Volunteer Opportunities at Houston Methodist Hospital

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.

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.

Guest Express

Pictured above, 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.

Volunteer Assignment Opportunities

Assignment availability will vary and depend on both departmental needs and volunteer schedules.

Administrative Offices

Volunteers assist the office staff by answering phones, copying, running errands and performing other jobs and special job-related duties as requested.

Patient Services

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.

Emergency Department

Emergency room volunteers assist our nursing staff and our Emergency Department employees as needed with tasks such as greeting, stocking, and transporting.

Patient Liaison

Volunteers assist the department of Guest Relations and Service Quality with patient issues and facilitate communications of services to maximize patient and family satisfaction.

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, they operate the cash register, and assist with pricing and stocking items, and gift wrapping.

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.

Volunteer Programs

Team CLARITY
Team CLARITY, one of our more sought-after programs, is a fall prevention program that utilizes volunteers to deliver critical patient education to prevent falls and the development of hospital-acquired delirium, while also focusing on improving patient satisfaction. Through brief visits, volunteers are tasked with speaking to patients over the age of 65 one-on-one, developing rapport, educating them on the importance of staying alert during their hospital stay and utilizing the nurses to move around. Team CLARITY volunteers will gain experience using rounding software to submit data on patients. Due to the nature of these patient interactions and the value these volunteers have on patient safety, we require an additional application (short essay and resume submission). We are looking for mature, well-articulated individuals to demonstrate consistency in their volunteer assignment. Note: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and acceptance is subject to program capacity. For additional information, please contact Vanessa Parejo at vparejo@houstonmethodist.org.

Our current Team CLARITY volunteers have unanimously found their experience meaningful and overall rated the program 4.55 out of 5. Below, you will find testimonials from past and current Team CLARITY volunteers.

"I have been volunteering with Team Clarity for several months now, and it has come to be one of my favorite parts of my week. I really enjoy meeting new patients and hospital staff, keeping patients safe, and keeping patients company. I am honored to be a part of a program that has had such a profound impact on the health of our Houston Methodist patients."                                                                                                                                                                                                      – Karina Moreno

"My favorite part of being on Team Clarity is seeing the face of a patient who proudly proclaims, “I will be going home today!” It is welcome reminder of the role that I played in keeping the patient safe and motivates me to serve all patients to the best of my abilities.”
                                                                                                                                                          – Craig Thomas

"Being a Team CLARITY volunteer, having one on one conversations with patients is definitely my favorite part. Even just for a few minutes, knowing that my company makes them feel better is the best feeling in the world.”
                                                                                                                                                                     – Uyen Le