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

Hospital policy requires that you must be 16 years or older in order to volunteer at Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children. 

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

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.

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

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.

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.  

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.

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. 

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

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. 

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.

There is a Sensory Support program at Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children. 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.

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. 

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

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.

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 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.  

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

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