Frequently Asked Questions: New and Current Volunteers

We ask that you give us at least 30-60 days to receive a response from the Volunteer Program. We receive lots of applications every day and will take time to get through and contact each person.

Once the Volunteer Program contacts you, it can take up to 30 days after orientation before you begin Volunteering. If any of the required paperwork is delayed, it may take longer than 30 days. 

Free parking for volunteers.

• Application process is open and may take up to 30 days to receive notifications from the Volunteer Program. We appreciate your patience.
• Orientation Is held on different days and times, differ each month.
• Phone interview is required.
• You will receive an email to schedule orientation once you have cleared a background screening.

If you are going to miss your volunteer assignment for one or two days due to illness or other personal necessity, please contact the department you are working for directly. This is a courtesy to the staff, and we ask that you please be diligent in fulfilling this responsibility. If you are going to be absent from your volunteer assignment for a period longer than two days/ shifts, in addition to contacting your department you must contact the Volunteer Program and request a Leave of Absence (LOA) form.

Please call the hospital’s main line (916) 887-0000 and ask to be transferred to your department. Your department’s phone number is also listed on your volunteer service description.

Please contact the Volunteer Program if your badge is not working or you lose your badge. If lost, please do not volunteer until replaced. Badges are required every time you are on campus for safety purposes.

If you forget your pin number, please contact the Volunteer Program and we will call/ email you with your pin number. If you forget to log in or were unable to log in, please contact us with the date and times you volunteered, and we will enter your information into our system for you.

Yes, if you do not actively clock in/out on the computer, we will not have record that you have been attending.

Please contact the Volunteer Program with any problems or concerns you may have. We want to hear from you, and we appreciate your feedback.

Please contact the Volunteer Program if you wish to discontinue your volunteer service and let us know when you are planning to leave.

Please contact the Volunteer Program if you would like to request a copy of your volunteer hours.

All unit competencies are due within 30 days of your first shift. Please complete on time to avoid termination.

The competencies are to be completed, signed by you and your preceptor, and submitted to the Volunteer Program. (Submitted to the office or by email)

Not submitting your competencies can lead to suspension and/ or termination. (It is vital that if you cannot submit it within 30 days for any reason, please reach out to the Volunteer Program and let us know why.)

If you need to change your schedule, please contact the Volunteer Program. Preferably, you will need to complete at least 100 hours of service in one unit before changing units. If you have questions or concerns, please let the Volunteer Program know.

Yes, each unit has a different description and will have different requirements. You will have to complete the new unit’s competency within 30 days from starting in that unit.

This is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Please contact the Volunteer Program to further discuss.

Yes, to keep volunteering, it is required that you receive an annual flu shot or sign a Declination Form and providing a copy to the Volunteer Program.

Yes, after providing initial onboarding results, to keep volunteering, it is required that you receive an annual PPD and providing the results to the Volunteer Program.

Yes, the training and tests that were completed during orientation, need to be completed on an annual basis from the Quarter that you started. The Volunteer Program will reach out to you and schedule a time in which it will be completed.

You may contact the Volunteer Program by sending us an email at smcsvolunteerservices@sutterhealth.org or by calling (916) 887-4379. It may take a few days to receive an answer to your inquiry. Your patience is greatly appreciated.