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Community Outreach

Volunteer Services

A volunteer is a person who freely chooses to serve others in his or her community and believes that individual involvement makes a difference. At Dimensions Healthcare System, volunteers are welcomed as a significant part of the healthcare team, working with staff to provide quality healthcare services. Below is information on volunteering for two of the facilities of Dimensions Healthcare System.

Please scroll down to view information on Volunteering at Laurel Regional Hospital & Prince George's Hospital Center.

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Volunteering at Laurel Regional Hospital

Introduction

Laurel Regional Hospital is proud of its volunteers, which includes the Laurel Regional Hospital Auxiliary. Volunteers can be found assisting departments throughout the hospital. In addition to providing patient support, our volunteers provide fundraising support through a variety of planned projects throughout the year. Additional funds are raised through the Glass Palace Gift Shop.

Our volunteers are a team of committed, enthusiastic and creative individuals who go a long way in assisting the hospital to achieve its Mission of providing high quality and efficient, healthcare services to preserve, restore and improve health status in partnership with our community.

If you are a dedicated individual willing to help, we invite you to join us!

Reasons to Volunteer

At Laurel Regional Hospital, volunteers are welcomed as a significant part of the healthcare team, working with staff to provide quality healthcare and services. There are many reasons to volunteer at Laurel Regional Hospital:

  • Satisfaction of helping others
  • Opportunity to use existing skills and develop new skills
  • Able to share ideas
  • Explore possible career options
  • Give back to your community
  • Meet school requirements for graduation
  • Meet new and wonderful people
  • Make friends that will last a life time

Volunteers at Laurel Regional Hospital are shown the hospital's appreciation with:

  • Discounted meals - during your normal work schedule
  • Free flu shots
  • Free PPD screenings
  • Active participation in hospital special functions
  • Free access to the hospital's gym
  • Scholarship for teens
  • Annual recognition

    • Scholarship for TEENS:

    A $1,000 scholarship is available to a high school senior volunTEEN who has been accepted into some field of medicine. The TEEN must have been a volunteer at Laurel Regional Hospital for at least one year. If you are interested in the scholarship please contact the Director of Volunteer Services at 240-456-4764.

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    Annual Recognition:

    During National Volunteer Week in April, an Annual Awards Reception is held for all volunteers.

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Once you have decided that becoming a volunteer at Laurel Regional Hospital is the right decision for you we ask that you please contact the Director of Volunteer Services at 240-456-4764 or 410-792-2270 ext. 74764.

Volunteer Services Mission

The Volunteer Services Department of Laurel Regional Hospital has been established to provide a competent, dependable, and professional Volunteer Program which will support and complement the hospital staff in providing quality care to patients, their families, visitors and the community.

Opportunities

There are many volunteer opportunities throughout the hospital. The availability of assignments varies and is based on needs of each department. As a volunteer at Laurel Regional Hospital you will have the opportunity to:

  • Welcome visitors and patients
  • Support staff, patients, and their families
  • Assist with general clerical tasks
  • Escort visitors and patients to appropriate areas
  • Run errands
  • Participate in fund raising events

Areas in which to volunteer include, but are not limited to:

  • Reception areas
  • Information Desk
  • Patient Registration
  • Surgical Waiting
  • Emergency Waiting
  • Gift Shop
  • Fund Raisers
  • General Clerical Areas
  • Imaging
  • Physical Therapy
  • All nursing units
  • Surgical Services

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Reception Areas:

Adult volunteers are assigned to this area, Monday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (depending on the reception area). The main responsibility is to welcome, escort, give out information and assist as needed with patients, visitors and families.

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Gift Shop:

The gift shop is run by Auxiliary adult Volunteers (some TEEN volunteers may be accepted under special circumstances). All profits from the Gift Shop benefit the hospital. Hours for the gift shop vary depending on the day. Responsibilities for working in the gift shop include selling gifts to visitors and restocking or ordering supplies as needed.

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Fund Raisers:

The Auxiliary adult volunteers work at several different fund raisers held throughout the year. The profits from these events go to the hospital. Fund Raisers for the hospital include:

  • Jewelry Sale
  • Book Sales
  • Uniform Sale
  • Fashion Show
  • Tree-of-Lights

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General Clerical Areas:

Adult volunteers and volunTEENs are assigned to these areas Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. These departments may include Medical Records, Public Relations, Social Work, etc. Responsibilities include answering the phone, taking messages, filing and alphabetizing, etc.

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Imaging:

Adult volunteers and volunTEENs are assigned to this area Monday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Duties include general clerical work, running errands and escorting patients to appropriate areas.

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Physical Therapy:

Adult volunteers and volunTEENs are assigned to this area Monday through Sunday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (weekend times may vary). Responsibilities include assisting therapists with patients, gathering equipment and supplies that are needed and escorting patients to appropriate areas.

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All Nursing Units:

VolunTEENs are assigned to the nursing units Monday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Duties vary according to the unit assignment but may include: running errands, visiting with patients, picking up supplies, delivering fresh water and ice to all patients, clerical work as needed and restocking supplies.

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Surgical Services, Recovery Room and Pre-Op:

Adult volunteers and some volunTEENs are assigned to this area Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Duties vary according to the assigned area but may include restocking supplies, escorting patients/visitors to the appropriate areas, answering the phones, etc.

