Garnet Health Medical Center - Summer College Volunteer Program

Garnet Health is a New York State, not-for-profit corporation headquartered in Middletown, New York, approximately 60 miles north of New York City. Garnet Health is comprised of Garnet Health Medical Center, Garnet Health Medical Center - Catskills, Garnet Health Doctors, Garnet Health Foundation and Garnet Health Foundation - Catskills. Garnet Health is dedicated to developing specialty services, medical programs and needed healthcare services that allow residents to remain close to home to receive quality care.

Providing healthcare to nearly 450,000 residents in Orange, Sullivan and Ulster Counties, Garnet Health was designed to improve the quality, stability and efficiency of healthcare services in the mid-Hudson and Catskill region. Services provided by more than 3,300 employed professionals and over 850 medical staff members, makes Garnet Health one of the largest healthcare providers in the tri-county area.

Garnet Health’s volunteer program is an integral part of the hospital’s operations. For over 20 years, volunteers have provided invaluable assistance to our patients, visitors and staff. The Garnet Health Volunteer Corps, more than 300 strong, use their special talents to contribute to the well-being of our community all year long. Garnet Health Medical Center offers a friendly environment and a broad range of volunteer opportunities in medical and support areas throughout the hospital and outpatient facilities.

Sample Assignments:

Clinical

Emergency Department: This can be a fast-paced, busy environment with high patient volume on most days. The volunteers assist the staff with multiple tasks allowing the unit to run efficiently throughout the day and night. ED Volunteers bring not only an extra pair of hands, but a keen awareness of the environment, the ability to anticipate needs, and are proficient at multi-tasking. Assignment available during the week and weekend.

Nursing Units: Volunteer duties include rounding on the patients for comfort care items, answering call bells, restocking supplies in patient rooms and in main supply closet, assist with wiping down surfaces around the unit, running specimens to the lab and various clerical needs. Assignment available during the week and weekend.

Infusion: The Infusion department serves the medical needs of our outpatients who are undergoing treatments for a variety of illnesses, requiring infusion treatment. The volunteers in this department are focused on making the non-clinical patient experience an exceptional one thereby allowing the clinical staff to focus on the medical needs of the patient. Assignment available during the week and weekend.

Cardiology: Each day, cardiology receives a large number of patients both inpatient and outpatient that need to have cardiac testing performed. The volunteers here will assist with greeting the patients on arrival, rounding on the unit, checking if comfort care items are needed, help restock supplies, help prepare the room for the next patient, take specimens to the lab, answer phones and other various clerical needs. Assignment available Monday-Friday.

Non-Clinical

Surgical Waiting Area: The volunteer serves as a liaison with the surgical staff for the patient and their family. Assignment available Monday-Friday.

Front Desk Reception and Greeters: The main lobby is where the all-important first and last impressions of our medical center are made. It is an extremely fast-paced, busy, high volume environment requiring excellent customer service skills; multi-tasking; effective communication skills; being warm, caring and empathetic while dealing with individuals who for many reason are under stress. Assignment available during the week and weekend.

Gift Shop: The shop is beautifully designed and offers the most unusual of items. The volunteers assist in many of the daily operations of the shop including but not limited to customer assistance, ringing up sales, helping to restock the shelves, price items, assist in turning the shop over for the different seasons and maintaining the cleanliness and inventory on a daily basis. Assignment available during the week and weekend.

Registration Desk: This can be a very busy area as patients come to check in for medical procedures and testing, surgery, and admissions. This desk is all about offering exceptional customer service. Assignment is available Monday-Friday.

Many of our non-clinical assignments require filing, data entry, you will be creating patient packets or answering the phone. Some of those types of assignments are in the following areas:

• Nursing Professional Practice;
• Medical Education;
• Risk & Legal;
• Supply Room.

The process to become a volunteer at Garnet Health requires a number of steps before you are cleared to begin onboarding and volunteering. All applicants must complete a medical clearance and attend orientation.

College Summer Program: The application for this program is opened for the month of February, phone interviews are held in March and orientation in offered several times in May. You must be currently enrolled in a college/university in order to qualify for this program. Please note that Volunteer Service assignments are not considered clinical hours.