UTMB Volunteer Services

Volunteer

• Acute Care for Elders (ACE) Geriatric Unit

  Seniors serving seniors!  Become a “Friend of the Ace Unit” volunteer and help make a difference!  Nurture patients by serving as a listening presence, help diffuse loneliness, and bring comfort and companionship.  This program offers initial training and continuing education as well as occasional lectures by geriatric specialists.

  

• Clerical Support Team

  A Clerical Support Team volunteer assists hospital and clinic staff with departmental responsibilities that help facilitate and enhance the efficiency of the department’s role. Clerical assistance may include answering phones, preparing charts, sorting and filing records, distributing mail, copying, running errands between departments, shredding, assembling packets, mail outs, and/or other light duties as deemed necessary.  Available areas vary depending on departmental needs.

  

• Coffee Cart
  Delivering complimentary coffee and tasty seasonal beverages to our waiting areas allows patient family members and visitors to have the benefit of refreshments without being fearful of missing their appointments or important information regarding their loved one.  Our coffee cart volunteers also deliver magazines to waiting areas and may assist Volunteer Services with a variety of projects. The coffee cart volunteer position is a great way to get some light exercise while performing a valuable service.  This job may be performed with a partner.
• Emergency Room & Trauma Center

  Volunteers in this position can assist in a variety of ways including greeting new patients in the Emergency Department waiting area, answering phones, monitoring the information desk, providing patients and visitors with needed information and directions to campus services and locations (parking, cafeteria, restrooms, and campus maps), and by displaying courtesy and responsiveness to all patient, visitors, and staff.

  

• In-Patient Nursing Units

  Assist staff by answering phones, patient call lights, and other light clerical and nursing unit duties.  Volunteers may also interact with designated patients, offering companionship and encouraging communication--especially for those without family--or by encouraging patients to eat, filling water pitchers, and/or reading.

• Library Cart Volunteer
  Offer complementary books and magazines to patients and their guests.  The library cart also contains toiletries, and assorted games such as cards, checkers, crossword puzzles, etc. for distribution.  If time allows, volunteers may visit with patients.  Volunteers may also assist by labeling and sorting reading materials.  This job may be performed with a partner.
• Navigator
  This volunteer position requires a friendly, upbeat person to greet and guide our patients and visitors throughout our hospital and clinics.  Navigators provide helpful resources and directional information and may walk with or escort our visitors when necessary.  Do not let unfamiliarity with the complex turn you away from this fun position—you can learn your way as you go.  Volunteers must have good communication skills and the ability to walk extensively.  This is a great way to combine your walking routine while providing a valuable service.  This job may be performed with a partner.
• Pediatric Medical/Surgical Unit

  Play games and make art creations with pediatric patients in the children’s playroom.  When a child is unable to leave the hospital room, volunteers may be asked to deliver toys, games and/or books to the child’s bedside.  Under the supervision of a registered nurse or child life specialist, volunteers occasionally visit with and rock/cuddle infants, toddlers and children who are in stable condition.