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Requirements:

    Minimum Age

  • Must be at least 15 years old

    • Number of Hours Required

  • Adults: Applicants who are willing to work a minimum of 40 hours over a four-month period are considered.
  • College Students: Only those students willing to work a minimum of 100 hours over the course of a year will be considered.
  • VolunTEENs: Only those students willing to work a minimum of 40 hours during the summer will be considered.

    • Application Process

  • All prospective volunteers must complete a volunteer application, and provide three personal references (non-relatives). To complete your application online please scroll back up to the top of this page and click on the Employment tab to the far right. Go to the Job Category window, scroll down and highlight Volunteers/Clergy/Students (Non-paid positions), then click Begin Search.
  • Once at least two references are verified the prospective volunteer will be sent a letter requesting an interview with the Director of Volunteer Services. Applicants are reviewed and considered based on the assessed needs of hospital departments, skills and interests of the volunteer, and an applicant's ability to demonstrate personal commitment to the volunteer program.
  • All prospective volunteers will complete the required “Self-Learning” Packet and provided the necessary health related documentation.
  • A background check will be done on all adult volunteers.
  • One the above requirements are complete the potential volunteer will be required to attend a scheduled orientation session (held once a month).

    • Health-Related Documentation

  • All volunteers born after January 1, 1957, must provide documentation that they have had at least one measles/mumps/rubella (MMR) vaccine
  • All volunteers are tested for tuberculosis and must be determined to be free of active infection before they are allowed to begin working in the hospital. Tuberculin skin tests (PPD) are administered through the hospital's Employee Health Department free of charge and must be evaluated within 48 hours.
  • Any volunteer with a positive reaction to the PPD test who is advised to follow up with a chest X-ray must do so within 15 days to be considered for the program.

    • Placement/Further Training

  • Based on the interview and completeness of all required forms and classes, etc., volunteers are given assignments and are provided with a uniform (which must be purchased) and an identification badge. At that time, further training with veteran volunteers and/or staff members is arranged.

    • Attendance

    Volunteers are expected to meet their commitments to their scheduled work hours. The Volunteer Services office must be notified in advance of all absences, and three consecutive absences without notification will result in termination of a volunteer assignment.

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Volunteering at Prince George's Hospital Center

Thank you for your interest in volunteering. Here's what you need to know.

Orientation Meeting: All those interested in volunteering are asked to attend an orientation meeting.

When and Where is the Meeting: Meetings are held quarterly run from 5:30 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. They are held in the Deitz Memorial Auditorium on the first floor of the Hospital. Please contact the Volunteer Information Line at 301-618-3861 to get information about upcoming orientation dates. Please note pre-registration is not required. Just show up and sign-in. We ask that you not register for someone else.

Age Requirement: The Hospital welcomes volunteers of ALL ages, but you must be at least 14 years old to volunteer. Some areas of the Hospital do require that a volunteer be at least 18 years of age.

Teenagers from 14-17 years of age who are interested in the medical field or who want to perform community service are encouraged to apply. See more information about Service Learning below.

Time Commitment: At least four (4) hours a week for a period of six(6) months.

What Needs Can You Fill As a Volunteer: Volunteers are important members of our healthcare team. They brighten patients' hospital stays and help our staff meet the needs of family members and friends of patients. You'll find our volunteers working throughout the hospital. Some areas include:

  • Central Sterile Processing Office
  • Information Desk
  • Medical Surgical Nursing Units
  • Outpatient Clinics
  • Patient Transportation
  • Pediatric Units

There is a need around the clock and every day of the week. When and where a volunteer works depends on each persons interests and the Hospital and patient need.

Service Learning: Volunteers are required to perform 100 hours of volunteer service in the Hospital to earn Community Service Learning credits. Be aware that this is more than what most schools require.

After Orientation: Those interested in volunteering will be required to do the following after the orientation: Get a tuberculosis test (done free at the hospital); meet with the Director of Volunteer Services; receive a volunteer uniform; have a photograph taken (at the Hospital's Security department) for a badge.

Volunteer Benefits: Only you can ultimately decide why you want to volunteer. But we can certainly give you plenty of reasons worth considering:

  • Friendships are made
  • New skills are learned
  • Dreams can come true with new opportunities realized
  • You can give back to your community.

We want to say thank you by providing all volunteers with free parking, free daily meals in the cafeteria or cafe during your volunteer hours, holiday gifts and annual recognition.

One thing is certain, whatever the reason, once you volunteer with us, you'll be glad you did!

For More Information: Please call the PGHC Volunteer Services recording for updated information at 301-618-3861. If you are interested in volunteer opportunities outside the hospital, contact the Prince George's Volunteer Center at 301-699-2800.

The Prince George's Hospital Center Guild

The Prince George's Hospital Center Guild was formed six months before the hospital opened in 1944 and has been active in fund raising and volunteer efforts ever since. Through the years, the Guild has conducted shoe, art, jewelry, book and flower sales. In their more than 50 years, Guild members have raised more than $2.6 million for the Hospital. Volunteers also work at the patient information desk, and staff the patient shopping cart and library, among other activities.

To join the Guild or for more information, contact the Prince George's Hospital Center Guild at 301-618-3861.

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