Volunteer FAQs for The Miriam Hospital

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Would you like to be one of our volunteers? Volunteers support our hospital staff, enhance the overall patient experience, and provide supplemental assistance in many areas throughout the hospital.

What is the first step in registering as a volunteer?

Send an email request to Mary Ferreira at [email protected] for more on our Informational Sessions.

How long does it take to become a volunteer?

It takes approximately one month from the time you receive our Information Session and have an interview with a staff member in Volunteer Services to become a volunteer at The Miriam Hospital.

What is the minimum age to volunteer?

The minimum age to volunteer is 14 years of age.

What is the time commitment?

We ask that you commit to a minimum four hours each week for a least 100 hours, over the course of a year or two school semesters. For our summer program, you must be available once a week for the entire summer, or for a minimum six hours per week, for eight weeks.

Does volunteering guarantee me a job at the hospital after I complete my volunteer commitment?

Volunteering is an excellent step to learn about careers in healthcare. It does not guarantee you a paid position. If you are interested in employment at Brown University Health, please visit the Brown University Health Careers page.

I have a group that wants to volunteer for a day. Is that possible?

We cannot accommodate groups or individuals who would like a one-time volunteer opportunity.

Can I shadow a doctor or an employee at The Miriam Hospital?

Volunteer services department does not coordinate shadow experiences.

What benefits are provided to volunteers?

Volunteers receive a number of benefits:

• Free parking
• $7.00 cafeteria meal voucher for every four-hour shift you volunteer
• Training for all volunteer positions
• Annual volunteer recognition celebration

What if I don’t meet the minimum hour requirement?

We will not provide a professional reference if you do not complete the minimum requirement.

Do you have opportunities to complete court-appointed or school required community service hours?

We do not accommodate individuals who need to complete community service hours.