Volunteer Opportunities
New Brunswick: 732-937-8507
Our Volunteer Program is open. Volunteers interested in returning: please contact the New Brunswick Volunteer Office at 732-937-8507.
Welcome to RWJ Volunteer Services!
Volunteers provide a vital part of the high-quality care that Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital is known for, and help us enhance the patient experience every day.
By becoming a volunteer at RWJUH, you are choosing to be part of a dynamic team who truly touches the lives of patients, families, visitors, and staff. By contributing both your time and talent, you’ll be helping others, meeting new people and learning new skills. While this is a very rewarding experience, it also requires a significant commitment--both in terms of service hours and the prerequisites that must be met as part of our process.
We offer volunteer programs for both adults and teens at our New Brunswick campus.
- Adult Volunteers
- Cancer Institute of NJ Volunteers
- Rutgers HPO Volunteers
- Teen/High-School Volunteers
- HELP Program
Frequently Asked Questions
WHY SHOULD I VOLUNTEER AT RWJUH?
While volunteers offer their services free of charge, they receive many benefits: They meet new people, make new friends, share their knowledge or learn new skills, and most of all, volunteers receive the satisfaction that comes from being needed and helping others. Volunteering at RWJUH gives you the opportunity to experience all of this in a world-class health care setting. Having a background in volunteer services can also be beneficial when you are applying for education or employment opportunities.
DO YOU ALWAYS NEED VOLUNTEERS?
We almost always need qualified and committed adult volunteers. At certain times of the year, our Teen Volunteer program reaches capacity and we cannot accept new applications at those times.
WILL I BE ABLE TO SHADOW A DOCTOR, OTHER HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL OR HAVE A CLINICAL EXPERIENCE WHEN I VOLUNTEER AT THE MEDICAL CENTER?
Volunteers serve to meet the non-clinical needs of the hospital. The Volunteer Services department does not offer internship or shadowing opportunities. Volunteers do not provide or participate in clinical care.
IF I BECOME A VOLUNTEER, WILL I GET A JOB AT THE HOSPITAL?
While volunteering is a great way to enhance your resume, it is not a way to increase your chance of employment at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital. If you are seeking employment, please go to our Career site.
WHAT IS THE TIME COMMITMENT REQUIRED FOR BEING A VOLUNTEER?
The minimum time commitment is 100 hours of service per year. Our hope is for volunteers to be available 3-4 hours on a weekly basis.
WHAT ARE THE HOURS?
Volunteer shifts are available mornings, afternoons and evenings, seven days a week. There are a wide variety of volunteer opportunities and shifts available.
CAN I CHOOSE MY VOLUNTEER ASSIGNMENT?
We listen carefully to prospective volunteers' interests and goals during the interview process and make every effort to place them in positions that will be interesting to them and applicable to their skill set, while still meeting the needs of the hospital. Every effort is made to place a volunteer in their preferred area, but it is not always possible.
WHAT ARE THE AGE REQUIREMENTS?
The minimum age to volunteer is 15 years of age and a sophomore in high school for the Volunteer program. Adults, including college students, of all ages are welcome to join the Adult program.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR A VOLUNTEER APPLICATION TO BE PROCESSED?
On average, the entire process takes several weeks. All application requirements must be met prior to starting.
IS THERE A DRESS CODE?
Yes, all volunteers are required to wear the provided volunteer uniform/ T-shirt. Volunteers must wear either khaki pants, dress pants or skirts. A professional, groomed appearance is required for all volunteers at all times.
HOW DO I APPLY FOR THE ADULT VOLUNTEER PROGRAM?
Adult applicants, including college students, are encouraged to apply online. Find additional information about our adult volunteer program here.
HOW DO I APPLY FOR THE TEEN VOLUNTEER PROGRAM?
Applicants for our Teen Volunteer program (high school sophomores and juniors age 15 – 18) must call the Volunteer Services department for a brief phone interview and to request an application. Applications are only sent after speaking with the interested volunteer, not the parent or guardian. Please call 732-937-8507. You can find additional information about our teen volunteer program here.
CAN I VOLUNTEER FOR JUST THE SUMMER?
Of course- As long as each volunteer can commit to 75 hours per year, we welcome you to join us anytime your schedule allows!
For more information about volunteering at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, please call: 732-937-8507