NYU Langone Hospital ¾ Long Island

Volunteer at NYU Langone Hospital ¾ Long Island

At NYU Langone Hospital ¾ Long Island, our Volunteer Department exists to elevate the patient, caregiver, and staff experience through compassionate service, creative collaboration, and a deep commitment to healing. We envision a future where volunteers are fully integrated into the hospital's culture-serving as catalysts for wellness, innovation, and community resilience. Together, we foster a space of dignity, gratitude, and joy, where every act of service contributes to a more connected and holistic healthcare environment.

  • Volunteer Program Requirements

    Year-Round Volunteer Program (Ages 16+)
    • Eligibility: Applicants must be 16 years of age or older.
    • Commitment: A minimum of one semester is required; a full academic year (two semesters) is preferred.
    • Schedule: One consistent 3-hour shift per week.
    • Requirements:
      - Complete the online application.
      - Interview with Volunteer Services.
      - Provide health clearance (immunization records, TB test, etc.).
      - Attend mandatory onboarding & training.
      - Complete annual compliance updates.
    • Application Deadline: June 30

     

    Summer Volunteer Program (Ages 16+)

    An intensive program designed for students on summer break.

    • Eligibility: Applicants must be 16 years of age or older.
    • Commitment: Minimum of 24 hours of service over 8 weeks
    • Schedule: One consistent 3-hour shift per week for the duration of the program.
    • Requirements:
      - Complete the online application.
      - Interview with Volunteer Services.
      - Provide health clearance (immunization records, TB test, etc.).
      - Attend mandatory onboarding & training.
      - Complete annual compliance updates.
    • Application Deadline: March 30
    • Volunteer Types Explained
      - Teen Volunteer: Currently enrolled in high school.
      - College Volunteer: Currently enrolled as an undergraduate student.
      - Community Volunteer: An adult (post-college) member of the community.

     

     

  • Onboarding & Health Requirements

    All accepted volunteers must complete a comprehensive onboarding process, which includes:

    • Health Screening:
      • Tuberculosis (TB) testing
      • Proof of MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) and varicella (chickenpox) immunity
      • Seasonal **influenza (flu) vaccination** required annually (typically due by October 31)
    • Compliance:
      • HIPPA
      • Fire Safety
      • Infection Control
      • Code of Conduct
    • Mandatory Orientation:
      • One-time general orientation session upon acceptance
      • Virtual Orientation offered Bi-weekly
      • In-person training offered monthly
      • Program-specific training as needed
    • Background Check
      • All volunteers must complete and clear a background check  

  • Annual Compliance

    Compliance Period: September 1st - October 31st

    Annually all volunteers must complete a required online compliance module through our volunteer system. Proof of annual flu vaccination and confirmation of health is required to maintain active volunteer status

    Note: Volunteers who do not meet annual compliance requirements may be temporarily suspended until
    requirements are fulfilled.

  • Featured Volunteer Opportunities

    Volunteers are placed according to current needs, your availability, and program-specific requirements. Explore the opportunities below to learn more about current openings and how to apply. We look forward to welcoming you to the NYU Langone volunteer community.

    • Department: Child Life Department
    Age Requirement: Must be at least 16 years old
    Operating Hours: Monday - Sunday; 8 am - 5 pm
    Shifts: Varies
    Time Commitment: One three-hour shift weekly
    Summary: Responsible for assisting with age-appropriate activities and resources for inpatients and family members in the playroom and inpatient Pediatric Unit.
    Qualifications:
    - Must have previous experience with children (e.g., babysitting, camp counselor, etc.) - Ability to work independently but seek information when required - Ability to demonstrate sensitivity in working with children/families under stress and those with special needs. Tasks Performed: - Assist in setting up and supervising activities in inpatient unit playrooms, and pediatric patients on the inpatient unit - Actively play with patients and siblings of all ages, both in playrooms and at bedside - Help with setup and supervision of special events - Maintain cleanliness and order in playrooms; disinfect toys and supplies Physical/Emotional Demands: - Work involves sitting/kneeling on the floor, physical interactions with infants and children, lifting equipment and young children as appropriate, pushing carts, washing toys - Must be able to communicate with children and families - Maturity to manage working with sick and anxious children and their families

