Teen Volunteer Opportunities
We are glad you are thinking about volunteering at Inova Fairfax Hospital. Teens help us with many of the volunteer services we offer and are especially important to our weekend, holiday and summer schedules.
Volunteering at the hospital will allow you to work in a professional atmosphere where you are valued and respected. You will have the chance to meet and work with other teens who share your goals and interests, and get an "inside look" at a hospital.
In addition, as you know, recruiters like to see volunteer activities on college applications, especially if you've worked more than the minimum hours your school may require.
Things to know before you submit your application
- The minimum age requirement to volunteer in the teen program is 15 years old. However, our off-site Treasure Trove thrift/consignment stores located in McLean, Annandale and Springfield DO accept teens who are 13 and 14 years old.
- Teens are accepted into the volunteer program only twice a year—once in June and once in October. You may choose to volunteer during the summer or the school year.
2010 Teen Volunteer Sessions
Summer session – June 26, 2010, to August 22, 2010
School year session – October 4, 2010, to June 19, 2011
- All prospective teen volunteers must attend a mandatory information meeting, accompanied by a parent, prior to the beginning of each session. Email the Volunteer Services office to sign up. Sign-ups begin May 3 for the summer session and September 7 for the school year session.
2010 Information Meetings
May 11 OR May 12 from 7 to 8 p.m. (for the summer session)
September 14 OR September 15 from 7 to 8 p.m. (for the school year session)
- All volunteers must commit to at least one 3–4 hour shift per week.
- The hospital volunteer program cannot accommodate volunteers who need to accumulate just a few hours of volunteer time toward a school or community-service requirement. If you are interested in volunteering only a total of 10 or 20 hours, learn more about volunteer opportunities at the Treasure Trove Thrift/Consignment shops.
Volunteer opportunities
There are six areas throughout the hospital where teens are able to serve. These areas will be discussed in detail during the information meeting. We will do our best to accommodate your preference if an opening in that particular area is available.
- Patient support services
Escort patients to procedures; assist in discharging; deliver flowers, charts, patient mail and laboratory items. - Hospital ElderLife Program
Assist older patients and help them experience a positive post-operative outcome and return successfully to their customary routine. - Gift shops
Assist visitors with selections and purchases in four onsite stores; help shop staff with other retail functions. - Medical Library
Shelve or copy materials, locate information and help visitors with Web searches, etc. - Peer tutoring
Tutor patients currently enrolled in grades K–12. Tutors are specialized in specific subjects and must have received an A or B in the subject they are tutoring.
