Volunteer in Jacksonville

High school students volunteer to gain valuable experience, marketable skills, and an appreciation for community service through our program. 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 two opportunities for high school volunteers: one that is year-round and one that is summer only. Before you apply to be a part of this vital team, please take a few moments to review the requirements and the process to become a volunteer. This will help you determine which opportunity is best for you.

Year-Round Requirements:

• This opportunity is best suited to high school students that have a flexible school schedule such as early release, dually enrolled, etc.
• Must be at least 16 years old and have completed sophomore year of high school
• Must make a commitment to serve at least 50 hours over a 6-month period
• Be able to speak and understand English
• Availability Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Summer Only Requirements:

• Must be 16 years old by the start of the program and have completed sophomore year of high school
• Must commit to at least seven of the eight weeks during the program
• Be able to speak and understand English
• Availability Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Qualifications

• Have consistent patience interacting with children from birth to age 18, as well as with their siblings and parents
• Be willing to learn the skills necessary to be competent in their duties and responsibilities

Application Process
Step 1: Complete an Application

• View our Opportunity Directory for a listing of volunteer positions. Opportunities may be limited per the needs of the clinic.
• Complete and submit the online application, explaining why you would like to participate in our program. High School Volunteer application
• Current opportunities are only for high school students that are available to volunteer year-round.
• Summer-only applications will become available Spring 2026. Learn More

Step 2: Interview/Information Sessions

Once your application is submitted, you will receive a confirmation email with additional requirements you will need to complete. Once you complete those requirements, you will need to attend an interview/information session.

Step 3: Reference Check, Medical Clearances, and Training

After you attend one of our interview/information sessions and if we are able to make a match, you will be required to:

• Clear two reference checks
• Clear background screenings if you are 18 years or older
• Gain medical clearances including tuberculosis test, immunizations, and a urine drug screen
• Complete online and in-person training

Benefits

• Explore career opportunities
• Contribute to your community
• Gain invaluable learning experiences, as well as references and recommendations
• Be recognized for your service hours

How do I become a volunteer?

• Complete the online application and required forms
• 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 check references
• Gain medical clearance, including a urine drug screen and blood titer
• Complete online training
• Receive department-specific training

How old do you have to be to volunteer?

You must be 16 years of age and completed sophomore year at the time of application.

Do I wear a uniform?

Yes, volunteers wear a uniform shirt 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 the minimum 6 months?

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

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

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 clinic's needs and how many active volunteers we have at a particular time. 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.

I am in the process of looking for a job and have a flexible schedule now. Can I begin volunteering for Nemours?

Because of the time commitment required, we encourage you to apply for onsite volunteer opportunities once you have a better idea of your work schedule and availability. However, there are other ways to help while you find a permanent schedule.

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.

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 clinic’s needs.

Is there a program to only rock and hold babies?

No. We are an outpatient clinic and do not have this opportunity.

What happens if I can’t make it into the clinic on any given day?

If you are going to miss your shift, we ask that you contact Volunteer Services regarding your absence. If an extended break in service is needed, a Leave of Absence may be requested.

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 clinic's general number, (904) 697-3600, and ask to be connected to your department of interest.

I cannot make a 6-month commitment to volunteer, but I want to get involved. Am I able to volunteer with a group or a one-time special event activity?

Yes, discover ways to get involved at Nemours through our Child Life Program.

Will my volunteer experience lead to a job?

No, although volunteering at the clini(s) will allow you to gain experience working in a clinic setting 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 takes an average of 30-45 days to onboard a new volunteer. Your start date could depend on how quickly you move through the process.

When can I volunteer?

Positions are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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 clinical setting
• Be recognized for your service hours

I have additional questions not answered here.

Contact Volunteer Services at jaxvolunteers@nemours.org