Frequently Asked Questions
For frequently asked questions for The Montreal Children's Hospital Volunteer Services, please click here. |
Can I get an application form online?
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Can I also pick up an application form for my friend/child? We need to be able to speak to the potential volunteer directly, to make sure they are aware of the minimum commitment and the volunteer opportunities we offer. |
Can I volunteer more than once per week? If you are a first time volunteer, we suggest that you commit to one shift per week. If, after your minimum 50 hour commitment, you want to add a second shift in your program, or a second shift in another program, we will then schedule a meeting with you to look at the different possibilities. |
What if I am assigned to a program and I don’t like it? Can I switch? We encourage volunteers to complete 50 hours in their assigned program. We also encourage them to speak to their immediate supervisor or to staff in the Volunteer Office if they have concerns or issues with their assigned program. If your concerns have been addressed and you still feel that your program is not a good fit, we will meet with you to discuss a change of program. |
What if I can’t make it in for a shift? It is not a problem for you to miss a shift on occasion. If it becomes a regular occurrence, we can sit down with you to find a possible volunteer shift that may work better for you. If you plan to be away for an extended period, we ask that you let your supervisor know so that we can find someone to take your shift and ensure continuity in the services we offer our patients. |
Are there volunteer opportunities on evenings and weekends? Evening and weekend programs are very limited but we do have opportunities in some areas. If this is your first time volunteering, you may prefer week days when the Volunteer Office is opened to lend you support if needed. |
I only speak French/English. Is this going to be a problem? For most of our programs, you will need to have a functional grasp of both languages to interact with our patients and families. |
I am a retired employee of the hospital. Can I volunteer? Yes! Please do! |
What is the dress code when I am volunteering? The dress code is typically long pants (jeans are fine), long skirt/dress and shirts that cover shoulders and midriff. You are also required to wear closed-toe shoes (NO flip-flops in the summer). Long hair must be tied. Hats, perfumes and colognes are not permitted while on duty. It is best to dress comfortably, as many of our programs require physical movement and activity. Uniforms and name tags are provided by Volunteer Services and must be worn at all times during your volunteer assignment. |
Is it possible for me to work with children? The Volunteer Office works with the four adult sites of the McGill University Health Centre: the Montreal Chest Institute, the Montreal Neurological, the Royal Victoria hospitals and The Montreal General Hospital. We have only two programs involving children: the Employee Daycare and the Cuddles Program in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. For programs and services at the Volunteer Office of The Montreal Children's Hosptial, please click here. |
Do you have any doctor-shadowing programs? The only observation program we have is in Physiotherapy |