Holiday hours

With the exception of Inova hospitals, Inova Emergency Care and Inova-GoHealth Urgent Care, all Inova outpatient offices will be closed for the Memorial Day holiday – Monday, May 26.

FAQs Inova High School Volunteer Opportunities Inova Patient and Family Advisory Councils
Inova in the Community

Are you interested in volunteering at one of Inova's hospitals or other facilities? Contact the Volunteer Office at the Inova location of your choice (locations are listed below).

Each year, hundreds of volunteers at Inova Health System perform a variety of duties. Inova offers opportunities for high school students, college students and adults.

 

Inova volunteers in action

Diverse team members
Team member portrait at gift store
Team member portrait in lobby
Young volunteer team member portrait at lobby of hospital
Volunteer team member portrait at gift store
Volunteer team member portrait at hospital
volunteer team member cleaning equiptment
Young volunteer team member portrait with service dog
Young volunteer team member portrait at lobby of hospital
Young volunteer team member portrait at counter
Young volunteer team member portrait
Young volunteer team members at lobby of hospital
Volunteer team member portrait at lobby of hospital
Volunteer team member portrait at gift shop
Young volunteer team member portrait
Two volunteer team members portrait at information desk of hospital
Volunteer team member portrait at gift shop
Volunteer team members working at gift shop
little Inova logos

Why volunteer?

A diverse group of individuals donate their time and talents to Inova. You can choose from a multitude of assignments that suit your interests and provide a change of pace from your daily routine. Think about joining our team – you won’t regret it.
Enrich the lives of others Sense of accomplishment & personal satisfaction Put your talents to work for a good cause Friendly, caring team Explore possible healthcare careers
  • At least 16 years of age
  • Personable and confident; comfortable approaching and interacting with people of all ages and backgrounds
  • Ability to work independently
  • Flexibility and ability to multi-task in a busy department
  • Successfully prioritize immediate demands
  • Desire to provide service with a smile and compassion with every interaction
  • Enjoy working with the public
  • Exemplify Inova values through leadership and service
  • Discounts in the cafeteria, gift shops and on Inova health and wellness programs
  • Free parking
  • Free annual flu shots
  • Recognition events

Specific requirements by age group

High School Students

  • Be at least 16 years of age on or before the start of the session you’re registering for
  • Commit to all dates outlined for each session (there are no alternative dates offered)
  • As a measure of maturity, all communication is required to come directly from the student
  • Complete and pass a background check
  • Complete 2 rounds of tuberculosis screening OR 1 tuberculosis blood test
  • Provide confirmation of receiving the MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella), Varicella (Chickenpox), Tdap for Pertussis (Whooping Cough) vaccines OR proof of immunity via titer
  • Receive a flu vaccine (if onboarding during flu season)
  • Attend an orientation session
  • Complete online training
  • Photo ID

College Students & Adults

  • Be at least 18 years of age
  • Commit to one, 3 – 4 hour shift per week for a minimum of 6 months
  • Complete and pass a background check
  • Complete 2 rounds of tuberculosis screening OR 1 tuberculosis blood test
  • Provide confirmation of receiving the MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella), Varicella (Chickenpox), Tdap for Pertussis (Whooping Cough) vaccines OR proof of immunity via titer
  • Receive a flu vaccine (if onboarding during flu season)
  • Attend an orientation session
  • Complete online training
  • Photo ID

