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Emory Decatur Hospital

Volunteer Programs

Our Volunteer Program is a vital part of our organization and is not just for retirees. In fact, our volunteers are men and women of all ages – people in their teens, 20s, 30s, and beyond – who help out at the Emory DeKalb Operating Unit, which includes Emory Decatur Hospital, Emory Hillandale Hospital, and Emory Long-Term Acute Care. The contribution of time and caring made by our volunteers enables us to provide patients with the highest level of care and attention. Volunteers support several different hospital departments:

  • Breast Center
  • Oncology Unit
  • Nursing Units
  • ICU Waiting Room
  • Wellness Center
  • Information Desk
  • Wayfinding
  • Patient Visits
  • and other areas as needed

Volunteers are asked to serve a minimum of one day per week for a 4-hour shift, and to participate in training and annual in-service meetings. Whether you're interested in healthcare or are simply looking for a way to serve others, you'll find what you're looking for as a volunteer at one of our facilities.

Please note: Volunteer Services does not provide shadowing, observation, internships, externships or clinical experiences. Additionally, we are unable to provide volunteer opportunities for court-ordered community service. The Volunteer Services Department is not affiliated with the Human Resources Department or any facet of employment service. Volunteering is not a pathway to employment. For further information regarding employment, please contact Human Resources.

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Volunteer Programs

Adult Volunteer Program
Rich in history and service opportunities, the Adult Volunteer Program is our largest volunteer group. Individuals must be age 18+, and NOT enrolled in a higher education program (students should explore our College Volunteer Program). Typically, this group is comprised of retirees and others adults who are looking to give of their time, talents, and caring hearts in service to our community. Volunteers also enjoy social gatherings, and recognition celebrations, and assist with fundraising events (proceeds benefit our scholarship program). Adult volunteers are asked to commit to one year of service of four hours per week, or 100 hours annually.

College Volunteer Program
Geared toward meeting the flexible scheduling needs of college students, the College Volunteer Program provides a variety of service and learning opportunities. Students must be age 18+, enrolled in a college, university, or higher education program, and have a minimum 3.0 GPA. The College Volunteer Program requires a commitment of six consecutive months of service for four hours per week, or 80 total hours. It is not a summer-only program.

Adult Application Process: 

Complete and submit the appropriate online application:

Submit a complete Required Documents Packet within 60 days of submitting your application. 

Instructions for obtaining the packet will be emailed to you upon submission of your application.

Please note that all volunteers are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to participate in the program.

Required Documents Packet includes:

  • Two personal recommendation forms
  • Criminal Background Check consent form
  • Copy needed of your driver’s license or state-issued photo ID for processing background check
  • Volunteer Agreement & Consent Forms
  • Documentation of receiving the following vaccinations:
    • Influenza vaccine (for the current season, Oct. – April)
    • COVID-19 vaccine - 2-doses, or single-dose J&J version
    • MMR (Mumps, Measles & Rubella) –  2-dose vaccine
    • Varicella (Chicken Pox) –  2-dose vaccine
    • If Volunteering In Women & Infants Departments, the following additional vaccinations are required:
      • Tdap (Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) – for Whooping cough – 1-dose vaccine + booster every 10 years.
      • Hepatitis B –  3-dose vaccine 
      • Hepatitis B titer blood test showing positive for immunity - required IN ADDITION to the 3-dose vaccine listed above 
    • College Program applicants must also submit a copy of their current transcript showing a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher

If Accepted Into the Program, Volunteers must:

  • Complete online training materials
  • Consent to and receive a T-SPOT blood test for Tuberculosis – provided free of charge at Emory Decatur Hospital (Instructions provided at interview.)
    • Please Note: the T-SPOT blood test is different from the PPD skin test, which is NOT accepted. Getting the PPD skin test will result in a delay in being able to take the T-SPOT blood test.
  • Attend New Volunteer In-Person Orientation
  • Adult Volunteers must commit to 12 months, or 100 hours, of service annually
  • College Volunteers must commit to 6 months, or 80 total hours, of service
  • All volunteers must complete annual requirements of:
    • In-service Review each spring
    • Flu vaccine each fall

If you are experiencing problems with accessing the above forms, email or call the Volunteer Services Office at volunteers@emoryhealthcare.org or 404-501-5208 to request a copy be mailed or emailed to you.

Summer VolunTeen Program

The EDOU Summer VolunTeen program is a 6-week program that takes place in June & July each year. Geared towards high school students (ages 16 – 18, with a minimum GPA of 3.0), these teens volunteer within the hospital under the supervision of Volunteer Services staff, specified hospital personnel, and Adult Volunteer members. The in-person VolunTeen program also includes several virtual, interactive webinars about various healthcare careers. Speakers include a variety of professionals (clinical and non-clinical) from each of the Emory Healthcare Hospitals, the Winship Cancer Institute, and the Emory Clinic.

The online VolunTeen application link will open in January. Completed applications must be submitted by March 1st each year. This is a strict deadline, and no exceptions are made. Spaces are limited, and only complete applications are considered for an interview. Additional details and deadlines are listed on the application. Once the application is submitted, you will receive emailed instructions for the next steps. If you are unable to access the online application link once it opens, email volunteers@emoryhealthcare.org or call 404.501.5208 for an application to be emailed or mailed to you.

Online VolunTeen Application

Online Application Link

Volunteer Benefits

In addition to the personal benefits of volunteering, the hospital also provides the following for all active volunteers:

  • Complimentary parking 
  • Complimentary meal vouchers for our hospital cafeterias when performing volunteer assignment
  • Free health screenings, including annual influenza immunizations, TB screenings and blood pressure checks Discounts in The Wellness Center (located at the EDH location)
  • Eligibility to join MembersFirst Credit Union (located at the EDH location)
  • Discounts in the Dogwood Gift Shop (located at EDH and EHH locations)

Volunteer Locations

The Emory DeKalb Operating Unit consists of the following locations:

  • Emory Decatur Hospital – 2701 North Decatur Road, Decatur, GA 30033
  • Emory Hillandale Hospital – 2801 DeKalb Medical Parkway, Lithonia, GA 30058
  • Emory Long-Term Acute Care – 450 North Candler Street, Decatur, GA 30030

Volunteer Services Department
Phone: 404-501-5208
Fax: 404.501.4788
Email: volunteers@emoryhealthcare.org

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