Orange County Volunteering: Children's Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) – Various Volunteer Positions Based on Needs

Volunteering can be one of the most fulfilling activities in life, providing invaluable help to communities and an enjoyable experience for those who give their time and energy. In Orange County, the Children's Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) stands out as a beacon of hope and healing, where volunteers make significant contributions to patient care and hospital operations. This article serves as a comprehensive guide to the various volunteer positions at CHOC, tailored to meet the dynamic needs of the hospital.

Why Volunteer at CHOC?

Children's Hospital of Orange County is a leading pediatric healthcare facility in California, providing specialized medical attention to infants, children, and adolescents. Volunteering at CHOC not only supports the well-being of young patients but also bolsters the hospital’s operations, enabling the staff to focus on providing exceptional medical care. Here's why volunteering at CHOC is both rewarding and impactful:

• Patient Engagement: Volunteers have the opportunity to directly interact with patients, offering emotional support and creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
• Skill Development: Volunteers can gain valuable experience, essential skills, and an understanding of hospital operations that may benefit their future careers.
• Community Contributions: Volunteering provides a way for individuals to give back to the community and make a genuine difference in the lives of children and their families.

Various Volunteer Positions Based on Needs

At CHOC, volunteer opportunities are diverse, continuously evolving to adapt to the hospital’s immediate and long-term needs. Here is an overview of various volunteer positions you can consider:

1. Patient/Family Support Volunteers

These volunteers play a crucial role in enhancing the hospital experience for patients and their families by providing companionship and general support. Responsibilities include:

• Leading or assisting in play activities to keep young patients entertained.
• Offering a listening ear or friendly conversation to patients and families.
• Supporting family members during their hospital visits, answering questions, and guiding them around the facility.

2. Administrative Volunteers

Administrative roles ensure the smooth operation of CHOC’s day-to-day tasks. Volunteers in this capacity can expect to:

• Assist with clerical duties such as filing, data entry, and organizing paperwork.
• Support hospital staff with scheduling and coordinating appointments.
• Help manage phone lines and direct calls to appropriate departments.

3. Special Events Volunteers

CHOC hosts a variety of events throughout the year to raise funds and awareness. Special event volunteers are vital in:

• Assisting in the setup, execution, and teardown of events.
• Engaging with attendees and providing information about CHOC’s mission and services.
• Managing registration desks and attendee lists during events.

4. Pet Therapy Volunteers

Pets can offer therapeutic comfort to children and boost morale during their hospital stay. Volunteers involved in pet therapy:

• Bring pre-certified therapy animals to visit patients.
• Supervise interactions to ensure a safe and positive experience.
• Work closely with hospital staff to schedule animal visits.

5. Child Life Volunteers

Child life volunteers support the hospital’s child life specialists in providing psychological preparations and coping strategies for young patients. Duties may include:

• Assisting in the planning and execution of child life activities, such as art and music therapy.
• Contributing to educational sessions aimed at easing hospital anxiety.
• Working with children on developmental activities tailored to their age and needs.

6. Gift Shop Volunteers

The hospital gift shop provides a critical service for visitors, and volunteers here help by:

• Stocking shelves and assisting customers with purchases.
• Maintaining inventory records and managing new stock arrivals.
• Operating the cash register and handling financial transactions.

7. Interpreter Volunteers

For families coming from diverse backgrounds, language can be a barrier to understanding medical information. Interpreter volunteers assist by:

• Providing verbal translation for families needing help during medical consultations.
• Ensuring families understand hospital procedures and care plans.
• Helping staff communicate effectively with non-English speaking patients and families.

How to Become a Volunteer at CHOC

If you're interested in volunteering at CHOC, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Step 1: Application

Prospective volunteers must first complete an online application available on CHOC's official website. This form asks for basic personal details, availability, and interests to match applicants with suitable volunteer positions.

Step 2: Interview

Once the application is reviewed, selected applicants are invited for an interview. This is an opportunity to discuss your interests, understand the hospital's expectations, and identify the best fit for your contributions.

Step 3: Orientation and Training

Successful applicants must undergo a mandatory orientation session to familiarize themselves with CHOC’s policies, procedures, and the specific requirements of their volunteering role. Additional training may be required depending on the volunteer position.

Step 4: Health Screening

Volunteers must pass health screenings, including immunizations and TB tests, in compliance with hospital policies to ensure a safe environment for patients, visitors, and staff.

Step 5: Background Check

As part of ensuring a safe space for patients and the hospital community, CHOC conducts thorough background checks on all volunteers prior to commencing service.

Step 6: Begin Volunteering

After completing all necessary steps, volunteers can begin their service, making memorable contributions to the lives of countless children and their families.

Tips for a Successful Volunteering Experience

• Stay Engaged: Be proactive in your tasks, show eagerness to learn, and willingly embrace the challenges of your role.
• Communicate Effectively: Good communication with both staff and fellow volunteers is crucial for operational success.
• Embody Empathy: Bring compassion and understanding to your interactions with patients and families.
• Maintain Commitment: Honor your volunteering schedule, as your reliability is vital to the hospital’s functioning.

Conclusion

Volunteering at the Children's Hospital of Orange County is a meaningful way to contribute to a worthy cause while gaining personal fulfillment and professional experience. By offering various volunteer positions, CHOC ensures that anyone willing to help can find their niche and make an impactful difference. Whether it’s engaging with patients, managing administrative tasks, or supporting hospital events, every volunteer acts as a force for good, exemplifying the community spirit that places CHOC at the heart of pediatric care in Orange County.

If you’re ready to embark on this rewarding journey, CHOC welcomes you with open arms to begin changing lives—one smile at a time.