Frequently asked questions
General volunteer 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 nine medical centers or Desert Mission.
What are the age requirements to volunteer?
A: Volunteer age requirements are:
- Adult volunteers: 18+ years old
- Teen Explorer Club: Must be entering their freshman year of high school when the Club year begins
- Summer Teen Volunteer 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 and influenza?
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 influenza, COVID-19, RSV and other infections and illnesses?
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: Yes. You’ll attend an orientation before your first shift and receive 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.
After I complete onboarding, am I guaranteed my first-choice volunteer role?
A: No. Volunteers are not guaranteed placement in their desired roles. Your leader will review scheduling and campus needs to determine placement.
Will volunteering help me get a job at HonorHealth?
A: No. 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.
Can I change my volunteer shift for tomorrow?
A: Use your Volgistics.com login to change, remove or add shifts to your schedule.
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.
Do I have to volunteer on holidays?
A: No. Volunteers are not required to work on federal holidays.
Can seasonal residents (“snowbirds”) volunteer?
A: Yes. Your leader will assist you with planning your schedule after the onboarding process is complete.
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 are not guaranteed at this time.
I want to knit items for babies. Do you have materials?
A: Yes. HonorHealth can provide yarn for the Tender Loving Crafters program. Please fill out this crafting interest form. Then, a member on our team will reach out to you with more details on crafting for HonorHealth.
Student teen volunteers
What programs are available for teens at HonorHealth?
A: HonorHealth has two programs for teen volunteers:
- Summer Teen Volunteer Program: Runs in June and July; applications open mid-January and close late February.
- Explorers Club: Runs in August and May; applications open mid-May and close mid-June.
Does acceptance into the Explorers Club Program guarantee acceptance into the Summer Teen Volunteer Program and vice versa?
A: No, the applications and programs are entirely separate. Acceptance in one program is not contingent on your acceptance in the other program.
I want to shadow a physician. How can I do that?
A: Shadowing is not a part of either of our teen programs. We do not allow students 17 or younger to shadow in our facilities.
If I miss the deadline for the teen programs, can I still volunteer?
A: No. Teens (under 18) must begin their service in either the Summer Teen Volunteer Program or the Explorers Club.
Can I volunteer during the school year?
A: No, we do not allow students to begin volunteering during the school year. We only accept new teen volunteers through our Explorers Club program and through our Summer Teen Volunteer program.
I am a college student coming home for the summer and would like to volunteer. Is that possible?
A: Yes. Summer-only volunteers must be fully onboarded by May 20. Email Volunteers@HonorHealth.com to inquire about summer-only service.
Do I need to live in Arizona to apply?
A: Yes. Teen programs are only available to Arizona residents attending school in the state.
Explorers Club Program
What is the Explorers Club?
A: HonorHealth Explorers Clubs are student-run and expose students who are interested in healthcare careers to a variety of hands-on events, learning opportunities and chances to interact with healthcare professionals. Meetings are held once per month and teens must be in high school, grades 9-12 during the academic year, to participate.
The program begins with an application process in mid – May with a due date in mid – June. Completed applications are sent to be reviewed by the elected student boards for each club. Applicants are informed via email if they have been accepted or not accepted in mid-July.
I was in the Explorers Club last year. Do I need to reapply?
A: Any returning Explorer Club member must reapply each year unless they are an elected member of the board.
Is everyone who applies to the Explorers Club accepted?
A: No, the Explorers Club is very competitive as there is limited space in each Club. We frequently have to turn away over 50% of applicants. We encourage applicants to take their time on their application. When responding to the essay questions, be thorough and provide examples when possible.
After acceptance into the Explorers Club, what else do I have to do to become a member?
A: If accepted, membership is contingent on completing the onboarding prior to the deadline. Onboarding includes visiting Employee Health, completing Volunteer Services & Explorers Club specific paperwork, and attending the mandatory first Club meeting. New members have a non-refundable club due of $55. For returning members, there is a non-refundable club renewal fee of $45. Financial aid is available upon request.
When and where do Club meetings take place?
A: The Club runs from August to May. The meetings are as follows:
- Medical Explorers Club at HonorHealth Deer Valley Medical Center Meets the second Wednesday of each month from 5 to 7 p.m. at 19829 N. 27th Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85027.
- Medical Explorers Club at HonorHealth John C. Lincoln Medical Center Meets the second Thursday of each month from 5 to 7 p.m. at 250 E. Dunlap Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85020.
- Medical Explorers Club at HonorHealth Scottsdale Thompson Peak Medical Center Meets the first Thursday of each month from 5 to 7 p.m. at 7400 E. Thompson Peak Pkwy., Scottsdale, AZ 85255.
- Nursing Explorers Club at HonorHealth Center of Clinical Excellence Meets the first Wednesday of each month from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at 19602 N. 23rd Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85027.
I’m involved in other extracurricular activities. What happens if must miss a meeting?
A: Club members are allowed three excused absences over the course of the Club year (August to May). An excused absence requires advance notice provided to the Club secretary. Additional policies on attendance will be shared in the first meeting of the year. If you think you will miss more than three meetings, please do not apply for the Explorers Club.
Summer Teen Volunteer Program
What is the Summer Teen Volunteer Program?
A: This program is for Arizona high school students who will become an incoming sophomore, junior or senior in the coming school year. High school seniors who are 18 years old before June 1 may complete the adult volunteer application starting May 1. Current seniors should not apply.
The Summer Teen Volunteer Program begins with an application process in January with a due date in late February. In-person interviews are conducted in March. In April, applicants are informed via email if they have been accepted or not accepted.
Is everyone who applies for the Summer Teen Volunteer Program accepted?
A: No. This is a highly competitive program, and not all applicants will be selected. We frequently have to turn away over 50% of applicants. We encourage students to take their time on the application. When responding to the essay questions, be thorough and provide examples when possible.
After acceptance, what else do I have to do to join the Summer Teen Volunteer Program?
A: If accepted, all onboarding steps must be completed before starting the program. Onboarding includes visiting Employee Health, attending mandatory orientations for both parent/guardian and teen, and completing Volunteer Services paperwork.
What is the commitment of the program?
A: The commitment is from June to mid-July with a weekly commitment of two four-hour shifts, Monday through Friday, between 7am – 4pm. Teens are allowed to miss two shifts during the seven-week program. If any of the onboarding steps or a third shift are missed, the teen may be removed from the program.
Teens should carefully consider the required time commitment to being involved in this program. For example, if your family is taking a two-week vacation during the program you will not be eligible for the program. Program dates will be shared once the application opens in mid-January.
If I complete the Summer Teen Program, can I continue to volunteer during the school year?
A: We do not guarantee that teens can continue during the school year. They must earn this opportunity by successfully completing the Summer Teen Volunteer Program.
I am a parent/guardian, may I apply for my teen?
A: No, the teen should be applying for themselves with their own email address for both the Explorers Club Program and the Summer Teen Program.
Do teens who completed the Summer Teen Program need to re-apply?
A: No. Students who were part of the program the previous year do not need to re-
apply. Current teen volunteers should work directly with their supervisor to express their interest in serving again.
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.