Volunteer @ Grady

Our staff and patients need you. Consider joining the thousands of people who have volunteered their time and talents at Grady over the years. Your willingness to give will have a positive impact on our patients and their recovery. Grady employees will come to rely on your dedication and your giving spirit.

What volunteering isn't?
Volunteering is not an internship or a shadow program. It's also not an opportunity to get clinical experience. As a volunteer, you are not allowed to participate in direct patient care. Finally, we do not accept volunteers who are court ordered to perform community service.

Adult Application Process

To begin the application process:

• Review the Volunteer Requirements
• Review the Volunteer Manual
• Complete the Volunteer Assessment
• Upon successful completion of the assessment (you must score at least 80 percent), you will be provided a link to our volunteer application.

Adult Volunteer Requirements

You must:

• Be at least 18 years of age or older. (Ages 14-17, click HERE.)
• Agree to volunteer for a three-hour shift per week for at least three months.
• Interview with the Volunteer Services Manager.
• Pass a criminal background check.
• Provide proof of immunization for measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) (two dates) and immunization or immunity for chickenpox (varicella).
• Receive an annual tuberculosis (TB) screening.
• Receive an annual flu vaccination.
• Follow Grady's Volunteer Services policies and procedures.
• Complete the online application and orientation process.
• Complete any additional training your placement may require.

All of these procedures are in place to ensure a safe and healthy environment for our patients and their families. Please call the Volunteer Services Department at (404) 616-4360 or email Brooke Eldridge if you have questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the time commitment?
The minimum requirement for volunteering is the availability to perform a three-hour shift per week for at least three months.

What health records are required?
Grady requires all volunteers provide documentation of the MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine and recent TB test results (from within the past 30 days). You can generally find this information on your childhood vaccination records.

If you have not fulfilled these medical requirements, the Volunteer Services Department can schedule an appointment for you with Employee Health at your follow-up interview. There is no charge for an Employee Health appointment.

If you prefer, you may see your own primary care provider. However, it is important to note that costs for MMR vaccinations and TB testing will vary among medical providers and are expensive. Insurance plans often do not cover these tests. These charges will be the responsibility of the new volunteer and not the responsibility of the Volunteer Services Department or Grady Health System.

Do you offer a program for teen volunteers (under age 18)?
Yes, students, age 14 through 17, may qualify for student volunteer opportunities, scheduled during the summer. We are no longer accepting applications for Summer 2013. The Summer 2013 application deadline was March 22, 2013 at noon. Please check our web site in January 2014 for Summer 2014 information.

Is there a volunteer dress code?
Yes, volunteers are required to wear a volunteer jacket and badge at all times while working in the health system. Dress code prohibits the wearing of blue jeans, sweatpants, exercise pants, shorts, hats, sunglasses, T-shirts and open-toed shoes.

How long does it take to be processed?
On average, it takes six weeks to be completely processed and ready to volunteer.

Will I be able to shadow a physician and or have a clinical experience?
No. We do not offer shadowing or clinical experiences through the volunteer office.

If I volunteer will I get a job at the hospital?
Volunteering at the hospital does not guarantee employment.

How long do you keep applications?
Applications are held for 90 days. If you do not complete the process within 90 days your application will be discarded (unless otherwise approved by the Volunteer Services Department).