MyNemours Sign-InVolunteers at the Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children are valued members of the health care team. Annually, over 550 volunteers provide services to more than 85 departments throughout the hospital. Many work directly with patients and their families. Others choose to work behind the scenes, supporting the staff in clerical and reception roles.
Opportunities
Our volunteers provide support to both clinical and clerical departments. Openings for these positions change constantly. Please note that not all opportunities are available at any given time.
Recreational Activities with Children
Read Aloud Delaware
Volunteers with this program — a collaboration with the nonprofit Read Aloud Delaware organization — read to children as they wait to be seen for appointments in the Outpatient Waiting Areas.
When: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
KINfolk
This nonprofit organization distributes laptop computers to children while they are hospitalized. Computer knowledge is necessary to volunteer with this program.
When: Monday–Sunday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Child Life Program
Assist Child Life Specialists in the Activity Center and on the nursing units as they help children deal with illness and hospitalization through play and self-expression activities.
When: Monday–Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Family Comfort/Support
Emergency Services
Assist behind the scenes with rooms, supplies and patient escort. Provide comfort care to patients and their families.
When: Monday–Sunday, 9 a.m. to midnight
Family Resource Center/
Ronald McDonald Family Room
Provide a welcoming and compassionate presence in the Family Resource Center, which offers a business center, computer access, a library, a kitchenette, laundry facilities, sleep rooms and showers for patients’ families. This assignment is in collaboration with The Ronald McDonald House of Delaware.
When: Monday–Sunday, 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Reception
Unit Welcome Desk
Welcome visitors onto the units in our 450,000-square foot hospital expansion. Provide way finding and collaborate with Family Ambassadors in supporting our patients and families.
When: Sunday–Saturday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Surgical Services
Support families and staff through the surgical process, in both the preoperative and postsurgical units.
When: Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Clinical Department Support
Medical Imaging
Escort patients to other areas of the hospital and assist staff with general duties. Act as a greeter for the department.
When: Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Patient Escort
Assist Patient Escort staff with transporting patients and maintaining unit levels of wagons and wheelchairs. CPR training is required and will be provided.
When: Monday–Friday, noon to 4 p.m.;
Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Office Staff Support
Clerical
Over 75 different administrative or medical offices need volunteers to help with mailings, filing, copying or telephone duties. Computer knowledge is helpful.
When: Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Therapeutic Services
Inpatient Rehab Gym
Assist behind the scenes by keeping equipment clean and in order. Aid therapists with peripheral duties associated with various therapies.
When: Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Outpatient Gym
Assist with behind-the-scenes activities and aid therapists as needed.
When: Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Pool
Aid aquatics staff with therapy patients.
When: Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Volunteer Requirements for Adults and College Students
All volunteers must:
- be at least 18 years old or older
- make a commitment to serve at least 50 hours over a 6-month period
- complete the online application and submit the required paperwork
- attend an interview/information session
- gain medical clearance, including two tuberculosis tests, an immunization titer and a urine drug screening
- clear background screening requirements
In addition, volunteers must:
- be able to speak and understand English
- be willing to learn the skills necessary to be competent in their duties and responsibilities
The majority of volunteer opportunities are available Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with limited evening and weekend hours.
Volunteer Application Process
Opportunities are available from September through April each year.
The Volunteer Program is full. Application process will reopen in August.
Step 1: Review Volunteer Requirements
Are you able to make the commitment to volunteering with Nemours for a minimum of 50 hours over a 6-month period? Have you reviewed the information on possible opportunities and volunteer requirements?
Step 2: Complete an Application
Complete and submit the online application, explaining why you would like to participate in our program.
In addition, complete and submit the required forms:
- via Fax (302) 651-4083
- scan and e-mail to volunteers@nemours.org
- hand-deliver to the Volunteer Services office at Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, 1600 Rockland Road, Wilmington, DE, 19803
Applications will not be reviewed if we do not receive both the application and the required forms.
Step 3: Select an Interview/Information Date
Once your application is submitted, you will receive a confirmation email that contains a link to sign up for one of our interview/information sessions. Attendance at this session is mandatory; however, it does not guarantee placement in the program.
Step 4: Background Screening, 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 background screenings
- gain medical clearances (including urine drug screen)
- complete online training
Community Group Visits and Community Entertainment/Performances
We always welcome groups and individuals to apply to visit the hospital, including college and high school groups, community organizations, youth groups, performers, athletes and others.
To find more information about our guidelines and requests of visiting individuals and groups, please click below on the appropriate link that most describes your type of visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
- 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
- clear background and abuse registry screenings, and check references
- gain medical clearance, including tuberculosis tests, an immunization titer and a urine drug screening
- complete online training
- receive department-specific training
We ask for a minimum commitment of 50 hours over a six-month period.
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, (302) 651-4000 and ask to be connected to your department of interest.
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.
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
Yes, in order to become a volunteer.
Our volunteer program does not accept applications from individuals who are required by law to complete court appointed community service hours.
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
Contact Us
Phone: (302) 651-6081
Fax: (302) 651-6071
E-mail: volunteers@nemours.org
Address: 1600 Rockland Road, Wilmington, DE 19803