Rush University Medical Center volunteers come from all areas of Chicago and the suburbs, and we're extremely proud of our more than 600 volunteers giving their time and skills to make the patient and family experience the best it can be.

How can you help?

Special Services Program 

• Provide wheelchair transport and a friendly greeting to patients being admitted or discharged -- a key service for volunteers.
• Offer special amenities to patients by delivering flowers, mail, music, water and crafts.
• Conduct tours for schools, community and professional groups once you're familiar with the hospital. These tours are an excellent opportunity for current volunteers to explore areas of the hospital not usually seen.
• Serve as a vital link in the Surgical Family Waiting Room between the health care team and patient families.
• Assist in Ambulatory Services to provide a warm greeting to patients preparing for surgery. A smile, warm blanket, magazine or ability to be a good listener goes a long way toward making patients and visitors feel comfortable.

Departmental Program

After completing a required number of service hours in the Special Services Program, based on your skills, qualifications and availability, you will become eligible to apply for a department specific opportunity within the Medical Center. A volunteer's interest must meet the needs of the Medical Center, e.g., a volunteer may desire a clinical position in a certain department, but that department may not need or desire the services of volunteers. Following the completion of your required hours, the Volunteer Office is not obligated to place you in a department. It is considered a privilege, not a right, to earn placement in another department.

Rush volunteers come from all walks of life, including:

• Young people volunteering as part of their education.
• High school and college students exploring the health care industry.
• Professionals who want to be involved in their community.
• Companies that share their employees' time and expertise.
• Retirees who want to meet new people, help others and stay active.
• People who want to make a difference -- like you!

Volunteer Today!

Volunteers augment Rush's goal to maintain a strong commitment to the community and to provide the very best care for patients. Not having volunteers would be a great loss to Rush and the patient experience, so get involved today! To learn more about volunteer opportunities, register for an orientation by calling 312-942-5574.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact:
Volunteer Services
Phone: (312) 942-5574
Fax: (312) 942-5806
E-mail: Volunteer_Services@rush.edu