High School Student Volunteer Opportunities

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High School Student Volunteer Opportunities at Inova Fairfax Medical Campus

Thank you for your interest in volunteering at the Inova Fairfax Medical Campus! Volunteering will give you the opportunity to get an "inside look" at a medical campus while learning about support functions in patient care and retail operations.

Volunteer opportunities for high school students

There are six areas where high school students are able to serve. These areas will be discussed in detail during the information meeting. We will do our best to accommodate your preference if an opening in that particular area is available.

  1. Gift Shops: Assist visitors with selections and purchases in three onsite stores; help shop staff with other retail functions
  2. Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP)Work with older patients offering assistance and activities that keep them mentally and physically active; activities include talking, helping with meals and walking/mobility assistance
  3. Medical Library: Shelve or copy materials, assist staff with computer tasks
  4. Patient Support Services: Discharge patients via wheelchair; transport patients via wheelchair to procedures; deliver flowers, patient mail and laboratory items
  5. Pediatric High School Volunteer (summer only):  Assist the Child Life Specialists in organizing and providing activities, disinfecting toys, and performing clerical tasks as directed
  6. Treasure Trove Resale stores:  Assist customers with selections; create displays; help shop staff with other retail functions – Get details on volunteering at the Treasure Troves

Requirements to become a volunteer

Our volunteer program is designed to support various service areas with the highest level of safety and satisfaction. To do this, attendance is a top priority to participate. In addition, volunteers must meet the following requirements:

  • Be at least 15 years of age on or before the start date of the session you’re registering for
  • Commit to all dates outlined below for each session (there are no alternative dates offered)
    • Note: absences are not permitted; illness will be handled on a case-by-case basis
  • Complete two rounds of tuberculosis screening OR one tuberculosis blood test
  • Provide confirmation of receiving the MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella), Varicella (Chickenpox), Tdap for Pertussis (Whooping Cough) vaccines OR proof of immunity via titer
  • Receive a flu vaccine (Oct – April sessions only)

Registration

The high school student volunteer program receives a high volume of interest and applicants. As a result, selection to the program is by lottery. As a benefit of Inova employment, children of Inova employees are exempt from the lottery. Please review the dates below carefully, as fulfilling the commitment is a major determinant for placement. Note: Students who are selected and participate in a session's entirety will have the opportunity to continue for future sessions.

To register:

  1. Review the details below and decide which session works best for your schedule. 
  2. Once you have selected a session, register by clicking here during the registration period.

Fall Session 2

Lottery Registration   Opens Tuesday, September 10, 2019 at 10 a.m. and closes Thursday, September 12 at 11:45 p.m.
 
Lottery Selection   Friday, September 13
Notification will be made via email prior to 11:59 p.m. on Friday, September 13.
 
Mandatory Information Meeting   Tuesday, September 17, 7 to 8 p.m.
Attendance is required, and the student must be accompanied by a parent.
 
Mandatory Training Class   Monday, October 14, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. (noon)
 
Mandatory Session Dates   Monday, October 28 – Sunday, January 5, 2020
 
Commitment   Option #1: Two weeknight shifts

Option #2: One weeknight and one weekend shift

Weeknight shift = 4:45 to 8:15 p.m.
Weekend shifts = 9:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. or 1 to 5:15 p.m.
 
Students will have opportunity to select their scheduling preferences during the information meeting.

 


Spring Session 1

Lottery Registration   Opens Tuesday, November 19, 2019 at 10 a.m. and closes Thursday, November 21 at 11:45 p.m.
 
Lottery Selection   Friday, November 22
Notification will be made via email prior to 11:59 p.m. on Friday, November 22.
 
Mandatory Information Meeting   Thursday, December 5, 7 to 8 p.m.
Attendance is required, and the student must be accompanied by a parent.
 
Mandatory Training Class   Friday, January 3, 2020 – 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. (noon)
 
Mandatory Session Dates   Monday, January 6 – Sunday, March 22, 2020
 
Commitment   Option #1: Two weeknight shifts

Option #2: One weeknight and one weekend shift

Weeknight shift = 4:45 to 8:15 p.m.
Weekend shift = 9:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. or 1 to 5:15 p.m.

Students will have opportunity to select their scheduling preferences during the information meeting.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

If I don’t get selected in the lottery, do I have to register again for a future session?
Yes, you will need to register again for a future session.

What if I want to volunteer more than one session?
If selected, you will receive an email at mid-session asking if you want to continue for a future session.

What if I need to be absent during my session?
Absences are not permitted. Illness will be handled on a case-by-case basis.

What happens during training class?
You’ll learn the important safety requirements for being in a hospital setting. You'll also receive your I.D. badge, purchase your uniform and get a short tour of your service area.

How long is a volunteer shift?
A shift is 3-4 hours depending on the service area assignment.

Do you offer opportunities for court-mandated community service?
Only the resale stores accept volunteers required to perform court-mandated community service. For details, visit http://www.inova.org/get-involved/volunteer/inova-fairfax-hospital/treasure-troves.jsp


Scholarship opportunity

As part of their commitment to support quality healthcare for our community, the Auxiliary of Inova Fairfax Medical Campus scholarship program is designed for eligible persons to encourage and assist their pursuit of healthcare careers. Learn more about the Auxiliary and the scholarship program arrow



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