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Volunteer at St. Joseph Health

If you are looking for a unique opportunity to serve others while learning new skills, consider volunteering at one of our St. Joseph Health facilities.

St. Joseph Health volunteers are an integral part of our health care ministry. Our volunteer program provides exciting and rewarding opportunities for caring people to provide help and comfort to patients, families and team members.

We have a wide range of programs and assignments available in many departments, including day surgery, emergency, critical care, nursing floors, cancer center, skilled nursing and rehab, and our information desks.

Already a St. Joseph Health volunteer?

The Volunteer Information Center (VIC) gives current volunteers and volunteer applicants whose applications have been approved for orientation access to:

  • View and print schedules

  • Receive messages from the volunteer office

  • Keep their personal information up-to-date

  • Check their service hours

  • Change their password

Log in to the Volunteer Information Center

Volunteers serve in about 90 departments across clinical and non-clinical areas, with flexible shifts available weekdays, weekends and even overnight. Here are just a few examples of where volunteers are needed:

  • Emergency room
  • Critical care
  • Labor and delivery
  • Orthopedics clinic
  • Information desks
  • Spiritual care
  • Rural hospitals
  • Cancer center
  • Pet therapy
  • Musical performances

To see all available roles and descriptions, visit our opportunity directory. Questions? Contact us at sjh.volunteer@commonspirit.org or call (979) 776-5956.

The volunteer services department of St. Joseph Health oversees all volunteer programs throughout the organization.

Please review the options below to select the appropriate application to complete. Once you submit your application, it will be sent directly to volunteer services for review. 

Non-student volunteers

For non-students volunteering at any St. Joseph Health location, including hospitals, rehab centers or the cancer center.

Apply to become a non-student volunteer

College volunteers

For students pursuing health-related careers or looking to give back. Programs run by semester: 

  • Fall: Apply by first week of July
  • Spring: Apply by end of November
  • Summer: Apply by first week of April

Volunteer start dates align with Texas A&M University’s academic calendar. If accepted into the volunteer program, your immunization requirements may be sent to sjh.volunteer@commonspirit.org. Apply early, as space is limited.

Apply to become a college volunteer

Therapy volunteers

For those seeking observation hours in physical, occupational or speech therapy. Deadlines match the college volunteer schedule.

Apply to become a college volunteer

Teen volunteers

For students ages 14–17 who want to help during fall, spring or summer terms. Application deadlines match the college program schedule. Volunteer requirements are outlined in the online application.

Apply to become a teen volunteer

Student observers (apply only after you have found someone to shadow)

For students who have arranged their own shadowing opportunity with a St. Joseph Health professional. 

For more information email sjh.volunteer@commonspirit.org or use our online application to apply.

Caring Canines volunteers

Caring Canines is a pet therapy program that helps boost patient morale and emotional well-being. Certified therapy dogs and their owners visit patients across all hospital floors, offering comfort and companionship.

Volunteers typically serve once a week for a few hours, with flexible scheduling based on patient needs. We’re looking to grow the program so more patients can benefit from these special visits. Volunteer requirements are outlined in the online application.

Apply to participate in Caring Canines

Rural hospital volunteers

Our Manor long-term care facility and rural hospitals in Caldwell, Madisonville and Navasota offer many opportunities for volunteerism. We have a variety of areas where you can invest your time and bring smiles to our residents. Volunteer roles vary by location. Contact the volunteer services office at your preferred site for details.

Ava “Dalinda” Leighton
Administrative assistant/volunteer coordinator
ava.leighton@commonspirit.org
(979) 567-2202

Julie Hathorn
julie.hathorn@commonspirit.org
(936) 870-4517

Sandra Johnson
sandra.johnson548@commonspirit.org
(936) 349-1572

 Apply to become a rural hospital volunteer

Musical volunteers

For volunteers ages 14 and up with an interest in sharing their musical talent in waiting areas once a month for at least one hour.

Apply to become a musical volunteer

Spiritual care volunteers

With the patient’s permission, our trained spiritual care volunteers offer emotional and spiritual support to patients and families during their hospital stay. All volunteers are trained and approved by our spiritual care department to ensure respectful, compassionate support for everyone we serve.

Learn more

St. Joseph Health’s Nightingale RN Volunteer Program offers retired or inactive registered nurses a meaningful way to support patients, families and staff by allowing them to give back as valued members of the care team.

Responsibilities:

  • Assist with hygiene, turning, bathing, linens and personal care
  • Support daily tasks like answering call lights, helping with meals and ambulation
  • Help complete menus and feed patients as needed
  • Under nurse supervision, take vitals and assist with care tasks
  • Keep rooms clean and organized
  • Stock supplies, assist with transport and help train volunteers
  • Round on patients, provide comfort and report needs to staff
  • Support unit goals, including follow-up calls and quality audits
Apply to become a Nightingale RN volunteer

You must meet these health requirements to volunteer at St. Joseph Health:

  • TB test: Blood test (QuantiFERON or T-Spot) within the past year or chest X-ray within 6 weeks. TB skin tests are not accepted.
  • Flu shot: Required Oct. 1 – March 31
  • Vaccinations: MMR, Varicella and TDAP (within the last 10 years)

Volunteers are responsible for covering all costs associated with required vaccinations and tests. Local options for these services include LabCorp, Quest Diagnostics, Brazos County Health Department, Texas A&M Student Health Services and St. Joseph Occupational Medicine, which can be reached at (979) 821-7377.

What is the dress code?

  • College and therapy volunteers: St. Joseph navy polo, khaki pants, closed-toe shoes, ID badge
  • Adult (non-student) volunteers: Logo jacket/vest/polo, khakis, closed-toe shoes, ID badge
  • Teen volunteers: Teen program T-shirt, khakis, closed-toe shoes, ID badge
  • All: No jeans, leggings, shorts, strong perfume or visible piercings (except earlobes). Scrubs required only for select clinical areas (no neon colors or external logos).

How do I request schedule changes?

Email sjh.volunteer@commonspirit.org with your current schedule, reason for the change and new availability.

What happens if I’m sick?

Do not volunteer if you’re ill. Notify your department or call (979) 776-3777. If out longer than 2 weeks, also email: sjh.volunteer@commonspirit.org.

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