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Volunteer

Volunteering at NCH

From a welcoming voice to a friendly face giving directions, volunteers help make NCH a warmer, more caring place. Did you know that we have nearly 300 individuals volunteering their time and talent by working in over 40 hospital departments? These compassionate, caring people volunteer time to aid patients, families and friends (and staff), making them a vital part of NCH.

We have numerous opportunities available for you to help—from manning the information desk to assisting the staff in a variety of ways. To volunteer, you need to be 16 years of age or older and able to commit at least four hours per week for a minimum of six months. Positions are available seven days a week with a variety of shifts. Evening and weekend positions are in high demand and generally have less availability.

We try to match volunteers with opportunities based on their interests, talents and availability—but assignments do change often and not every position is always open.

General Opportunities

This list includes our general areas and opportunities. There may be additional opportunities not listed. Availability varies between positions. Call us at 847‑618‑4450 to learn more.

  • Animal-Assisted Therapy
  • Breast Center Patient Liaison
  • Care Cart Driver
  • Clerical/Filing Assistance
  • Data Entry
  • Discharge/Escort
  • Emergency Entrance

  • Flower Room
  • Foundation/Community Outreach
  • Gift Shop
  • Hand Hygine Observer
  • Information Desks
  • Nursing Floor Assistant
  • Outpatient Care Center Greeter
  • Outpatient Laboratory Desk Greeter
  • Outpatient Physical Therapy Assistant
  • Pediatric Unit Door Monitor
  • Surgical Services Waiting Area
  • Wig Boutique
Our Volunteer Process

The process to become a volunteer takes approximately 4-6 weeks after the initial interest interview. The adult application consists of four parts: application, medical release form, acknowledgement form and confidentiality statement. All parts must be submitted in order for your application to be reviewed.

Download Adult Volunteer Application Here

Students: Please see our High School Program or Summer Program

Completed applications can be scanned and emailed to volunteer@nch.org, dropped off to the Guest Services Department or mailed to:

Guest Services Department
Northwest Community Healthcare
800 W. Central Road
Arlington Heights, IL 60005

We’ll review it based on your interests and availability with our current openings. If there is a match, we will contact you for an interview. While we’d like to accommodate all applicants, unfortunately we aren’t able to accept everyone. However, we keep applications on file for one year and review them as positions become available.

This is an opportunity for us to meet you and learn more about your interests, and for you to learn about all the opportunities we have at NCH. Most interviews last about 20–30 minutes. A volunteer position may be assigned to you during the interview depending on interest and availability.

After acceptance into the program, you will need to complete the online volunteer orientation.

Once you’ve completed the orientation, you will be required to complete a criminal background check. The cost of the check is covered by NCH.

If you are cleared from the background check, you will be required to complete all health requirements:

  • One-Step TB (tuberculosis) test which should be completed with our Employee Health department.
  • Proof of vaccinations (for those born after 1/31/1957) that includes: Varicella (chickenpox), Rubella (German measles), Rubeola (measles) and Mumps, or agree to get the listed vaccinations.
  • Proof of influenza (flu) vaccine or agree to receive the vaccine at our facility during the flu season (usually August through March).
  • Proof of COVID-19 vaccination (full dose)

Once you have been cleared by Employee and Occupational Health, you will go to Human Resources to get your badge.

After these steps have been taken and you have been cleared to volunteer, the Volunteer Department will work with you to schedule your first day and training. On your first day, you will receive your uniform, either a smock jacket or polo.