Volunteering

Learn more about how you can volunteer at RUSH Copley Medical Center.

Learn more about how you can volunteer at RUSH Copley Medical Center.

RUSH Copley Medical Center has approximately 250 active volunteers who donate more than 25,000 hours every year. Their dedication provides a significant contribution to the Medical Center and to the community's health care needs.

Volunteers are Vital to RUSH Copley

RUSH Copley volunteers serve in many different areas of the hospital, from mail and newspaper delivery to staff support, directional services and the gift shop. RUSH Copley volunteers are placed in almost every department of the hospital and encompass many fields of interest. Not all positions are available at all times, but genuine efforts are made to place volunteers in the area of choice.

Whatever your interests, you will find a range of opportunities available in the following areas (COVID-19 put some opportunities on hold):

  • Clerical Support
  • Gift Shop
  • Greeters, Escorts
  • Transportation - Golf Cart/Van
  • Music Therapy
  • Patient Care Areas
  • Pet Therapy
  • Spiritual Care
  • Waterford Place

Volunteer Requirements

RUSH Copley is accepting adult and student applications in compliance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines. All volunteers are required to meet the CDC requirements, complete necessary registration paperwork, interview with the Volunteer Services Manager, and attend an orientation session prior to starting service.

  • Volunteers must be free of underlying medical conditions that are at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19 such as: chronic kidney disease, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), a weakened immune system from - solid organ transplant, obesity, serious heart conditions, sickle cell disease or Type 2 diabetes. 
    According to the CDC, “based on what we know at this time, people with the following conditions might be at an increased risk who have:  Asthma, Cerebrovascular disease, cystic fibrosis, hypertension or high blood pressure, weakened immune system-from blood or bone marrow transplant, immune deficiencies, HIV, use of corticosteroids, or use of other immune weakening medicines, neurologic conditions, liver disease, pregnancy, pulmonary fibrosis, smoking, thalassemia, and Type 1 diabetes.”
  • Be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 (proof of vaccination required)
  • Complete a COVID-19 waiver
  • Pass a criminal background check (18 years & older)
  • Complete an initial 2-step TB test (performed free of charge by RUSH Copley Family Practice Center)
  • Provide vaccination records for MMR, Varicella, Tdap or have a blood titer drawn to verify immunity
  • Receive an annual flu shot
  • Attend an annual training meeting offered through Volunteer Services
  • Commit to 6 months of consecutive volunteer service or 100 hours whichever comes first

Apply to Become a Volunteer

Please complete the appropriate application to be considered for a volunteer position.

If your volunteer interests match our needs, we will contact you to schedule an interview & registration appointment. We will keep your application on file for 3 months.

We are grateful for your support, appreciate your commitment and look forward to welcoming back all of our volunteers in the future. For additional information, please call (630) 978-4826 or email Alexa_N_Hernandez@rush.edu.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to the most common questions about volunteering.

How long does the process of becoming a volunteer take?

The process depends on the background check, TB testing, health screening requirements and orientation dates. It can take two or more weeks after the initial interview and registration.

Can I choose the department I want to volunteer with?

We do our best to place our volunteers in the department they wish to be in. Ultimately, it is based on the volunteer’s availability and the department’s needs.

Will I automatically be hired for a job after volunteering?

No, getting a job offer is based solely on your qualifications and experience.

I would like to gain experience in a particular health care profession. Will I have the opportunity for direct patient care?

No, volunteers may not take vitals; obtain patient weights; assist with medical procedures; or handle blood products, label specimens or medications. Volunteers in patient care areas support the clinical staff by providing basic comfort measures for patients, acknowledging call lights, and helping with the overall patient experience by adding an extra dimension of empathy, warmth and friendliness to ease and brighten a patient’s hospital stay.

Can I complete court-ordered community service hours at the hospital?

No, we are not able to sign-off on court-ordered community service.