Volunteering at Inova Fair Oaks Hospital

Inova Fair Oaks Hospital volunteers are often the first hospital representatives with whom a family member speaks. Whether giving directions, answering the phone or offering support to patients and staff, volunteers help us provide the highest quality, compassionate care to the diverse communities we serve.

Our volunteers are also vital to the operation of the Inova Fair Oaks Hospital Thrift Shop, which sells lightly used clothing and household items. Monies that are made in our thrift shop, gift shop and fundraisers are given back to the hospital to assist in the purchase of necessities for hospital operations. All proceeds from sales and events held by the Inova Fair Oaks Hospital Auxiliary along with the proceeds from their gift shop and thrift store operations are used to purchase equipment and to support ongoing hospital projects. In 2018, the Auxiliary donated more than $669,000. In Spring 2019, they generously donated $567,817.78 for a 3-D mammography machine to the Inova Fair Oaks Hospital Radiology Department.

Volunteer activities include:

• Support operations of registration, Surgical Services, Emergency Department and patient units
• Welcome patients having outpatient surgery; facilitate their registration and discharge, keep friends and family informed
• Collaborate with staff in support of the Joints in Motion program for joint replacement patient education
• Serve customers at our Gift Shop and Thrift Shop
• Provide patient service by greeting and escorting patients to their destinations
• Deliver flowers and cards
• Assist patients on discharge from their patient unit to the lobby
• Provide support to Human Resources, Physician Services, Bariatrics, Pathology and the Diabetes Education Center
• Participate in special social events and fundraising activities

Volunteer opportunity descriptions

Learn more about our assignments including age requirements

Volunteer benefits

Volunteers will gain invaluable experience working as a volunteer in our hospital. Volunteers will become acquainted with the workings of a hospital and will make new friends! Volunteers enjoy reduced rates for all Inova Well classes (including health and wellness, smoking cessation, exercise, diet and parenting classes), cafeteria discounts and participation in special hospital-wide events.

Applications

Inova Fair Oaks Hospital Volunteer Services Department has open application periods four times a year. Volunteer applicants must be at least 16 years of age. We do not have summer only or winter only volunteer programs. Our volunteer positions are long term assignments. Volunteering at the hospital requires a 1 year/120 hour commitment (whichever is fulfilled first). Volunteering at the Thrift Shop requires a 6-month/60 hour commitment (whichever is fulfilled first). The Volunteer Services program involves a serious commitment of time and dedication from each volunteer. You are encouraged to thoughtfully consider this commitment prior to applying. Please note, Inova Fair Oaks Hospital does not provide volunteer opportunities to satisfy mandated court-appointed service requirements.

Application process – the application process takes 4 to 6 weeks

• Apply (you can only apply when the online system is open for accepting new applications; date ranges are listed below)
• If selected you will be contacted for an interview
• After interviews, selected applicants will have:
• References contacted
• Background checked
• Health requirements – 2 TB tests, flu shot (September – March)
• Hospital orientation
• Unit training

Adult volunteers: Application periods for volunteers 18 years old and over

Opens 9 a.m. on the first day and closes at 5 p.m. on the last day. Volunteering at the hospital requires a 1 year/120 hour commitment (whichever is fulfilled first). Volunteering at the Thrift Shop requires a 6-month/60 hour commitment (whichever is fulfilled first).

January 14 – January 23, 2019 (possible start in March)

April 24 – May 3, 2019 (possible start in June)

July 31 – August 9, 2019 (possible start in September)

October 9 – October 18, 2019 (possible start in December)

HELP Program Volunteer:

As a volunteer of the Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP) you will be working directly with senior patients and unit staff during their hospital stay. Volunteering with the HELP program requires a 1 year/120 hour commitment (whichever is fulfilled first).

Learn more about becoming a HELP volunteer

Junior volunteers: Application periods for volunteers 16 and 17 years old

Opens 9 a.m. on the first day and closes at 5 p.m. on the last day. There are limited junior volunteer opportunities. Applicants are selected for the program by lottery and interview. The minimum commitment to volunteer is 6 months.

January 14 – January 18, 2019 (possible start in March)

April 24 – April 28, 2019 (possible start in June)

July 31 – August 4, 2019 (possible start in September)

October 9 – October 13, 2019 (possible start in December)