Commonly Asked Questions

What happens after the 6-month period ends?

Volunteers have a few options:

  • They can continue volunteering in the area they have been assigned;
  • They may ask to be assigned to a different area; or,
  • The volunteer may decide to stop volunteering altogether.

Nonetheless, we ask volunteers to provide a 2-week notice when vacating a placement.

How long does it take before I can start volunteering?

The average amount of time it takes for individuals to complete the requirements is 4 weeks, however, individuals can complete the requirements within 1-2 weeks. Completing the requirements is based upon one's motivation.

I am an EMT/Paramedic; can I volunteer in the Emergency Room for exposure and clinical hours?

Volunteers are not allowed to use any clinical skills, observe or assist in the Emergency Room. Volunteers are doing a variety of duties which include: prepping gurneys (30 within a shift), disinfecting children's toys in the Waiting Area, providing patients and families information, resources, etc.; running errands, restocking supplies, etc. Volunteer hours will most likely not qualify as clinical hours.

Can I use my clinical training as a volunteer?

Volunteers are not able to provide clinical assistance to patients (ex. Starting IV's, wound care, taking vitals, taking notes or scribe, etc.), regardless of any clinical licenses (MD, RN, NP, PA, MA, LVN, state board certificates, etc.).

Can I volunteer as an RN or Physician at the hospital or in a clinic?

For legal, risk and compliance reasons, volunteers are not providing any clinical assistance, expertise, etc. The role of a volunteer is non-clinical, assisting ancillary support to patients and families.

I will be traveling for 3 months (during the next 6 months), can I begin volunteering, then take a leave of absence?

We require a 6-month continuous period, therefore, if you anticipate traveling for any period longer than 2 weeks, we recommend starting the requirements after returning from travel.

Do volunteers wear uniforms?

Yes, volunteers wear a red polo shirt or red sweater with black, grey or white pants.

I'd like to volunteer in Pharmacy, Sterile Processing or in Billing and Coding. Is this possible?

Volunteers are not placed in these areas, and are not able to displace paid staff.

I'm looking for an internship; do you offer Internships or Externships?

We do not offer opportunities for Internships or Externships. Stanford Health Care has partnerships with local community colleges (ex. Foothill College) with some 2-year vocational programs. Contact these schools directly for more information about their programs.

I am interested in volunteering in a research lab; whom should I contact?

Volunteers at the Hospital and Clinics are not conducting research or volunteering in the lab. Please visit Stanford University website at www.stanford.edu and visit the School of Medicine to search lab opportunities on the University side.

I'm visiting campus and the Bay Area for 2 weeks, can I volunteer for a short period of time?

Due to the amount of time and training invested, we require a six-month, 100 hour commitment.