    Department: Nursing
    Age Requirement: Must be at least 16 years old
    Operating Hours: Monday - Sunday; 8 am - 8 pm
    Shifts: Varies
    Time Commitment: One three-hour shift weekly
    Summary: Provide comfort and compassion by assisting patients/families with their needs. Assist staff with assigned tasks.
    Qualifications: - Require minimal supervision
    - Possess interpersonal skills to deal with a variety of people and situations
    - Be able to work independently but seek guidance when required
    - Use communication and follow-up skills to ensure patient and staff needs are met
    - Compassion and empathy
    Tasks Performed: - Visit with patients and provide activities to occupy their time: word searches, coloring books, selecting TV channels/movies/music, call mediation hotline, help patient navigate menu and order food
    - Proactive rounds on patients and families to maintain contact throughout the patient's stay
    - Assisting patients and families with technological resources;
    - Help sign up patients to MyChart
    - Educate on how to utilize MyWall
    - Assist patients with obtaining comfort preference items such as pillows, blankets, and other comfort items.
    -- Review patient list with charge RN to identify patient/family needs
    - Act as liaison for patient and visitors by giving non-clinical status updates
    Physical/Emotional Demands:
    - Stand for long periods of time
    - Walk throughout the hospital
    - Work in an environment that is fast-paced and sometimes chaotic
    - Understand the emotional needs of patients and their families

    Department: Concierge Team
    Age Requirement: Must be at least 16 years old
    Operating Hours: Monday -Sunday; 8 am - 8 pm
    Shifts: Varies
    Time Commitment: One three-hour shift weekly
    Summary: As a Lobby Greeter Volunteer, ensuring that patients and guests feel welcomed and supported during their visit. Provide clear information and wayfinding assistance, as well as escorting patients and guests throughout the hospital.
    Qualifications: - Deal effectively with a variety of people and situations
    - Use active listening skills
    - Provide information and directions verbally and, if necessary, in writing
    - Maintain a professional demeanor
    - Demonstrate good judgment and effective problem-solving skills
    - Comfortable in a position where there are periods of high and low activity
    - Maintain an alert and welcoming attitude even during times of low activity
    Tasks Performed: - Pleasantly greet patients, families, and visitors with a warm welcome and a smile
    - Listen and acknowledge the patient, family, and visitors' needs
    - Provide directions and information.
    - Accompany patient, family, and visitors to their destination
    Physical/Emotional Demands: - Standing for periods of time
    - Understand that patients and visitors have emotional needs, and we are here to help them in any way
                                                                                

    Department: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Department of Volunteer Services
    Age Requirement: Must be at least 18 years old
    Operating Hours: Monday - Sunday; 24 hours
    Shifts: Varies
    Time Commitment: One four-hour shift weekly
    Summary: Our NICU cuddler program trains volunteers to hold, rock, and cuddle babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit when their parents are not able to be at the bedside.
    Qualifications:
    - Require minimal supervision
    - Possess interpersonal skills to deal with a variety of people and situations
    - Be able to work independently but seek guidance when required
    - Use communication and follow-up skills to ensure patient and staff needs are met
    - Use critical thinking skills
    - Compassion and empathy
    Tasks Performed: - Provide comfort in the absence of parents/guardians: console, hold, "cuddle" and stabilize infants under the direct supervision of the infant's nurse
    - Parent/Guardian support: offer to be present if the parent needs/wishes to leave the bedside
    - Restock supplies as needed.
    - All other non-clinical duties as requested by the unit superiors and or/staff
    Physical/Emotional Demands:
    - Comfort in Critical Care settings
    - Positive, respectful, calm, and pleasant manner
    - Reliable
    - Work in an environment that is sometimes fast-paced and chaotic
    - Understand the emotional needs of parents
    - Able to remain seated for extended periods of time
     

