Volunteer Opportunities at Houston Methodist Hospital
Thank you for your interest in volunteering at Houston Methodist Hospital, located in the Texas Medical Center!
Volunteer Services has many volunteer opportunities, from patient services to administrative support opportunities. To begin the application process, please create a volunteer profile.
COVID-19 Update
Effective December 1, 2023, Houston Methodist Volunteer Services will no longer require volunteers to be vaccinated for COVID-19 as a requirement to volunteer at Houston Methodist. Houston Methodist Volunteer Services has always put the safety of patients, employees, and volunteers first. We will continue to encourage volunteers to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, but it will no longer be mandated at Houston Methodist.
More to Explore
Houston Methodist Hospital at the Texas Medical Center welcomes volunteers who want to offer their time, talent, and dedication. Volunteers provide a valuable service to our hospital operations. There are a variety of volunteer roles to fit individual time commitments, schedules, abilities and interests. Volunteers may work directly with patients or choose to work behind-the-scenes, providing administrative or customer support.
Volunteer Descriptions
Classic Volunteers
Our classic volunteer program involves a commitment of either weekly four- hour shifts for a minimum of 3 months, or one weekly four-hour shift for a minimum of 6 months. Volunteers are placed in assignments based on both preferences and open hospital opportunities.
Caring Teen Volunteers
The Houston Methodist Hospital Caring Teen Volunteer Program provides community youth with opportunities for personal growth and development. Volunteers provide supplemental services in the hospital while gaining personal satisfaction, development, maturity, and the understanding of various health careers in preparation for their futures. Caring Teens serve others while making new friends, networking with medical professionals at a world-class hospital, developing self-esteem, and creating meaningful memories. Our patients’ lives are deepened through the energy and compassion of our Caring Teen volunteers.
Volunteer Assignment Opportunities
Assignment availability will vary and depend on both departmental needs and volunteer schedules.
Observing and shadowing opportunities are not offered or permitted through the Houston Methodist Hospital Volunteer Services Department
Administrative Support
Volunteers assist the office staff by answering phones, copying, running errands and performing other jobs and special job-related duties as requested.
Clinical Department Support
Volunteers assist the nursing units by visiting patients and performing a variety of other tasks related to patient care.
Waiting/Family Room
Volunteers assist patients and family members in the waiting room by providing comfort items, assisting administrative staff, and other duties as assigned. Following surgery, volunteers accompany the family to receive the doctor's report and to visit the patient, as well as assist with organizing the unit’s records, emergency telephone numbers and other pertinent information.
Guest Express
Guest Express volunteers use golf carts to shuttle patients, visitors, and staff around the Houston Methodist Hospital campus. Our Guest Express volunteers make transportation easier for individuals navigating Houston Methodist Hospital and assist with wayfinding.
Emergency Department
Emergency room volunteers assist our nursing staff and our Emergency Department employees as needed with tasks such as greeting, stocking items, and transporting.
Service Corps
Founded in 1947, Service Corps members provide a multitude of services for the hospital’s patients, families, and visitors in all areas. Currently, our Service Corps members manage our volunteer services library and assist in patient satisfaction activities and other assignments as needed.
Gift Shop
Volunteers serve the hospital and its guests in a courteous and helpful manner while performing a variety of customer service duties. Volunteers interact with both staff and customers, help at the cash register, and assist with pricing and stocking items.
Arts
Volunteers can assist with distributing art supplies to patients via our hospital “art carts.” These volunteers allow patients and visitors to feel more comfort during their stay at Houston Methodist Hospital.
Music
Music volunteers express compassion and provide comfort to patients, visitors, and staff through their musical talents. Music volunteers are selected through a specialized program on an as needed basis.
Pet Visitation
Regular visits with therapy pets and their volunteer owners can provide stimulation for conversation in mental health counseling or encourage interest in physical therapy. Therapy dogs at Houston Methodist Hospital are certified through Faithful Paws and Paws for Therapy.
Sewing
Sewing item donations are accepted on an as needed basis. Items such as wheelchair blankets, beanies, and pillows are regularly accepted to help our patients and visitors feel more comfortable during their stay at Houston Methodist Hospital.