High School Volunteers

High school students volunteer to gain experience working in a hospital setting. Students do support work that 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 high school students to interact with patients and families at the hospital.

Requirements

• Must be 16 at the time of application
• Must be vaccinated against COVID-19 before starting. Proof of vaccination will be required. (Boosters are NOT required.)
• Must make a commitment to serve at least 75 hours over a consecutive 6-month period
• Must be able to speak and understand English
• Must be willing to learn the skills necessary to be competent in their duties and responsibilities
• Must clear a health screening
• Must clear criminal background check (for those 18 years and older)

How Do I Become a High School Volunteer?

Step 1: Application Process

• View our Opportunity Directory for a listing of volunteer positions.
• Complete and submit the Online High School Application, explaining why you would like to participate in our program.
• Complete and submit the following required forms:
  
  • Nemours University Signature Page(PDF)
  • There are nine (9) required Nemours University modules you will need to read through. The Nemours University Signature Page contains links to the required modules. When finished reading through each module, please complete the Nemours University Signature Page and submit to VolunteerORL@nemours.org verifying that you have read and understood the information. Completing the courses will take approximately two-hours and you will be given service hours for your time.
  • Recommendation Form(PDF)
  • We request that you reach out to two personal references of your choice. Please email to them the recommendation form. Each reference should forward the form directly to VolunteerOrl@nemours.org.(Information provided on the form).

To proceed to Step 2, application must be submitted along with the required forms.

Step 2: Interview/Information Session

Once your application is submitted and required forms received, you will be invited to attend an Interview/Information session. (These sessions are usually virtual.)

Step 3: Background Screening, Medical Clearances and Training

If you are selected to move forward in the process additional steps are:

• Complete New Volunteer Orientation (online training)
• Complete a health screen and criminal background check (at the expense of Nemours Children’s)
  • Urine drug screen test
  • Proof of immunity to measles, mumps, rubella and chicken pox (or a Blood Titer)
  • Proof of completed COVID vaccination
  • Tuberculosis test (Blood titer)
  • Up to date Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis)
  • Flu vaccine (mandatory during the October – April flu season)
  • Submit information for your background check for those 18 years and older
• Attend department training
• Schedule and begin first day of volunteering (minimum 6-month commitment begins here)

Frequently Asked Questions for High School Students

How old do I have to be to apply for a volunteer opportunity?

High school students must be at least 16 years of age at time of application.

What days and times can high school students volunteer?

Volunteer assignments are Monday through Friday during regular business hours and evenings until 7:00 pm. (No weekend opportunities.) A student will be given a schedule with the same assignment and time each week.

What opportunities are available for high school students?

Check our Opportunity Directory for a listing of volunteer positions (note the positions available to high school volunteers). 

I am 18 years old and dual-enrolled. Should I fill out the high school application or the adult/college application?

Because you are still in high school, you should complete and submit the high school application. You will be eligible to apply for the adult/college program after high school graduation.

I am interested in a career in medicine. Can I come to the hospital to shadow a nurse or doctor?

Job shadowing, internships, externships and observing are academic pursuits, and therefore are not coordinated through the Volunteer Services Department. If you need further information, please call the hospital’s general number, (407) 567-4000 and ask to be connected to your department of interest.

FAQs

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?

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

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 75 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 75 hours. Please note that 75 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 hospital’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 75 hours in a row?

No, you can’t complete all 75 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 75 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 hospital’s needs.

Is there a program to only rock and hold babies?

There is a Cuddler program at Nemours Children’s Hospital, Florida. To qualify for this position, you must be a volunteer with us for at least 6 months, meeting the requirement of 75 hours and in good standing.

What happens if I can’t make it into the hospital 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 hospital’s general number (407) 567-4000 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 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 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?

Most positions are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Limited positions are available in the evenings and on weekends. (High School volunteers do not volunteer on weekends.)

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

I have additional questions not answered here.

Contact Volunteer Services at volunteerorl@nemours.org.