    Department: Volunteer Services Department
    Age Requirement: Must be at least 18 years old
    Operating Hours: Monday - Sunday; 8a - 8p
    Shifts: Varies
    Time Commitment: Varies
    Summary: The WAGS Pet Therapy teams support hospital staff, patients, families, and visitors, demonstrating care with sensitivity and respect.
    Qualifications:
    - Dogs must be registered with the New York Therapy Animals, Good Dog Foundation, Bide-a-Wee, or Pet Partners.
    - The pet handler must have highly developed dog-training and handling skills. He/she must exhibit a strong bond with his/her dog, as well as an understanding of basic animal behavior.
    - Be friendly, courteous, and able to relate to all patients who may be under stress - Genuine interest in people and a desire to help families
    - Sensitivity to the needs of others- patients, families, staff, other volunteers
    - Willingness to follow hospital regulations, accept supervision, accept the limit of a volunteer's role, and be flexible and adaptable
    Tasks Performed: - Understand and exceed customer expectations
    - Keep and maintain healthy dogs for use in the program
    - Ensure dogs are physically and mentally sound and maintain registration with the specified pet handler organization
    - Ensure the dog receives veterinary care and maintains medical records
    - Groom's dog within 24 hours of visit to the hospital
    - Reports to the designated area upon arrival
    - Provide bedside visits, group visits, both inpatient and outpatient, adults and pediatrics
    - Pet therapy teams may participate in hospital events, celebrations, and various community outreach events. Pet therapy teams may also be asked to appear at media events in support of the NYULMC mission, vision, and goals.
    Physical/Emotional Demands:
    - Pet Therapy volunteers must be able to control their dogs in any situation.
    - Pet therapy activities may include climbing stairs, repetitive movements, lifting dogs, and/or carrying supplies in a tote bag

    Department: Emergency Department
    Age Requirement: Must be at least 18 years old
    Operating Hours: Monday - Sunday; 8a - 11p
    Shifts: Varies
    Time Commitment: Varies
    Summary: The Emergency Department offers highly specialized care to treat the emergency needs of the community. Volunteers provide comfort and compassion by meeting with patients/families and assisting with their needs. Assist ED staff with assigned tasks.
    Qualifications: - Require minimal supervision
    - Possess interpersonal skills to deal with a variety of people and situations
    - Be able to work independently but seek guidance when required
    - Use communication and follow-up skills to ensure patient and staff needs are met
    - Use critical thinking skills
    Tasks Performed: - Visit with patients and families and maintain contact throughout the patient's stay in the ED (if possible)
    - Obtain comfort items such as pillows, blankets, nourishment (only if patient is allowed to eat or drink)
    - Assist patients in understanding the ED process
    - Orient patients to MyChart
    - Help to label patient property, i.e., patient belongings bags with patients' labels
    - Accompany patients and/or family members to other hospital areas
    - Ensure patients have their belongings at the time of discharge and or admission
    - Socialize and regularly touch base with admitted patients, offering entertainment items such as cards, coloring books, puzzles, etc.
    - Act as liaison for patients' visitors by giving non-clinical status updates.
    - Help keep order in waiting rooms

    Department: Integrative Health and Volunteer Services
    Age Requirement: Must be at least 18 years old
    Operating Hours: Monday - Sunday; 8a - 8p
    Shifts: Varies
    Time Commitment: Varies
    Summary: Reiki Practitioners working with the department of integrative health will be performing Reiki sessions on individuals to promote their well-being. Reiki sessions are provided both in chairs and on Reiki tables and can be shared individually and in group sessions.
    Qualifications:
    - Reiki Level 2 and higher
    - Require minimal supervision
    - Possess interpersonal skills to deal with a variety of people and situations
    - Be able to work independently but seek guidance when required
    Tasks Performed:
    - Sharing the practice of Reiki with Staff Members both individually and in group sessions.
    - Co-facilitating with Integrative health staff members to teach Reiki trainings and workshops.
    - Provide individual sessions with staff members
    - Float on units and provide Reiki to interested and available staff
    - Attend wellness fairs and wellness activities in the hospital
    Physical/Emotional Demands:
    - No touch required
    - Reiki practitioners are trained to cope with the emotional aspects of treatments and understand the emotional needs of patients

