Volunteer Services

Adventist Health is a faith-based, nonprofit integrated health system serving more than 80 communities on the West Coast and in Hawaii. Adventist Health provides care in hospitals, clinics, home care agencies, hospice agencies and joint-venture retirement centers in both rural and urban communities.

Our Mission: Living God’s love by inspiring health, wholeness and hope.

Volunteers at Adventist Health and Rideout provide support in various departments and services. Volunteer placement depends on your interest, skills and opportunities available.

The application process averages about four to six weeks. Volunteers agree to commit to at least 100 hours per year and a minimum of one year of service. Some volunteer positions are four-hour shifts, while some offer flexibility with time and schedule according to your availability. Some volunteer positions require volunteers to commit to a regular schedule of at least two shifts per month.

Our Volunteer Services consist of two volunteer categories:

• Adult Volunteers (age 18 and older)
• Jr. Volunteers (age 15-17 years old)

To be contacted about volunteering, please complete this form

Requirements: Completed Volunteer Information Form, Interview, Reference and background check, TB/Immunization screening, flu vaccine, AHRO Orientation and volunteer program specific orientation.

Becoming a Volunteer

1. Complete a Volunteer Information package:
   1. Download Volunteer Information form online
      Adult Information Sheet
   2. Call (530) 751-4280 for a form to be mailed or picked up
   3. Complete our form at your convenience
2. Director Interview Scheduled
3. Reference Check for Adults
4. Background Check and Health Screening
   
   Upon successful interview and reference check, volunteer applicants will complete a background check authorization, followed by a Tuberculosis and Immunization screening. The flu vaccine is required and offered free in October of each year. Certain immunizations are offered, but not required. All tests and immunizations are done by Adventist Health and Rideout and are free of charge.
5. Attend Orientation and receive ID Badge
6. Complete Program Specific Orientation

Volunteer opportunities available

• Adventist Health and Rideout Emergency
• Adventist Health and Rideout Hospital Auxiliary
• Adventist Health and Rideout Hospital Greeter
• Senior Living
• Pet Therapy Program
• Adventist Health and Rideout Cancer Center
• Spiritual Care Program

Adventist Health and Rideout Emergency

18 years and older

• Rounds on patients and visitors every 15 to 20 minutes
• Provide chairs for visitors
• Relays patient and family questions to the nurse in charge of the patient
• Offers water and coffee to visitors. Offers water and coffee to patients only with permission of the nurse
• Assist the staff in performing indirect and direct patient care job duties
• Sterilizes gurneys and changes linens on gurneys
• Stocks linens and supplies as directed
• Stocks blankets in the blanket warmer
• Other duties assigned by staff

Adventist Health and Rideout Hospital Auxiliary

21 years and older, great for 55+ years of age

If you're interested in joining an organized and social group, the Adventist Health and Rideout Hospital Auxiliary is for you. In existence since 1958, members provide volunteer service at the hospital, raise funds for the hospital, and act as a liaison group to the public. Some volunteer opportunities include:

• Floral Design
• Gift Shop
• Surgery Hostess Desk

Adventist Health and Rideout Hospital Greeter

18 Years and older, great for 55+ years of age

The Adventist Health and Rideout Hospital Greeter program is a highly visible customer service position that demonstrates professionalism, compassion, courtesy and genuine care with every interaction. Located at the main entrance information desk, the greeter proactively interacts with patients and guests to ensure that customers have a positive first impression upon arrival. Volunteers greet, assist security, walk visitors to destination, deliver flowers to patients and provide information to those coming to the hospital as patients or visitors. A position that requires a high degree of accountability and people skills to guarantee that hospital related needs of the patient, patient's family and co-worker are taken care of in a prompt and professional manner.

Senior Living

If you have a desire to work with geriatric and disabled persons and the ability to generate enthusiasm, then consider becoming a volunteer! Assist activities staff with a variety of fun activities such as activities, dietary delivery and outings.

• The Fountains Skilled Nursing

Pet Therapy Program

18 years and older, great for 55+ years of age

The role of the volunteer is to escort the therapy pet with the handler to approved areas of the hospital.

Adventist Health and Rideout Cancer Center

18 years and older, great for 55+ years of age

The Rideout Cancer Center is affiliated with UC Davis Health System. Volunteers assist the social worker and/or nurse educator with support groups, classes, clerical duties and events. With appropriate training, a cancer survivor can become a Peer Navigator. Peer Navigators are 2+ year cancer survivors who are matched with a newly diagnosed patient of similar age, same gender and same diagnosis. The Navigator is a support person for phone calls, visits during treatment, or someone to attend doctor appointments if requested by the patient.

Spiritual Care Program

With our unique focus on physical, mental, spiritual and social healing, the Spiritual Care Volunteer Program is designed to provide volunteers with introductory skills in ministry. Acceptance to the Adventist Health and Rideout Spiritual Volunteer Program will authorize volunteers to visit patients and be informed of their situation (physically, spiritually, emotionally, psychologically and sociologically). Applicants are required to complete a Spiritual Care Volunteer Training that would be most beneficial to their success as they seek to provide spiritual care to patients, families, and staff under the direct supervision of Francisco Cross, Director of Mission and Spiritual Care.

The Spiritual Care Volunteer Program will provide a network of spiritual leaders, from all faiths, to provide comfort to patients, families and to the physicians and staff during times of crisis.

Through the work that our volunteers do and the joy they bring - our volunteers truly embody our mission of "living God's love," while demonstrating our values, integrity, compassion, respect and excellence. The selfless individuals who give their time, energy and talents to our community hospital embody the best humanity has to offer.

Please connect with Francisco at CrossFJ@ah.org if you have a suggestion about someone wonderful who may want to volunteer.