What is the time commitment?
The program is one-year and a minimum of 200 hours. You must satisfy both in order to receive a certificate of completion. Volunteers are permitted to take a leave of absence but must make up the hours missed.
How many hours do I have to volunteer each week?
You are required to work one 4-hour shift per week. The shift cannot be split up.
When are the shifts and can I come in whenever I want?
The shift times are at regular 4-hour intervals. They start at 7 AM and go until 11 PM. You submit your availability calendar one month in advance, and then your Unit Coordinator will schedule you based on your preferences. You do not have to commit to the same day and time every week.
What do I do on a typical shift?
As a Nursing Volunteer you will provide one to one companionship for patients that need more observation, assist nursing staff with patient care (baths, beds, feeding, ambulation), observe procedures, shadow nursing staff, perform audits, participate in unit based projects, answer call lights and phones, assist families and visitors as needed, etc. Your duties will largely depend on the unit that you are assigned to.
Do I get to choose which unit I volunteer on?
The program is split into 3 rotations, each 4 months long. The first rotation you will be placed onto a medical surgical unit and the following 2 rotations you will provide us your preferences. Note: placements are based on unit availability, program standing, and clinical experience.
Where do I volunteer?
You will volunteer in the in-patient units at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center. These units include Med-Surg, Adult specialty units, ICU’s, Pediatrics, and the oncology Bowyer clinic.
Do I have to be a pre-nursing/nursing student to be a volunteer?
No. Although the majority of our volunteers are nursing students, we accept many pre-med students as well as those interested in other health care fields.
I am currently volunteering for another volunteer program, can I apply to this program?
You may only apply to this program if you have completed or are close to completing the time requirements for your current program. We do not allow you to participate concurrently with two volunteer programs.
I am a UCLA employee, can I apply to this program?
Yes! Your volunteer shifts will be scheduled around your work schedule.
I want to volunteer, when can I start?
We accept applications three times a year: February, June, and October. Please check the application section of our website during those times for more information. The applications are only available during those months.
What are the requirements to begin this program?
You can find the requirements here.
I am an international student, can I apply to the Nursing Volunteer Program?
Policies regarding non-immigrant visa holders wishing to volunteer are under review at this time. Currently, the Nursing Volunteer Program is only able to process full-time UCLA matriculating students on F1 Visas.
