Programs

Volunteer Resources Information

About Saint Barnabas Medical Center

Saint Barnabas Medical Center is New Jersey’s oldest and largest nonprofit, nonsectarian hospital where more patients are treated annually than at any other facility in New Jersey. Saint Barnabas blends the essential elements of community service with advanced medical and surgical specialties to care for patients throughout the state.

The staff of dedicated physicians, nurses and health professionals is committed to providing the highest quality of patient care and health education to the community and to the region.

Providing Valuable Support throughout SBMC

The Volunteer Resources Department at Saint Barnabas Medical Center invites you to expand your horizons through volunteerism. Our volunteers are a vital part of the services we provide to our patients and the community, as many offer a lifetime of business experience and bring valuable insight and suggestions to the operation of the hospital. Last year, Saint Barnabas volunteers donated over 80,000 hours of service.

Volunteer Opportunities

There are many different volunteer roles available for Adult Volunteers (age 18 and up) that are designed to fit individual time schedules, abilities and interests. Volunteers are asked to give a minimum of three to four hours a week and a total of 100 hours per year. In determining a volunteer assignment, the Volunteer Resources Department takes into account his or her interests, skills, life experiences, personal goals, available time and the Medical Center’s needs.

Some key volunteer opportunities include patient transport, flower and newspaper delivery, clerical support, surgical services liaison, Information Desk, Child Life and Seniors-Helping-Seniors Programs.

Junior Volunteer Opportunities

Teen volunteers are eligible beginning at age 14 and volunteer weekdays after school or during school recesses. Assignments include patient transport, deliver flowers, distribute patient mail, deliver OR and X-ray schedules, etc.

Volunteering Brings Special Rewards

Volunteers benefit from the knowledge that they have helped others. Working in partnership for the benefit of our patients and their families, volunteers form strong relationships with the hospital staff and fellow volunteers. And for those poised to embark on a new career or higher education, volunteer service provides the opportunity to learn new skills and exposure to the exciting field of health care. The Medical Center is honored to recognize volunteers for the many hours of dedicated service with an annual luncheon and awards ceremony.

How to Become a Volunteer

The first step in becoming a volunteer is to schedule an appointment for an interview by calling the Volunteer Resources Department at (973) 322-5592. Teen volunteers will be scheduled to attend a monthly Junior Information Session with a parent or legal guardian. During the interview, volunteer applicants discuss their skills, interests and the times they are available. In addition, you will need to:

• complete an application form
• provide a business or personal reference
• meet health requirements, which include completion of a medical form by your physician and a two-step Tuberculosis (TB) skin test

Upon acceptance into the program, volunteers attend an orientation designed to introduce them to the hospital, its staff and fellow volunteers as well as to confirm the Medical Center’s mission and philosophy. Important safety and regulatory information necessary for you to volunteer at Saint Barnabas will also be addressed.

In addition, volunteers are responsible for the purchase of their uniform, which consists of a salmon smock and rubber-soled, low-heeled flat shoes for women and a light blue lab jacket and rubber-soled shoes for men. The uniform for junior volunteers consists of a pink and white striped jumper with a white blouse for girls and a light colored sport shirt with a blue volunteer jacket for boys. The Medical Center will supply you with a Photo ID Badge and a Saint Barnabas volunteer emblem.

Find out how you can make a difference. Give your time and talent where they count, become a Saint Barnabas Medical Center volunteer. For more information or to make an appointment, call the Volunteer Resources Department at (973) 322-5592 and press 2 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.