Volunteering
WVU Medicine Harrison Community Hospital accepts three types of volunteers: adults, college students, and high school students.
- Adult volunteers are at least 18 years of age and no longer a student.
- College student volunteers can apply for volunteer opportunities in coordination with approved education affiliation agreements. They will be reviewed based on hospital/departmental ability to accept student volunteers at that time.
- High school students may volunteer as junior volunteers, not in conjunction with a specific educational program.
By volunteering at Harrison Community Hospital, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in community service that makes a difference in the lives of others. We are able to provide additional patient care services because of your commitment and compassion. We depend on you and appreciate our volunteers.
As a WVU Medicine volunteer, you’ll have the opportunity to explore health careers, meet people in your community, develop new skills, and experience the satisfaction that comes from helping others.
To learn more about our volunteer opportunities, contact the director of volunteer services at 740-942-6295.
Volunteer Hours
Volunteers have a choice of shifts during morning, afternoon, or evening hours, depending on the volunteer placement location.
Upon receiving of your application, you’ll be contacted to schedule an interview, so that we can get to know you and tell you more about our programs. All applicants will be interviewed, and if you are 14-17 years of age, a parent/legal guardian must be present at the time of the interview. Once we’ve discussed your skills, interests, and past experiences, we will be better prepared to match you with a volunteer position that will both fulfill your expectations and provide a needed service to the hospital.
Please be aware that we make our best effort to place you in your desired volunteer area, but some areas are fill up quickly and are highly competitive.
All applicants must have a background check performed by WVU Medicine Human Resources (at no charge). Your references will be checked prior to or shortly after your interview. On acceptance as a volunteer, you will be given information about how to complete the online volunteer orientation. You will also need to submit a policy acknowledgment, provide your immunization records (see below), and driver’s license (if applicable).
Immunizations
In order to provide a safe environment for both patients and volunteers, volunteers are required to provide documentation of the following immunizations prior to their start date. Additional considerations noted below.
- Chicken pox: documentation of history
- Hepatitis B: series of three immunizations, at least one must be administered prior to start
- Flu: during flu season
- Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR): proof of two separate doses
- Tetanus: within the past 10 years (recommended Tdap)
- Tuberculosis skin test (TB): If you have not received a skin test within the past 12 months, a two-step TB skin test will be administered seven to 10 days after your initial skin test placements.
Additional considerations
Employee Health will administer a TB skin test, hepatitis B immunizations (only working in specific locations), and Tdap vaccines for adult and college student volunteers. All vaccination records must be reviewed by an Employee Health clinician prior to obtaining any additional vaccinations. Chicken pox history may be verified with a blood test to determine antibody levels. Volunteers will be responsible for the Varivax (chicken pox) vaccine if needed, and documentation of two separate doses is required. Volunteers born before 1957 will be tested for antibody levels of MMR. In the event that a volunteer has a negative antibody titer (antibody level), Employee Health will administer all vaccines except the Varivax (chicken pox) vaccine.
A history of receiving tuberculosis immunizations does not exclude volunteers from TB skin testing. This will be reviewed with the volunteer at the time of the visit. In the event that a volunteer has a positive TB skin test reading, the volunteer must be evaluated by a physician for a chest x-ray and possible preventive therapy. The cost of this treatment is the responsibility of the volunteer. A copy of the chest x-ray report and physician evaluation will be required prior to approval for volunteer work.
High school/junior volunteers will only receive a TB skin test from Employee Health and must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Any other necessary immunizations must be obtained from their medical provider. If a junior volunteer has no history of chicken pox or is uncertain about their medical history, he or she must see a medical provider for vaccination or provide documentation of positive Varicella antibody.
At the completion of all required vaccinations, an Employee Health clinician will return the signed volunteer approval slip to the volunteer for delivery to the Volunteer Services Office.
Please note: All WVU Medicine volunteers are required to have a flu vaccine. Flu vaccines are given at no charge to the volunteer. If you received a flu vaccine elsewhere, you must provide proof of the vaccine. If you are actively volunteering when flu season begins, you are required to get a flu vaccine in order to continue volunteering. If you decide not to get a flu vaccine, you will not be able to volunteer until flu season is over.