Frequently Asked Questions
What are the requirements?
Senior volunteers must be at least 23 years old and complete and submit the membership application form. If selected, applicants must come in for a personal interview, pass a background check, have a tuberculosis screening test, Covid vaccination series plus one booster, attend a new member orientation session, purchase a uniform and pay yearly dues.
How do I get started?
Contact Volunteering to request an application, fill it out and mail it in. If selected, you will be contacted to come in for a personal interview. Volunteering is rewarding and fun, but demands a significant service-based commitment. Please carefully consider your schedule and your ability to commit your time before sending in your application.
Email us to request the application: mmcvolunteers@sutterhealth.org
What is my time commitment?
Volunteers are expected to keep a regular schedule of at least one shift per week. Most shifts are four hours long, and nearly all shifts are during regular business hours. Your shift will be "fixed" (same placement, same time, same day each week). You must commit to a minimum of 100 hours of service each year.
May I volunteer for more than one shift per week?
Yes.
I only need 20 hours of community service for school. Can I fulfill this requirement at Memorial Medical Center?
Our minimum requirement is 100 hours of service and one year. We do not provide references or write letters of recommendation until the minimum commitment is met.
I have been ordered by a court to do community service. Can I fulfill this requirement at Memorial Medical Center?
No. We do not accept volunteers doing court-ordered service.
Why do you need my Social Security number?
This information is used for background checks and to verify your identity. This information is not recorded in our database and is not shared with anyone. At MMC, maintaining privacy and confidentiality – for our patients, staff and volunteers – is a priority.
Where do I get a TB test or other laboratory tests?
Upon acceptance as a Memorial senior volunteer, you will be provided with all necessary lab work required to work in a hospital setting, at no cost to you. Lab tests required depend on the area that you will be assigned. Lab work required for junior volunteers must be completed by family physician.
What if I test positive for TB?
If you have a positive test, you will either have to bring documentation of a negative chest X-ray done within the last year or have a chest X-ray taken to verify you do not have tuberculosis.
What is a new member orientation and when must I attend?
All new volunteers are required to complete a new member orientation prior to starting work at Memorial. The orientation lasts a full 2 hours. New member orientations are scheduled after successful completion of a personal interview and background check.
What happens after new member orientation?
After orientation, the chairperson from the department you will be working for will contact you to see when you are available for training. You will also be contacted to purchase your uniform and pay your $5 dues.
What is involved in purchasing a volunteer uniform?
After the new member orientation and prior to starting work, you will need to purchase a uniform top from the hospital. Uniform tops range in price from $30 to $36. In addition, you must purchase and wear a plain white shirt with sleeves under your uniform top, white skirt or white pants, white rubber soled shoes and white socks. Uniforms must be worn at all times while on duty.
Why do I have to pay a membership fee?
A $5 annual membership fee is required of all volunteers. The fee is used toward nursing scholarships and other volunteer contributions, and demonstrates a commitment on the part of the volunteer applicant.