The Volunteer Services Department at Harlingen Medical Center is dedicated to helping HMC fulfill its mission to be the provider of choice for the healthcare services it offers and to promote health and wellness to the people it serves. HMC Volunteers accomplish this mission by putting patients first; by committing to the philosophy that patients, physicians, and staff deserve better; by supporting a plan for the future; by focusing on gaining knowledge from organizational experience and sharing knowledge; and by encouraging personal learning and development.

HMC volunteers are committed to offering excellent and accessible healthcare services to all in need. They perform a wide range of services and tasks. They make a difference in a real way for patients during a vulnerable time. They feel satisfaction in knowing that they are helping others and that they are working as part of a dynamic healthcare team while being a community champion. To do this, HMC relies on volunteers (between the ages of 15 and 70) with a wide range of diverse skills and experience. HMC makes every effort to match the interests of our volunteers with the needs of the hospital.

Areas of Service

Harlingen Medical Center’s comprehensive array of services provides a diverse range of opportunities for volunteers. All programs are non-medical and there are no doctor-shadowing positions. On average, volunteers are required to commit to volunteering the same day, same time each week for at least 4.5 hours, a week. Commitment time lengths are flexible, however.

The following briefly describes some of the areas of service available to HMC volunteers. Most positions are available Monday to Friday during the day with some also available on weekday evenings.

Liaison

Provide comfort and compassion by visiting families of patients. Relay information about the patient to the family. Assist patients and visitors in waiting rooms, the pharmacy and in a limited way, in patient areas.

Concierge Desk

Assist patients, staff and the public by providing information and directions to various areas of the hospital.

Administrative

Assist staff with daily office tasks, which may include phones, filing, errands, reception and data entry.

Patient Unit and ER Volunteers

Visit in the ER or on an assigned patient unit. Volunteers listen to and converse with patients/visitors making them feel better about their hospital experience. Run errands for patients and staff as required.

Wound Healing Center

Assist nurses and staff by maintaining patient treatment areas, escorting patients, and helping with office tasks. Volunteers may observe nurses and staff treating patients.

Nutrition

Assist dietitian with daily tasks, as well as learn about the nutrition field in a hospital setting. This position is for senior university students majoring in nutrition science.

Requirements:

Application

• Submit a completed HMC Volunteer application for review at the Human Resource Office.

Health Screening

• It is HMC policy that all volunteers must be immunized, which includes a TB skin test once per year and a Hepatitis series if applicable. The TB skin test and Hepatitis series are given free of charge, at HMC.

Security Screening

• All volunteers are required to go through a State of Texas background check before being accepted into the program. Any negative feedback will disqualify a candidate from the program.

Commitment

• The commitment for the volunteer program is 4.5 hours per week (with exceptions as needed).

Age

• 15 years of age and older
• Age restrictions apply in some departments, including the Emergency Services Department.

Attendance

• Your department depends on you to be consistent and dependable. If you are not able to volunteer for any reason, please call Volunteer Services (956) 365-1888 AND your assigned department in advance, to notify them of your absence.

Sign In and Sign Out

• It is very important for Volunteer Services to keep track of all volunteer hours. Please sign in and out as instructed before and after each shift.

Dress code

• We ask that our volunteers maintain a casual/professional dress code. This includes an 1.) HMC issued blue vest, 2.) a white shirt/blouse/polo shirt, 3.) khaki slacks/dress pants, and 4.) comfortable walking light-colored shoes. Volunteers should not wear blue jeans, sweatpants, sweatshirts, open-toe shoes, t-shirts, or shorts. If you have concerns about the dress code, please speak with the Volunteer Services staff.

The Gift of Volunteering

Many feelings of satisfaction come from volunteering in the exciting field of health-care: the smile of a patient, an appreciative hug from his/her family, the inner glow of knowing you've done something for someone who needs you. Volunteering can also produce other significant benefits:

• Hands-on health-care experience.

• Work experience needed for school credit.

• Personal growth through service to others.

• A larger circle of friends.

• Opportunity to stay active after retirement. Share the knowledge and compassion you've gained during a lifetime of experience.

• Eligibility for a variety of Medical Center associated benefits.