Volunteer Positions

Volunteers at Nationwide Children’s Hospital provide support to patients, families, and staff in a wide variety of roles. Some assignments have direct patient contact, others are more supportive, and all are very much appreciated!

Some of our volunteer positions include:

Nationwide Children's Hospital Main Campus

Activity Group

Assist in providing a variety of fun, creative activity groups for the patients in the hospital.

Art Cart

Deliver arts and crafts supplies to patients and assist with projects as requested.

Children's Clubhouse

Assist in providing safe and appropriate supportive activities for pre-school and school-age siblings of children receiving care at Nationwide Children's.

Emergency Department

Serve as a support person to the Emergency Room staff, assisting in any way the nurses, doctors and ancillary staff deem necessary. Must be 21 years old.

Family Resource Center

Provide hospitality and supportive services for family members and staff in new educational, fitness and resource area.

Gift Shop

Provide a service of convenience to employees, patients and visitors. Volunteer clerk assists Gift Shop staff with daily routine, while representing the hospital in a positive way.

Information Desk

Assist Information Desk staff in their role of delivery of telephone messages, directing families, and with other miscellaneous tasks.

Occupational Therapy/Physical Therapy Volunteer

Provide ancillary support to the staff of the OT/PT department. OT/PT staff work to promote development and functional independence in children with various diagnoses.

Office and Clerical Assistance

Provide clerical support to office staff throughout the hospital.

Outpatient Clinics

Provide support to staff and diversional activities to patients.

Surgery Unit

Provide reading and play activities for patients having surgery to make waiting more comfortable. Also support Surgery Unit staff in a variety of tasks.

Patient Care Units

Provide support to unit staff, patients and families through activities such as interactive play, reading, crafts, etc.

Patient Deliveries

Deliver mail or admitting gifts to patients and families.

Toy Washing and Playroom Maintenance

Maintain guidelines and policies for the playroom contents and play equipment, and keep the area clean, organized and safe for patients and families.

Off-Site Opportunities

• Nationwide Children's Primary Care Centers - Reach Out and Read - Call (614) 355-0520 for details.
• Occupational Therapy/Physical Therapy - Provide ancillary support to the staff of the OT/PT departments at the following Close To Home^SM Center locations: Dublin, East Columbus and Westerville. OT/PT staff work to promote development and functional independence in children with various diagnoses.
• Nationwide Children's Hospice and Palliative Care - Volunteers will spend time with families of children at the end of life or with life-limiting illness in the family's home. Most of the volunteer's time will focus on siblings, playing games, reading, and doing activities to help the siblings feel important too. Some opportunities may be available for spending time with parents and/or grandparents in a companion type relationship. There is limited patient contact in most situations. This is a very rewarding position that can really make a huge difference in the lives of these families, especially for the siblings who light up when someone comes to the house "just for them." Additional volunteer opportunities may include helping Hospice team members with clerical work and activity organization. Volunteers are required to take a health and drug screening in addition to a background check. Call (614) 355-1175 for additional information.

For more information on volunteer opportunities

Family and Volunteer Services at (614) 722-3635 or e-mail Volunteering@NationwideChildrens.org