requirements:

• You are enrolled as a college student with an interest in pursuing a career in health care.
• You are at least 18 years old.
• You have a proactive demeanor and selfless mindset.
• You have a positive and professional attitude. 
• You are able to commit to a regular weekly schedule to complete the required 50 hours within six months.
• You are able to speak and understand English.
• You are willing to learn the skills necessary to be competent in the assigned duties and responsibilities.

Please note that the Volunteer Office does not handle internships, externships, shadowing or observing. These requests should be directed to the department of interest.

• Fall Session (September–December)
• Spring Session (February–May 27)
• Summer Session (May–August) 

Step 1: Complete an Application and Required Forms

Complete and submit the online application, explaining why you would like to participate in our program.

• College Volunteer Application
• Required Forms

How to submit the required forms:

• scan and e-mail to: volunteers@nemours.org

Step 2: Complete an Interview/Information Session

Sign up for an interview/information session.

Step 3: Background Screening, Medical Clearance and Training

After the interview/information session you attend, and if we are able to make a match, you will be required to:

• clear background screenings
• gain medical clearances
• must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before starting. Proof of vaccination will be required.
• complete online training

Each summer high school students volunteer in order to gain experience working in a hospital setting. Students do support work that truly makes a difference in the overall care of patients and their families and do so in a variety of age-appropriate assignments. We offer positions in various departments throughout the hospital. Many placements allow the high school students to interact with patients and families at the hospital. Our summer high school volunteer program is highly competitive and applications are chosen through a lottery system. Placements are decided by the Volunteer Services Office staff based on the number of available openings in the hospital and the number of applications received.

Applicants must have consistent patience interacting with children from birth to age 18 as well as with their siblings and parents. They must also be able to speak and understand English and be willing to learn the skills necessary to be competent in their duties and responsibilities. Lastly, all student volunteers must adhere to the Nemours Standards of Behavior and be committed to the Nemours goal of helping children, everywhere, grow into healthy adults.

Requirements

• Must be TB tested
  
• Must be 16 by the start of the program and have completed sophomore year of high school
• Must be able to speak and understand English
• Must be willing to learn the skills necessary to be competent in their duties and responsibilties
• Must commit to being here for 7 of the 8 weeks during the program

The 2024 Summer High School Volunteer application is closed and the program is full. Please check back in early 2025 to learn more about the 2025 program and to apply.

Application Process

Step 1: Complete an SHSVP Application & Recommendation Form

The 2024 Summer High School Volunteer application is closed and the program is full.

Step 2: Interview/Information Session — Group Format

All candidates chosen as a result of the SHSVP lottery must attend an entire Interview Session. Attendance at a session is mandatory but does not guarantee final placement in the program.

Step 3: Medical Clearances and Training

If you are accepted into the SHSVP, you will be required to:

• gain medical clearances.
• have two required TB tests
• complete online training
• submit the required forms
• pass background checks if you are 18 years or older

Since 1985, Auxiliary members have helped the hospital’s patients and their families, visitors and the community. Members of the Auxiliary accomplish this by volunteering throughout the Hospital and raising funds through Gift Shop operations and donations.

As an Auxilian you will: help patients, families and staff, share you skills, form new friendships, take part in social and educational events, develop your leadership skills, and enrich your life. Auxiliary members can volunteer in any of the adult volunteer programs, as well as take part in a few programs specifically for Auxiliary members.

Auxiliary gifts to the Hospital include funding of the Sensory Playroom in the Child Life Clubhouse as well as the ZeroG Gait and Balance System in the Therapeutic and Rehabilitative Department. The Auxiliary also administers the Family Assistance Fund to help qualified patients and their families with nonmedical expenses. We invite you to join us in caring by becoming a member of the Auxiliary.

The Rocco and Mary Abessinio Gift Shop

Offers stuffed animals, toys, jewlery, flowers and attractive gifts for patients, visitors and staff

Baby Bookworm Program

Provides language nourishment that is critical to infant brain development by reading a selection of books to infants several times a day

Hospitality Hour

Provide hot beverage services to family members and visitors

Read Aloud Delaware

Involves reading aloud to children and visitors in hospital waiting areas in order to encourage a love of books.

Child Life

Engage and encourage patients and siblings in play

Surgical Services

Provide information and emotional support to patients and their families

How do I become a volunteer?

