Volunteer Services

Welcome to Volunteer Services at Outer Banks Health and thank you for your interest in our program. Volunteers are an integral part of our organization and dedicate hundreds of hours of volunteer service annually. We utilize volunteers in a wide variety of areas that include departments in the hospital, outpatient settings, as well as with our cancer programs and community outreach initiatives.

Hospital Volunteers

The goal of the hospital volunteer program is to provide a personalized service to the patients, care givers, families, visitors and team members at Outer Banks Health.  Our volunteers assist with the day to day operations of the hospital as well as help with special projects and initiatives.

Hospital Volunteer Placement

It is our goal to place volunteers in areas that interest them. Depending on the department, we have shifts available in the mornings, afternoons, evenings and on the weekends

• Guest Relations – Information Desk
• Customer Service – Patient Advocacy
• Gift Shop
• Dementia Friendly – Patient Companion
• Post Operative Liaison
• Emergency Department
• Clerical Support
• Music in the Lobbies
• Knitting & crocheting opportunities

Volunteer Requirements

Volunteer typically work one 4 hour shift a week and we request that interested individuals commit to six months of volunteering.  Additional information regarding these requirements will be provided during the interview.

• Complete an adult volunteer application. Click here to access the online application.
• Interview with the volunteer coordinator
• Complete occupational health requirements
• Submit to a criminal background check
• Attend hospital orientation
• Comply with annual requirements

Paws for Healing – Pet Therapy Program

Do you have a dog who is certified by a National Pet Therapy Organization?  If so, please reach out to learn more about our pet therapy volunteer opportunities. Our pet therapy volunteers typically come in one day a week and visit patients, families and team members. We believe that a dogs’ presence can support the healing environment and realize the mental, physical and emotional benefits that this program offers our patients, families and team members.

Healing Touch  Volunteer Program

Healing Touch is a relaxing, nurturing, heart-centered energy therapy that uses gentle, intentional touch that assists in balancing physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being.  It is a collection of standardized, noninvasive techniques that clear, energize, and balance the human and environmental energy fields. Healing Touch assists in creating a coherent and balanced energy field, supporting one’s inherent ability to heal. It is safe for all ages and works in harmony with, is complementary to, and may be integrated with standard medical care. We train volunteers to provide this therapy in our Cancer Services Department.

Hands of Hope Volunteers

The goal of the Hands of Hope program is to ensure that no one walk the cancer journey alone. Volunteers complete a health screen, background check and orientation.  We are not currently recruiting for additional volunteers in this program.

Hands of Hope Volunteer Opportunities

• Home Chores
• Running Errands
• Meal Preparation
• Respite Care
• Companionship To Homebound Patients
• Emotional Support

Dementia Patient Companion

Patient Companion Volunteers receive extensive training in how to positively approach behaviors associated with cognitive impairments and enrichment activities for individuals living with dementia.  These volunteers come to the hospital to provide one on one companionship to patients with dementia.  This role is vital to the engagement and safety of our patients with dementia.

Student Volunteers

Every summer, both high school and college level students are invited to participate in a 9-week volunteer program to get a first-hand look into the world of healthcare. Students must be at least 15 years of age. Student volunteers will develop personal and professional skills while working at the hospital, including effective communication, teamwork and problem solving. Click the links below for student volunteer applications.

Click here to download the Student Volunteer Packet.

Click here for the Student Volunteer Online Form. 

Fundraising Volunteers

Outer Banks Health’s Development Council raises funds for important hospital initiatives, such as the Hospital’s Health Coach, the construction of the Cancer Resource Center, the purchase of equipment, and underwriting the costs of healthcare examinations. The hospital also conducts community outreach programs where the ability to interact with visitors, patients and staff is vital.

Fundraising events include:

• Annual black tie Gala, in which there are volunteer sponsorship and auction committees that support this event.
• Get Pinked! And More Party to thank donors to our Get Pinked! funds throughout the year. Get Pinked! And More highlights all of the cancer programs from Hands of Hope to the breast, lung and colon cancer screening programs in our community.

Community Outreach Opportunities Include:

• Health Fairs
• Workshops
• Community Health Initiatives and Community Events

Volunteers provide vital support services which enhance the health and well-being of our community. Volunteering also provides new and valuable learning experiences, an opportunity to make new friends and an opportunity to make a difference in our community.

For more information contact:

Hospital, Student and Hands of Hope Program Volunteers
Volunteer Services and Office of Experience
email: [email protected]

Fundraising and Community Outreach Volunteers
email: [email protected]