Volunteer Opportunities
Mount Sinai Queens welcomes volunteers to help make the hospital experience as comfortable as possible for our patients and their families. Our dedicated volunteers, including high school students, retirees, and those in between, serve in many capacities. Some work directly with patients on clinical or special care units and diagnostic departments, while others assist patients indirectly through administrative support and at special events.
Hours vary depending on the duties and the age of the volunteers. Adults and college students are asked to commit a minimum of six hours per week for at least six months. High school students are asked to commit a minimum of four hours per week for at least one semester. We welcome volunteers to give more of their time and stay on longer. All volunteers are supervised and receive orientation and necessary training to perform their duties.
For more information about volunteer opportunities, contact Volunteer Services at volunteerinqueens@mountsinai.org or call 718-808-7712.
Volunteer Programs
Volunteers can enhance the hospital experience for our patients and visitors in a variety of ways.
Ambassador Program
Volunteers welcome patients, families, and visitors as they enter the hospital. The Ambassador Program supports the mission of the Cullman Institute to promote a culture of patient-centered care that emphasizes service and compassion from the moment a patient enters the hospital. Ambassadors greet visitors at the main entrance to provide a warm and welcoming presence, help patients and families learn where they need to go and, if necessary, escort them to their destination.
C.A.R.E. Volunteer - Emergency Department
Volunteers in the Department of Emergency Medicine’s Care and Respect for Elders with Emergencies (C.A.R.E.) program assist the nursing staff and offer patient support by greeting older patients and engaging them in friendly conversation. This is an excellent volunteer opportunity for those seeking direct patient contact. Volunteers must be at least 18.
C.A.R.E. II Volunteer – Nursing Unit
C.A.R.E. II volunteers assist admitted patients and their families in a variety of ways. They help contact family members and significant others, offer patients reading materials, and provide visitors information about hospital facilities and the surrounding community. Volunteers must be over 18.
Explorer Program - Exploring Careers in Health Care
In collaboration with the Greater New York Councils of the Boy Scouts of America, this is an after-school opportunity for high school students to visit the hospital. Students participate in interactive activities designed to explore various health care career opportunities. Students speak with professionals and learn about a wide range of fields, including radiology, emergency medicine, pharmacy, nursing, and health care security. Volunteers must be at least 15.
Greeter - Hospital Lobby
Stationed in the hospital’s main entrance and lobby, these volunteers greet visitors, patients, and their families as they enter. Volunteers provide information to visitors and family members regarding hospital facilities and resources available in the community. Volunteers must be at least 18.
Greeter - Operating Room Waiting Area
Volunteers maintain a cordial and friendly atmosphere in the waiting area as they greet and meet patients and their families. Their role is to provide information and to minimize stress. They communicate with nurses regarding patient flow and field inquiries from families and visitors. Volunteers must be at least 18.
Music for Healing
Volunteers in the Musicians on Call program aid in the healing process by singing or playing an instrument at the bedside of interested patients. Others support the musicians by escorting them to patients’ rooms. Volunteers must demonstrate sensitivity to the special needs of patients and must be at least 18.
Office Support
Administrative volunteers assist in offices throughout the hospital performing duties that may include data entry, answering phones, faxing, emailing, photocopying, and preparing mailings. Placements are available in many departments, including Health Information Management, Central Supply, Materials Management, Social Service, Admitting, Human Resources, Environmental Services, and Marketing and Communications. Volunteers must be at least 15.
Pet-Assisted Therapy
Individual volunteers and their dogs must be certified as a Pet-Assisted Therapy (PAT) team by a recognized organization (e.g., Good Dog Foundation, Therapy Dogs International, Pet Partners) which recommends the team for hospital service. Each PAT team is screened by the Volunteer Department for suitability in our hospital environment.
Summer Youth Health Volunteer Program
We partner with Hellenic American Neighborhood Action Committee (HANAC) Youth Services to place young people, ages 16-24, in summer jobs through the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development’s Summer Youth Employment Program. Those assigned to Mount Sinai Queens are placed in various clinical and non-clinical departments throughout the hospital. The summer program runs for six weeks in July and August. Applications must be submitted to HANAC by March; other restrictions apply. Contact Volunteer Services at volunteerinqueens@mountsinai.org or call 718-808-7712 for more information.
How to Become a Volunteer
Volunteers from the community help create the friendly atmosphere that makes Mount Sinai Queens a special place. If you are interested in joining our volunteer team, please note the following:
- The minimum age for volunteering is 15, or higher for some placements.
- People interested in volunteering should email volunteerinqueens@mountsinai.org for more information or to schedule an interview.
- The Volunteer office schedules interviews with eligible applicants. At the interview, volunteers receive application materials, including forms for a letter of recommendation and medical clearance.
- We ask that adult and college student volunteers commit to a minimum of six hours per week (minimum of three consecutive hours per day) for six months (150 hours). Time commitments may vary with placement.
- Applicants with non-immigrant visa status (including but not limited to H-1s, H-4s, TNs, TDs, F-1s, F-2s, J-1s, J-2s, and EAD holders) are not permitted to volunteer (this does not apply to U.S. citizens or green card holders). For alternative options, contact International Personnel at hamel.vyas@mountsinai.org
- All accepted volunteers must complete a toxicology, health, and background screening prior to placement.
- It typically takes 4-6 weeks from the time of the interview to complete the volunteer registration process.