Volunteering at Parkland is a rewarding opportunity that matches caring people with services that provide comfort to the patients and their families who come to Parkland. We enthusiastically welcome individuals of all backgrounds and abilities who wish to volunteer.
How volunteers help Parkland
There are opportunities to volunteer in many different areas of our hospital. Volunteers provide important services, so we make every attempt to match interests, skills, and availability with hospital needs.
You can volunteer in one of the following areas:
- Hospital support
- Staff support
- Community support
- Specialty programs
Applying to volunteer
For the safety of our patients, all applicants will be asked to submit an online application and must meet certain qualifications, which may include a background check, submission of two personal references and criminal background check. Prospective volunteers must attend an orientation.
If you would like to volunteer at Parkland, please complete an application.
If you have questions about volunteering at Parkland, contact
Volunteer & Guest Services:
469.419.0808
volunteers@phhs.org
Donating items
Volunteers can also share their time and passions for our patients by making and donating greatly needed handmade items. Slippers, pillows, quilts, robes, infant items, stuffed animals and dolls are always appreciated by our patients. New items, both handmade and purchased, can also help bring a personal touch to patient care at Parkland. Any item that has been used cannot be accepted.
If you would like to donate a handmade item, call us at 469.419.0808.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the age requirement of an adult volunteer?
To participate in our Adult Volunteer Program, you must be at least 18 years of age and not currently in high school.
What is the time commitment over the course of the program?
We ask for each adult volunteer to serve a minimum of 100 hours over the course of one year. Typically, a volunteer agrees to come in once a week for a 3-4 hour shift. You will work with your coordinator to pick a day and time that you will most consistently be available. You will keep the same shift from week to week.
Can I volunteer more than once a week?
We ask new volunteers to commit to volunteering once a week until you become settled in your role. If, after a period of time, you want to increase your volunteer hours you can discuss with your coordinator to learn about any opportunities.
I have been ordered by the courts to perform community service. May I do my hours at Parkland?
No. We do not accept applicants who are obligated to complete community service hours, nor will we allow current volunteers to apply their volunteer hours at Parkland to fulfill court-mandated service.
Will I be able to shadow any nurses or doctors as a volunteer?
No. Volunteers serve to meet the non-clinical needs of the hospital and will receive a job description at the beginning of their placement. It is a great opportunity to experience a hospital setting, but volunteers will not shadow a specific staff member.
Pre-medical students, residents and other health care professionals can obtain observation hours by shadowing Parkland health care workers through the Parkland Observation Program. To learn more about the program, contact Alitha Jones at ParklandObservationProgram@phhs.org.
Will my volunteer experience lead to a job opportunity at Parkland?
All employment opportunities are handled by Parkland’s Office of Talent Management. You may visit www.parklandcareers.com to find more information about current employment opportunities. Volunteer experience will not lead directly to an offer of employment. We discourage individuals from applying to volunteer if the main objective is employment.
Can I become a volunteer at Parkland while I am in-between jobs?
We appreciate your desire to give back of your time. However, we ask that our adult volunteers commit to serving 100 hours in a 12 month time period. We find that most often adults who are in the midst of a career change are not able to fulfill this obligation.
I have recently experienced the illness or loss of a loved one. Are there any volunteer opportunities that will help me work through the healing process?
Through previous volunteers, we have found that serving at Parkland does not meet the emotional needs of those who have recently experienced the serious illness or death of a loved one. We find it is important for an individual to work through the healing process and then evaluate whether volunteering at Parkland is the right option for them.