Frequently asked questions
General questions
What are the steps to becoming an HonorHealth volunteer?
A: The steps to becoming a volunteer are:
- Complete an application
- Interview
- Attend an orientation
- Employee Health screening
- Background check
- On-campus training
How long does the onboarding process take?
A: It typically takes several weeks to complete all of the necessary steps. Email Volunteers@HonorHealth.com with questions about the onboarding process.
Where can I volunteer?
A: You can volunteer at one of our six medical centers or Desert Mission.
What are the age requirements to volunteer?
A: Volunteers 18 and older are considered adult volunteers. Teens in the Explorer Club must be entering their freshman year of high school when the Club year begins. Volunteers for the Summer Teen program must have completed their freshman year, and are accepted through their senior year.
Are there medical requirements for volunteers?
A: All volunteers will receive a free health screening through Employee Health which will include a TB test. All volunteers must be up to date on their MMR vaccinations, and must receive an annual flu shot.
Do I have to have to be vaccinated against COVID-19?
A: The COVID-19 vaccine is optional, but HonorHealth continues to advocate strongly for all team members, clinicians and volunteers to keep their COVID-19 vaccinations up to date. The seasonal flu shot vaccine is required during flu season (medical or religious exceptions are available).
How is HonorHealth keeping volunteers safe from COVID-19?
A: Volunteers and staff are required to follow hand hygiene protocols. High touch surfaces are disinfected frequently, and masks are always available to team members, volunteers, guests and patients. Contact the Volunteer Services Office for more information on how HonorHealth keeps our facilities and volunteers safe.
Who can I contact to discuss volunteer opportunities?
A: Call the Volunteer Services Department at 480-587-5097 or email Volunteers@HonorHealth.com.
Adult Volunteers
Will I receive training before I start volunteering?
A: You will receive an orientation before your first shift, and on-the-job training with your leader and current volunteers.
What do volunteers wear during their shift?
A: An HonorHealth polo shirt and ID badge are provide at no cost. Full-length khakis or slacks that are solid tan, black or navy and closed-toe shoes are required. Jeans are not permitted in any hospital service areas. Desert Mission Food Bank volunteers may wear jeans or shorts with an HonorHealth polo. Masks are required as per current policy.
After I complete onboarding, am I guaranteed my first-choice volunteer role?
A: Volunteers are not guaranteed placement in their desired roles. Your leader will review scheduling and campus needs to determine placement.
Can I change my volunteer shift for tomorrow?
A: Use your Volgistics.com login to change, remove or add shifts to your schedule.
Will volunteering help me get a job at HonorHealth?
A: Volunteering does not guarantee job placement or availability.
When are the volunteer shifts?
A: Volunteer shifts are available between 7 a.m. - 7 p.m., seven days a week.
Do I have to volunteer on holidays?
A: Volunteers are not required to work on federal holidays.
I am a snowbird and I live here part-time. Can I volunteer?
A: Yes. Your leader will assist you with planning your schedule after the onboarding process is complete.
What if I am planning to be out of town and have to miss a shift?
A: If possible, please provide two weeks’ notice to allow for schedule adjustment.
How can I get my dog to come in as a pet therapy dog?
A: HonorHealth requires visiting pets be certified therapy animals (i.e. Alliance of Therapy Dogs, Therapy Dogs International and Pets on Wheels). Contact Volunteer Services to learn more about the therapy animal program.
I have mobility challenges. Do all the volunteer positions involve standing?
A: Accommodations are available for a wide range of volunteer positions. Contact Volunteer Services to discuss specific needs.
Can I help in the NICU and hold newborn babies?
A: NICU volunteer positions are limited, with few openings. Volunteer positions cannot be guaranteed at this time.
I want to knit items for babies. Do you have materials?
A: HonorHealth can provide yarn for the Tender Loving Crafters program. Email Volunteers@HonorHealth.com for more information.
Student/Teen Volunteers
May students perform internships or shadow a health care worker?
A: Internships and shadowing are not permitted due to patient privacy issues.
I am a college student coming home for the summer and would like to volunteer. Is that possible?
A: Summer-only volunteers must be fully onboarded by May 20. Email Volunteers@HonorHealth.com to inquire about summer-only service.
If I miss the deadline for the teen programs, can I still volunteer?
A: Teens (under 18) must begin their service in either the Summer Teen Volunteer Program or the Explorers Club.
Which hospitals offer the Explorers Club?
A: The program is offered at Scottsdale Thompson Peak Medical Center, Deer Valley Medical Center and John C. Lincoln Medical Center.
I don’t live in Arizona. Can I apply for your teen programs?
A: Teen programs are only available to students who live and attend school in Arizona.
Desert Mission Food Bank
Does the Desert Mission Food Bank offer community service hours?
A: Community service hours are not available at any HonorHealth campus or facility.
Can I volunteer at the Desert Mission Food Bank on the weekend?
A: Desert Mission accepts volunteers Monday – Thursday for morning shifts from 8 a.m. – noon and afternoon shifts from noon – 4 p.m. On Friday, Desert Mission accepts volunteers for the morning shift from 8 a.m. – noon. The Food Bank is closed on Saturday and Sunday.