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Rush Copley Volunteer Services

Rush Copley 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 healthcare needs.

Volunteers are Vital to Rush Copley

Rush Copley volunteers serve in many different areas of the Medical Center, 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:

  • Clerical Support
  • Delivery and Transport
  • Gift Shop
  • Greeters, Escorts
  • Patient Support
  • Information Desks
  • Patient and Visitor Transportation
  • Surgical Waiting
  • Pet Therapy
  • Waterford Place

Volunteer Requirements

All volunteers are required to complete necessary registration paperwork, an interview with the Volunteer Services Manager, and an orientation session prior to starting service.

In addition all volunteers are required to:

  • Be at least 16 years old
  • 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, Hepatitis B and Tdap or submit to a blood titer 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

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 2 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 department needs.

Will I automatically get hired for a job after volunteering?

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

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

No, volunteers may not take vitals, obtain patient weights, assist with medical procedures, handle blood products, label specimens, or handle 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.

I would like to job shadow, what is the process for that program?

Job shadowing and internships at Rush Copley are handled by our Human Resources Department.

Student Volunteers

Rush Copley has many high school and college student volunteers. Positions for students are available outside of the Summer Program on a limited basis when openings are available. Applications for these positions are only accepted July through December.

High school students must be at least 16 years old and obtain parental consent to volunteer. Opportunities for high school students include staffing information desks, serving as greeters and escorts, assisting with mail/flower delivery, and working in the gift shop. High school students are not placed in patient care areas.

Summer Volunteer Program

The 2018 Summer Volunteer Program is full.  We are no longer accepting applications for high school or college students until September.

If you have submitted an application, you will be contacted in April if you are selected for the 2018 program.

Apply to Become a Volunteer

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

If you prefer a printed application, please email amy.gengler@rushcopley.com. 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.

For additional information please call the volunteer services office at 630-978-4826 or email amy.gengler@rushcopley.com.