    Department: Volunteer Services Department
    Age Requirement: Must be at least 16 years old
    Operating Hours: Monday - Sunday; varies based on scheduling and special events.
    Shifts: Varies

    Time Commitment: Varies
    Summary: The Music in the Main Lobby and Strolling Musician Program enhances the hospital environment by providing live music to promote healing, reduce stress, and create a welcoming atmosphere for patients, visitors, and staff. Volunteers share their musical talents to offer comfort, emotional support, and moments of joy throughout public and patient-care areas of the hospital.

    Qualifications:
    - Require minimal supervision
    - Demonstrate musical proficiency and performance readiness
    - Possess strong interpersonal and communication skills
    - Be comfortable performing in public and clinical settings
    - Ability to adapt music selections to diverse audiences and environments
    - Demonstrate sensitivity to patient needs and hospital guidelines

    Tasks Performed:
    - Perform live music in the main lobby during scheduled times
    - Provide strolling musical performances in designated patient-care and public areas
    - Engage patients, families, visitors, and staff in a respectful and uplifting manner
    - Adjust volume, repertoire, and duration based on environment and patient needs
    - Follow staff direction regarding appropriate locations and timing of performances
    - Maintain professionalism and adhere to hospital safety and confidentiality standards
    - Assist in creating a calm, welcoming, and therapeutic atmosphere through music
     

    Department: Volunteer Services Department

    Age Requirement: Must be at least 16 years old
    Operating Hours: Monday - Sunday; varies by unit and patient needs

    Shifts: Varies
    Time Commitment: Varies
    Summary: The Buddy Program supports adult patients during their hospital stay by providing companionship, comfort, and meaningful engagement. Volunteers round on adult patient care units offering activities and materials designed to reduce anxiety, alleviate boredom, and promote emotional well-being through positive social interaction.
    Qualifications: - Require minimal supervision
    - Possess strong interpersonal and communication skills
    - Demonstrate empathy, patience, and compassion
    - Ability to work independently while seeking guidance when needed
    - Maintain professionalism and respect patient privacy
    - Be comfortable interacting with patients from diverse backgrounds
    Tasks Performed: - Round on adult patient care units to visit and engage patients
    - Offer activity and comfort items such as coloring materials, word searches, -rossword puzzles, and similar resources
    - Provide friendly conversation and companionship to patients
    - Assess patient interest and adapt interactions accordingly
    - Replenish activity supplies as needed
    - Communicate patient non-clinical needs to unit staff
    - Follow infection control, safety, and confidentiality guidelines

    Department: Gift Shop and Volunteer Services Department
    Age Requirement: Must be at least 16 years old
    Operating Hours: Monday - Sunday; varies based on Gift Shop hours Shifts: Varies
    Time Commitment: Varies
    Summary: Gift Shop Volunteers play a vital role in supporting hospital operations by assisting patients, visitors, and staff in the Hospital Gift Shop. Volunteers help create a welcoming and efficient retail environment while providing friendly customer service. Responsibilities include operating the cash register, stocking merchandise, and maintaining an organized and inviting shop space.
    Qualifications: - Require minimal supervision
    - Demonstrate reliability, honesty, and attention to detail
    - Possess strong customer service and communication skills
    - Be comfortable handling cash and using a cash register
    - Ability to stand for extended periods and perform light lifting
    - Demonstrate professionalism and adhere to hospital policies
    Tasks Performed:
    - Operate the cash register and process purchases accurately
    - Handle cash, credit, and other payment methods according to procedures
    - Stock shelves, rotate inventory, and replenish merchandise as needed
    - Maintain a clean, organized, and attractive sales area
    - Assist customers in locating items and answering basic questions
    - Monitor inventory levels and report restocking needs
    - Follow safety, confidentiality, and loss-prevention guidelines
    - Provide courteous and compassionate service to all customers
     