Volunteer voices

"What I love most about volunteering is the impact I make on patients, their loved ones, and hospital staff. Whether it be delivering flowers, discharging a patient, or guiding a visitor through the hospital, the feeling that I am making a positive difference on the people around me is so rewarding and makes me look forward to coming back each week!"
- Carolyn, Patient Support Services Volunteer
"Volunteering at Inova has been an extremely positive experience for me. The staff and fellow volunteers are overwhelmingly friendly and hardworking. I am continually grateful for the opportunity to dedicate my time to support the patients and staff at Inova."
- Moriah, Patient Support Services Volunteer
"I've made lifelong friendships with people I would've never met if it wasn't for this great volunteering opportunity Inova provides. Being an Inova volunteer has made me more passionate about medicine and community service."
- LemLem, Unit Support Volunteer
"Great way to give back to community, connect with people, provides a sense of fulfillment by contributing to an institution I care about."
- Patricia, Treasure Trove Volunteer
"My favorite thing about volunteering at Inova is the feeling that you’re helping your community. The volunteer coordinator and other volunteers are so welcoming and you’re appreciated as part of the team."
- Cindy, Visitor Entrance Volunteer
“I work alongside a team of volunteers who express positivity, kindness and a sincere desire to serve customers. It is our pleasure to help uplift their spirits and make a difference in their day.”
- Angela, Gift Shop Volunteer
“Every day is a fun and learning experience when volunteering. I have volunteered for over 25 years and enjoy every day!”
- Pats, Gift Shop Volunteer
“I love to volunteer because it gives me a chance to make a difference for our patients’ families.”
- Stephen, OR Desk Volunteer
“No matter how busy it gets, everybody I come into contact with consistently shows the patients that we are working together to help them get better.”
- Don, Emergency Department Volunteer
“My favorite thing about volunteering at Inova is knowing that I helped in some small way.”
- Frank, Lansdowne Emergency Department Volunteer
“Volunteering at Inova is my favorite activity of the week!”
- Carla, Patient Access Volunteer
“The fulfillment that I get from the Inova team is a benefit beyond description. I see their commitment to their patients and I am energized. The team takes every opportunity to say thank you and my soul begins to soar.”
- Nick, Cornwall Emergency Department Volunteer
“The people are great to work with. They are always friendly and treat me as part of the team.”
- Pat, Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehab Volunteer
“Volunteering has opened an opportunity to make an appreciated and satisfying contribution in my community in a professional healthcare setting that aligns with my core values, identity, and greater life purpose.”
- Gary, Spiritual Care Volunteer
“Giving back to the healthcare community that saved my life and working with the wonderful volunteers, always ready to help.”
- Michael, Thrift Store Volunteer

Locations

Click on one of the locations below to learn more about the site-specific program.

Inova Alexandria Hospital
Inova Alexandria Hospital

Call: 703-504-3031 or 703-504-3030
Fax: 703-504-3255

Learn More
Inova Fairfax Medical Campus
Inova Fairfax Medical Campus

Call: 703-776-3447
Fax: 703-776-6128

Learn More
Inova Fair Oaks Hospital
Inova Fair Oaks Hospital

Call: 703-391-3056
Fax: 703-391-3845

Learn More
Inova Loudoun Hospital exterior
Inova Loudoun Hospital

Call: 703-858-6468

Learn More
Inova Mount Vernon Hospital
Inova Mount Vernon Hospital

Call: 703-664-7260
Fax: 703-664-7685

Learn More
Volunteer
Additional Inova Volunteer Opportunities

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The volunteer needs of the hospital change regularly. We encourage you to register again in the future.

Yes. After you start in your assignment area, speak with your supervisor regarding the need for additional volunteer support.

You’ll be given 4-5 weeks to complete all requirements.

Your Volunteer Services contact will connect with you during the application period about specific assignments. 

Typically, within 1 to 2 weeks after your in-person orientation and training.

Volunteer Services does not currently offer group volunteer opportunities. However, if you would like to learn more about group opportunities to give back, please email SpecialEvents@inova.org at the Inova Health Foundation.

Due to infection control policies, the hospital does not accept donations of used items of any kind. Please email giftsinkind@inova.org with donation requests.

While many of our volunteer assignments provide clinical and patient interaction, you will not be shadowing doctors or other clinical personnel while volunteering. For more information on those opportunities, visit the Clinical Education & Research website.