Teen Volunteer Opportunities at Inova Fairfax Hospital

We are glad you are interested in 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.

Eligibility

The teen program is designed for student age 15 to 17 years old. Current or graduating high school students who turned 18 during their senior year should apply through the teen program.

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.

2013 sessions

Teens are accepted into the volunteer program only twice a year—once in June and once in September. You may choose to volunteer during the summer or the school year.

How to apply

In recent years, the Teen Volunteer Program has received an overwhelming response for available positions. To accommodate as many students as possible, selection to the program will be lottery based.

All prospective teen volunteers must email the Volunteer Services office to register for the lottery. Registration will occur from April 1-30 for the summer session and from August 1-31 for the school year session.

The lottery will take place on May 3 for the summer session and September 4 for the school year session. Attendance at the lottery selection is not mandatory. Notification to selectees will be made via email. Students selected will be required to attend a mandatory information meeting, accompanied by a parent, prior to the beginning of each session.

2012 Lottery and Information Meeting Dates
Summer Session
May 3 – Lottery
May 8 and May 9 – Mandatory information meeting for lottery selectees

School Year Session
September 4 – Lottery
September 9 and September 10 – Mandatory information meeting for lottery selectees

Volunteer opportunities for teens

There are five 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.

1. Patient support services
   Escort patients to procedures; assist in discharging; deliver flowers, charts, patient mail and laboratory items.
2. Hospital ElderLife Program
   Assist older patients and help them experience a positive post-operative outcome and return successfully to their customary routine.
3. Gift shops
   Assist visitors with selections and purchases in four onsite stores; help shop staff with other retail functions.
4. Medical Library
   Shelve or copy materials, locate information and help visitors with Web searches, etc.
5. Peer tutor
   Provide tutoring services primarily to adolescent patients, including helping with homework and assisting in learning new material. The minimum age is 16 and students must have received an A or B in the subject in which they tutor.