How to Volunteer: Getting Started

We are currently accepting applications for adult volunteers only. As of Jan. 1, 2012, we are no longer accepting applications for junior/teen volunteers. We anticipate that we will begin accepting junior/teen applications sometime in March. This timeline may change as we transition to our new hospital in Plainsboro. We encourage you to check back in the spring for any updates.

Current volunteers, we thank you for your continued service, support and commitment to Princeton HealthCare System and our patients. 

Last year, more than 1,700 volunteers provided approximately 80,000 hours of service in 100 areas throughout Princeton HealthCare System. Volunteers shine through the intangible qualities they bring to our mission of Redefining Care for our patients. This year's theme is "Celebrating the Orchestra of Volunteers; Many Tunes - One Harmonic Sound." 

To get started -- you may get an application by downloading and printing one, calling to request an application packet be mailed to you, or visiting us in person. Please click on the appropriate volunteer opportunities link on the left side of this page. Then follow these steps to become a volunteer:

1.         Application -- Please complete and return the application form. (If you are under 18 years of age, you are applying as a High-School Volunteer in our program. Your application and parental consent form must be signed by a parent or guardian and returned to our office.) We also require one written reference letter be submitted with the completed application.

2.         Orientation Session -- Interested, accepted volunteers are invited to a general orientation session to learn about volunteer opportunities, rules, responsibilities, and benefits. 

• Adult and College:  Orientation Sessions are planned monthly. Invitations will be e-mailed out, or to learn when the next session is scheduled, please call our office at 609.497.4273 or 609.497.4276.
• High-School Students: Invitations will be e-mailed after all paperwork (application, recommendation letter, and school transcript) has been received, reviewed, and approved.

3.         Attend an Orientation Session -- Please respond to us to confirm your attendance. We will review general knowledge of our facility, as well as the rules and regulations of the Volunteer Services Department. You will receive instructions on how to obtain a tuberculosis (TB) skin test, which is required annually of all volunteers. 

4.         After Orientation Session -- Applicants will be scheduled for and personally interviewed by a member of the Volunteer Services Department. 

5.         At the Interview -- Each applicant will be interviewed by the Volunteer Services Department staff, and specific training is provided for each assignment (most general trainings are scheduled weekdays before 6:00pm).  Uniform jackets are required for a nominal fee.  You will also receive instructions on how to obtain an I.D./Security Badge.

6.         After the Interview -- This is the step where you are either placed on the volunteer schedule according to your shift day/time or are put on-hold until a shift becomes available.  Specific training and printed instructional materials are provided for each assignment.

Transportation and Parking -- Volunteers are responsible for their own transportation to and from PHCS. Free garage parking is available to volunteers at UMCP; the hospital also has valet parking available. Free outdoor parking is available at the other PHCS sites.

We look forward to your participation in our volunteer program.  

Our Location

If you would like to become a volunteer, please visit us at the Volunteer Services Department between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., weekdays. We are located at 253 Witherspoon Street, Princeton, in the main hospital, floor 1, room J101.

Please call 609.497.4273 or 609.497.4276 for any additional information.

For directions to UMCP, click here.