    Department: Nursing Department

    Age Requirement: Must be at least 18 years old
    Operating Hours: Evening hours; 7pm-10pm

    Shifts: Varies
    Time Commitment: Varies
    Summary: REST Team (Rest, Environment, Sleep, and Tranquility) Volunteers support nursing staff by helping prepare patients for a restful night's sleep. Dedicated volunteers provide sleep-support items-such as sleep masks, headphones, and earplugs-and educate patients on the benefits of rest and sleep for healing and recovery. The program focuses on reducing nighttime disruptions and promoting a calm, peaceful atmosphere on patient-care units.
    Qualifications: - Require minimal supervision
    - Demonstrate compassion, patience, and attentiveness
    - Possess strong interpersonal and communication skills
    - Be comfortable working in patient-care units during evening hours
    - Demonstrate sensitivity to patient comfort, privacy, and hospital guidelines
    - Ability to follow nursing direction and unit protocols

    Tasks Performed: - Round on designated patient-care units in coordination with nursing staff
    - Distribute sleep-support items, including sleep masks, headphones, and earplugs
    - Explain the benefits of sleep and rest in a clear, reassuring manner
    - Assist in creating a calm, quiet, and restful environment for patients
    - Respect patient preferences and discontinue interaction if declined
    - Communicate observations or concerns to nursing staff as appropriate
    - Maintain professionalism and adhere to hospital safety and confidentiality standards
    - Support a patient-centered approach to nighttime care and healing
     

    Volunteering isn't just about activities inside the hospital walls-there are many ways to make a meaningful impact from home or in the community. Our creative and community-focused programs allow volunteers to support patients, families, and staff while sharing their unique talents.


    Notes of Encouragement

    Brighten the days of patients and staff with personalized notes, cards, and messages of support. These simple gestures can lift spirits, show appreciation, and foster a sense of connection throughout the hospital. Every note is a reminder that someone cares, and volunteers of all ages and abilities can participate. Wrapped in Care
    "Handmade warmth and comfort for every patient."
    Wrapped in Care is our volunteer program dedicated to creating handmade blankets and quilts that bring comfort, warmth, and care to patients. Volunteers can participate in:
    - Lap Blankets for Patients: Knit or crochet cozy blankets to brighten a patient's day and provide comfort.
    - Volunteers for Vets Initiative: Create patriotic red, white, and blue blankets to honor veteran patients.
    Whether crafting at home or in group sessions, each blanket is a tangible expression of compassion and care.

    Get Involved
    No matter your skill or schedule, there's a place for you in our creative and community volunteer programs. From writing notes to knitting, crocheting, or quilting through Wrapped in Care, your contributions bring joy, comfort, and connection to patients, families, and staff alike. Every stitch, every card, and every act of care make a meaningful difference.
     

  • Contact Us

    For information on opportunities at NYU Langone Hospital ¾ Long Island, please email dvs@nyulangone.org.

  • Academic Volunteering

    As an academic medical center we provide an environment that supports quality learning for the benefit of those who volunteer at our organization. The Human Resources Department processes those unpaid volunteers who are seeking to gain experience or to get credit for their own benefit, not those who traditionally volunteer in the hospital for the purpose of providing supportive services to patients. We define these as non-traditional volunteers and they are approved by the Human Resources department before their volunteer experience.

    Non-Traditional Volunteer Department
    Phone: 212-404-3787, Option 4
    Email: hrntv@nyulangone.org.

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