• complete the online application
• attend an interview/information session, which allows us to learn more about your skills, interests and expectations and for you to learn more about volunteering at Nemours Children's
• clear background and abuse registry screenings, and check references
• gain medical clearance, including tuberculosis tests and an immunization titer
• complete online training
• receive department-specific training

How old do you have to be to volunteer?

Hospital policy requires that you must be 16 years or older in order to volunteer at Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware.

Do I have to wear a uniform?

Yes, volunteers wear a uniform shirt, jacket or apron.

What time commitment is required of volunteers?

All volunteers must be able to commit to volunteering for 50 hours over a 6-month span. Typically, a volunteer shift will be 3-4 hours once a week.

Can I volunteer more than 50 hours?

Absolutely, there are opportunities to complete more than 50 hours. Please note that 50 hours is the minimum.

Do I have to volunteer every week?

Once you have been accepted as a volunteer you will be given a shift that will take place for 3-4 hours once each week. Please notify your supervisor if you need to miss your shift for some reason.

Can I volunteer more than once a week, in more than one place?

Once you have become accustomed to keeping up with one shift there may be an opportunity to add an additional shift. This opportunity is based on the hospital’s needs and how many active volunteers we have at a particular time. In order to volunteer more than once a week you need to be a volunteer for at least 1 month. Please reach out to the Volunteer Services Office if you want to increase the number of shifts you have per week.

Can I complete all 50 hours in a row?

No, you can’t complete all 50 hours at once. You will start with one 3-4 hour shift per week and may have the opportunity to pick up more shifts in order to complete your minimum 50 hour requirement.

What is required in addition to the online application to complete my volunteer application?

In addition to the online application you will need to fill out the required paperwork, which can also be found online. You will need to attend an Interview/ Information session; clear medical requirements; clear background checks; and complete hospital required online training.

What is a tuberculosis (TB) test?

A TB test is a skin test or a blood test to see if you have been exposed to Tuberculosis.

If I just had a tuberculosis (TB) test, can I use that?

Yes, but you need to have completed two consecutive TB tests within the past 6 months. You will need to provide documentation of any in the past 6 months.

Can I select which department and hours I choose to volunteer?

During your application process we ask you to indicate your weekly availability and your top preferences of departments where you would like to volunteer. Your placement will be selected based on this information and the hospital’s needs.

Is there a program to only rock and hold babies?

There is a Sensory Support program at Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware. In order to qualify for this position you must be a volunteer with us for at least 6 months, meeting the requirement of 50 hours and in good standing.

What happens if I can’t make it in to the hospital on any given day?

If you are going to miss your shift, we ask that you contact your department supervisor to let him or her know you will be absent. If you will be missing more than two consecutive consecutive shifts, you will need to fill out a Leave of Absence form in the Volunteer Services Office.

My schedule changes regularly, can I change my shift schedule?

Shifts are scheduled to accommodate the ongoing needs of Nemours. Please contact the Volunteer Services Office to see if your department can consider your request.

Will I be able to shadow any doctors or nurses?

Job shadowing, internships, and externships are academic pursuits and therefore are not coordinated through the Volunteer Services department. If your goal is to shadow, please call the hospital’s general number (302) 651-4000 and ask to be connected to your department of interest.

Will my volunteer experience lead to a job?

No, although volunteering at a hospital will allow you to gain experience working in a hospital it is not structured to lead to a job.

How soon can I start?

How soon you start depends on you and how quickly you complete your application and fulfill all the requirements. Please note that it take an average of 30-45 days to on-board a new volunteer. Your start date could depend on how quickly you move through the process.

When can I volunteer?

Opportunities are generally available from September through April each year. Most positions are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Limited positions are available in the evenings and on weekends.

What are we looking for in our volunteers?

As a volunteer, you will need to:

• abide by Nemours Standards of Behavior
  
• be able to speak and understand English
• be willing to learn and able to perform the skills necessary to be competent in your duties and responsibilities
• exhibit outstanding customer service skills in every interaction

Am I able to complete my court appointed community service hours at Nemours?

Our volunteer program does not accept applications from individuals who are required by law to complete court appointed community service hours.

What are the benefits of volunteering?

Becoming a Nemours volunteer allows you to:

• contribute to your community
• meet new and interesting people
• gain invaluable learning experiences in a hospital setting
• be recognized for your service hours