How long does the application process take? Can I start right away?
The entire application, screening and orientation process takes an average of three to four weeks to complete.

I don't see the position I am interested in on the listing of opportunities. Can I request to volunteer in a department that isn't listed?
Not every department has a need or the resources to accommodate volunteers. The positions listed have been developed to effectively utilize volunteers. We rarely are able to place volunteers in departments not listed.

How many hours do most volunteers work?
Most volunteers start out with one three or four-hour shift a week. Volunteers who are interested in picking up additional shifts are encouraged to discuss options with the Volunteer Office.

Are there any opportunities in the evenings or on the weekends?
Yes, although opportunities are limited and fill up quickly. The busiest times and greatest need for volunteers are weekdays between 8-4 p.m. Please refer to the Opportunity Directory for areas with evening and weekend availability.

Is there an age limit for volunteering?
The minimum age for volunteering is 14 years old. There is no upper age limit.

I would like to work with children or babies. Is that a possibility?
To work with children and infants volunteers must be aged 18 or older and have graduated from high school. If you are interested in working with children, we encourage you to explore our Child & Adolescent Specialty Center position at the CentraCare Health Plaza or the Children’s Center position at St. Cloud Hospital. Position descriptions can be found in the Opportunity Directory.

We do not have a baby-rocking program. Positions with our infants are very popular and seldom have openings. If we have an opening, we look for volunteers who have provided at least 50 hours of service to St. Cloud Hospital and are willing to commit to one year of continuous volunteering.

I see that I need a health screening. Is that something I will have to pay for?
No. Health screenings are provided by Employee Health Services (EHS) free of charge. Appointments are available Tuesdays. You will need to present a photo I.D. such as a driver’s license or a passport.

Junior Volunteers need a legal guardian present at the time of the health screening. (A photo I.D. is required for both the legal guardian and the Jr. Volunteer.) You will need to stop by EHS the following Thursday to have your mantoux read and to pick up your medical clearance form. This form must be given to the Volunteer Office.

What does the health screening consist of?
Health screenings include:

• Review of your health history
• Tuberculosis (TB) Skin Test (also known as a Mantoux test)
• Urine drug test
• Review of your immunization records - Immunization Requirements (PDF), Tips for Finding Immunization Records (PDF)

Being a volunteer for St. Cloud Hospital is an important job. A volunteer is a much needed extra pair of hands for the nurses as well as the patients. Because of this responsibility, we ask that you postpone your volunteer experience if you have any of the following conditions:

1. An infectious disease of any kind
2. Problems with mobility
3. Using medication or a substance that affects judgment
4. Certain mental health conditions

If you have questions about the above information, please discuss them with the nurses in Employee Health Services (320) 255-5634. Thank you.

I recently had a Mantoux test done. Can I use those results?
Yes, if you have had a negative Mantoux/TB skin test within the past 12 months, a copy is acceptable. If you are offered a position, you will be scheduled for a health screening with Employee Health Services (EHS). Documentation of your recent mantoux can be brought to your scheduled health screening appointment or you may fax it to EHS at (320) 255-5637, attention Brenda P.

I need to fulfill some community service hours. Can I do them through St. Cloud Hospital? What about court-ordered community service hours?
It depends. We are not able to accept volunteers with misdemeanor or felony charges other than minor driving violations. We do not accept volunteers performing court-ordered community service. If you need to fulfill some community service hours for a reason other than court-ordered service, keep in mind that all volunteers must be able to fulfill the 50-hour commitment required to become a St. Cloud Hospital volunteer.

Do you offer opportunities to shadow physicians or other Medical Staff?
No. Job shadowing is arranged through our Medical Staff Office.

Do you offer internships?
No. Individual departments coordinate their own internships.

I would like to find employment at St. Cloud Hospital or CentraCare Health System. Does volunteering guarantee me a job?
No. All employment is arranged through our Human Resources Department.

What is the Dress Code?
Our appearance represents St. Cloud Hospital. Therefore, we recognize that we dress for the people we serve and not our personal preferences. Good personal hygiene is expected. A minimal amount of jewelry can be worn. Nose, eyebrow and tongue rings, ear lobe stretchers, etc. are not acceptable. Tattoos must not be visible while on duty. Nail enhancements such as artificial nails, nail wraps, nail tips, acrylic lengtheners, appliqués, etc. are not permitted.

What is the Smoke-Free Policy?
St. Cloud Hospital is a tobacco-free organization with smoking prohibited in all hospital buildings, on hospital grounds, in hospital vehicles or any leased facilities of the hospital. This includes personal vehicles parked on St. Cloud Hospital ramps and on all St. Cloud Hospital grounds. Smelling like tobacco products while on duty is not permitted.

As a volunteer, do I have to follow the Confidentiality Policy?
Yes. Volunteers are expected to follow St. Cloud Hospital’s Confidentiality Policy and abide by HIPAA standards. Volunteers are not permitted to access medical information unless required to perform their job responsibilities and they will not share medical information obtained while volunteering.

What are the Standards of Performance?
We recognize that our customers are our reason for being here; they deserve service that reflects “Care Above All.”

Our Customer Service Standards outline many of the specific behaviors we must demonstrate each day to ensure that our mission, vision and values are made real for those we serve. We strive to provide respectful and courteous service that exceeds our customers’ expectations, recognizing that excellent clinical quality must be complemented by excellent customer service.

All St. Cloud Hospital volunteers and employees are expected to help fulfill this mission. A set of performance standards has been developed for all St. Cloud Hospital employees and volunteers to follow. These standards establish specific behaviors for volunteers and employees to follow while on duty and are part of the ongoing process for feedback on performance.

We ensure optimum patient/resident care and a respectful workplace by promoting a safe, cooperative and professional health care environment, with the goal to prevent or eliminate conduct that:

• Disrupts the operation of the organization;
• Affects the ability of others to do their jobs;
• Creates a “hostile work environment” for physicians, employees or volunteers; or
• Adversely affects or impacts the community’s confidence in the organization’s and the Medical Staff’s ability to provide quality patient/resident care.

We refrain from disruptive behavior, which includes, but is not limited to, behavior such as:

• Losing one's composure/temper;
• Engaging in intimidating or abusive behavior of any sort, physical or verbal;
• Using profanity or similarly offensive language;
• Making degrading or demeaning or offensive comments regarding patients, residents, employees, physicians, volunteers or the organization;
• Engaging in any retaliatory or abusive conduct with respect to any individual who has filed in the past, or may file in the future, a complaint or concern;
• Using non-constructive criticism that is addressed to its recipient in such a way as to intimidate, undermine confidence, belittle or imply stupidity or incompetence; and
• Unwillingness to work cooperatively and harmoniously with other hospital personnel or members of the Medical Staff. This includes silence/non-communication as a means of retaliation, such as refusing to answer questions, calls, answer pages, walking away from someone talking to you or otherwise using silence as an avoidance tactic.
  

Are there other expectations for volunteers?
Yes. We expect volunteers to have a sense of ownership, a commitment to
co-workers and a positive attitude. We are committed to providing the highest quality of service and meeting our customers’ needs with utmost respect and courtesy. This commitment must be reflected in our behavior.

As St. Cloud Hospital volunteers and employees we take pride in what we do, feeling responsible for the outcomes of our efforts and recognizing our work as a reflection of ourselves.

As St. Cloud Hospital volunteers and employees, we are linked to one another by a common purpose: serving our patients and our community. Our co-workers, therefore, are our teammates and deserve our respect.