North Shore University Hospital


About us Volunteers are vital to enhancing the experience of patients, families, and caregivers at North Shore University Hospital. We welcome caring, reliable individuals from all backgrounds to share their time and make a meaningful impact in our community. Apply now

Make a difference - become a volunteer today

If you're dedicated, caring, and compassionate, join a team that makes a real difference. Provide comfort, support, and companionship in both clinical and non-clinical areas while gaining valuable health care experience and contributing to your community.  

Adult & College Volunteer Program

Our many volunteer opportunities can be customized to meet your needs and fit your schedule. We'll help you choose an opportunity based on your interest and experience.

  • Art and music with patients

    • Provide comfort and uplift patients through creative activities, live music, and compassionate support that help reduce stress.

  • Caregiver Coach

    • Offer ongoing support, guidance, and resources to family caregivers as they care for a loved one.
    • These volunteers have personal experience as family caregivers.

  • Faith-based volunteer

    • Visit patients who share your faith tradition to offer friendly conversation, social connection, and a sense of community.

  • Department/Unit ambassador

    • Support clinical teams and help with administrative tasks to keep hospital units and departments running smoothly.

  • Emergency room ambassador

    • Serve as a liaison between care providers, patients, and families in the ER by maintaining communication, offering comfort, answering non-medical questions, and connecting people with available resources.

  • Gift Shop

    • Assist the Gift Shop team with merchandise and customer service for patients, visitors, and staff.
    • Must be able to operate cash register/charge machine and make correct change.

  • Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP)

    • Visit with older patients to provide companionship, orientation, mental stimulation, and therapeutic recreation activities.

  • Mealtime mate

    • Help patients who need assistance with eating or self-feeding during mealtimes.

  • Pet therapy

    • Certified pet therapy dogs, accompanied by their handlers, visit patients, families, and staff to provide comfort and joy.

  • Reception / Lobby ambassadors / Greeters

    • Provide excellent customer service by welcoming, directing, and escorting patients, visitors, and community members to their destinations within the hospital.

  • Stroke club

    • Support our stroke survivor and caregiver support group by offering encouragement, assistance, and community connection.

  • Vendor sales

    • Help to coordinate vendor sales to raise funds for the North Shore University Hospital Auxiliary.

  • Waiting room volunteer

    • Serve as a liaison in the Surgical Services or Cardiac Cath Lab waiting areas-facilitating communication between clinicians and families, providing updates, and offering support and reassurance.

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    Requirements

    • Volunteers must complete a minimum of 100 hours in their first year.
    • Upon acceptance, you must complete the following before you begin volunteering:
      • Medical clearance from Team Member Health Services
      • Background screening
      • Orientation
      • On-site training
    • Summer-only availability cannot be accomodated.

    If you would like a paper application mailed to you, call the volunteer experience office at (516) 562-4947, opt. #5

    Junior Volunteer Program at North Shore University Hospital

    Our Junior Volunteer Program is a year-round opportunity designed for high school students interested in contributing to North Shore University Hospital and Northwell Health Stern Family Center for Rehabilitation. Volunteers must be at least 15 years old.

    Application Process & Periods

    We accept applications for our Junior Volunteer Program three times a year. Applications are accepted exclusively through our website. The application link will be posted on our website, through the "Apply Now" button, only during the specific dates listed below.

    Fall Enrollment:

    o Applications accepted: September 1 - 7
    o Orientation: November

    Summer Enrollment:

    o Applications accepted: April 1 - 7
    o Orientation: June

    Spring Enrollment:

    o Applications accepted: December 1 - 7
    o Orientation: March

    Program Eligibility & Commitment:

    • Age Requirement: Applicants must be at least 15 years old.
    • First-Year Commitment: A minimum of 100 hours of service is required in your first year.
    • Weekly Shifts: Volunteers commit to regular weekly shifts, each lasting two to three hours.
    • Hours Verification: Verification of volunteer hours will only be provided upon fulfillment of your complete program commitment.

    Acceptance & Onboarding Process:

    • Acceptance Factors: The number of volunteers we accept is based on current hospital needs and the availability of volunteer positions.
    • Weekday Preference: Preference will be given to students who are able to volunteer during the week.
    • Mandatory Onboarding: Upon acceptance, you must complete the following before you can begin volunteering:
      o Orientation
      o On-site training
      o Medical clearance from Northwell team member health services.

    Volunteer Roles & Placements:
    Volunteers are assigned to various roles across our two facilities:

    • North Shore University Hospital: Volunteers assist in areas such as Guest Experience, the Gift Shop, and Patient Experience.
    • Northwell Health Stern Family Center for Rehabilitation: Volunteers support staff on nursing units and within therapeutic recreation departments.
    • Assignments and schedules are arranged based upon your availability.

    Shift Times:

    • During the School Year (September 1 - June 30):
      o Monday - Friday: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
      o Saturday - Sunday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
    • During Summer (July 1 - August 31):
      o Monday - Friday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
      o Saturday - Sunday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

    Important Considerations:

    • No Summer-Only Positions: We are unable to accommodate volunteers seeking summer-only placements. This is a year-round program.
    • Senior Year Restriction: Due to the extensive time commitment involved, we cannot onboard junior volunteers in the fall or spring of their senior year of high school.

    Senior Year Restriction: Due to the extensive time commitment involved, we cannot onboard junior volunteers in the fall or spring of their senior year of high school.

    Contact Information

    Mailing Address: North Shore University Hospital
    Volunteer Experience Department
    300 Community Drive
    Manhasset, NY 11030

    Email: nsuhvolunteerapp@northwell.edu
    Phone: (516) 562-4947
    Fax: (516) 562-2377