Volunteer Opportunities

Wide Range of Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteering at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) is a rewarding opportunity to make a difference in the lives of patients and their families. Whether you're supporting patients directly, assisting in various departments, or contributing to special programs like Reiki and mentorship, your time and skills will help provide compassionate care to those in need.

Examples of Volunteer Roles at BIDMC

BIDMC offers a wide range of volunteer roles to suit various interests and skills. Volunteers can contribute to patient support, administrative assistance or participate in specialized programs. Here are some examples of the roles available:

• Mentor for NICU Families: As a NICU Mentor Mom, you will provide emotional support and guidance to parents with babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Your personal experience will be valuable to families navigating the challenges of premature or critically ill infants.
• Newborn Cuddler in NICU: In the Newborn Cuddler role, volunteers provide comfort to newborns in the NICU by holding and soothing them. This non-medical care is especially beneficial to premature infants who can benefit from additional emotional connection and warmth.
• Palliative Care Volunteer Visitor: The Palliative Care Volunteer Visitor Program invites volunteers to offer comfort and companionship to patients facing serious illness. Volunteers assist with activities of daily living and provide emotional support, ensuring that patients feel cared for.
• Reiki Volunteer: Reiki Volunteers provide therapeutic Reiki sessions to patients undergoing cancer treatment or those living with chronic conditions. Reiki is a practice that promotes relaxation and helps reduce stress and pain.
• Pillow Maker/Knitter for Breast Cancer Patients: Volunteers in the Pillow Maker/Knitter role create knitted or sewn pillows to offer comfort to breast cancer patients, particularly those recovering from surgery. This simple act of creating these items can help improve emotional well-being for both the maker and the recipient.
• Peer Support in Cancer Care: The Heart-to-Heart Peer Support Program connects cancer patients with others who have similar experiences. Volunteers in this program provide emotional encouragement to newly diagnosed patients or those undergoing cancer treatment.

BIDMC offers many other opportunities to get involved, such as supporting families through the Patient-to-Patient program or volunteering in spiritual care, food services and other areas. These roles are designed to provide a meaningful volunteer experience while making a positive impact on patients’ lives.

Patient Family Advisor Opportunities

For those interested in influencing the care experience at BIDMC, becoming a Patient-Family Advisor is an option. Volunteers in this role help ensure the voices of patients and families are heard in hospital decision-making, working alongside staff to improve the overall patient experience.