Overview
Volunteering is a unique opportunity to serve others while learning new skills and making new friends. Volunteers come from all walks of life, but they have certain things in common – the desire to do something meaningful or to give their time to those who are in need. It is through the generosity of our team of volunteers that Cleveland Clinic in Florida is able to provide additional services to our patients, families, visitors, staff and community.
Cleveland Clinic in Florida has more than 300 teen and adult volunteers who give their time to help others. We have volunteers in many service areas throughout our Florida facilities. These special individuals contribute approximately 3,000 hours a month helping staff and guests. Within one year alone, our volunteers donate an incredible 36,000 hours of service. We depend on our volunteers to help us with our goal of putting “Patients First” and delivering “World Class Care.”
We are always looking for fun, friendly, and dedicated individuals to join our family of volunteers. Our Volunteer Services Department takes great pride and care in ensuring volunteers align with the mission, values, and culture of our organization. In support of building a reliable and impactful volunteer experience, volunteers are asked to serve a minimum of one consecutive four-hour shift per week on a regular scheduled basis and complete a minimum of 140 service hours. On this page you will find everything you need to know about the volunteer opportunities at Cleveland Clinic Weston Hospital.
Applications
If you are interested in volunteering at Cleveland Clinic, please first review the program requirements below and then complete the required online volunteer application. Due to the high level of interest in our program, selected applicants will be contacted to schedule a phone call for a program overview and introductory conversation.
Volunteer Program Requirements
- Minimum age to volunteer at Weston Hospital is 16 years old
- Minimum commitment of one consistent 4-hour shift per week
- Minimum commitment of 140 total service hours
If availability is open within the program and you choose to move forward in the volunteer process, the following will be required:
- Background check
- Reference check
- Teens are required to provide a guidance counselor recommendation letter on school letterhead
- Program Overview & Introduction Call
- Attendance at In-Person Volunteer Orientation & Training
- Tuberculosis (TB) Blood Test
- Additional training based on assigned volunteer placement
Available Volunteer Shifts
Volunteer opportunities are available seven days a week at the hospital during the following shifts:
- Morning: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
- Afternoon: 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
- Evening: 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Apply to Volunteer
To apply, please complete the online volunteer application below:
Special Programs
Cleveland Clinic offers several innovative specialty volunteer programs designed to create meaningful experiences for both patients and volunteers. These programs allow volunteers to provide compassionate support, build connections, and make a lasting impact throughout the hospital.
Sweet Dreams Nursing Initiative
The Sweet Dreams Nursing Initiative is a compassionate volunteer program where kindness, conversation, and meaningful moments help patients feel seen, cared for, and encouraged when they need it most. A select group of volunteers receive specialized training to prepare for this unique role and become “caregivers” within the program.
Volunteers visit patient rooms with a warm and friendly spirit, offering comfort, companionship, and extra support to help create a positive and healing hospital experience. This program is especially well suited for volunteers who enjoy connecting with others, are naturally outgoing, or would like to strengthen their communication and interpersonal skills.
Sweet Dreams volunteers work closely with nursing staff to help ensure patient needs are supported with compassion, integrity, and attentive service. Volunteers typically serve during the 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. or 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. shifts, seven days a week, and visit patient's multiple times throughout their shift.
Volunteers may assist by:
- Offering warm conversation, companionship and resources
- Preparing patients for meals by clearing tray tables and providing warm washcloths
- Distributing comfort items from the Sweet Dreams cart, including tea, lip balm, eye masks, mints, earbuds, and more
- Providing blankets, socks, lotion, shampoo, and other comfort supplies
- Engaging patients in enjoyable activities such as card games or light conversation
- Offering special comfort services
- Relaying patient concerns or needs to the nursing staff
Above all, the Sweet Dreams program focuses on the power of compassionate presence. Pleasant, caring, and meaningful conversations are at the heart of the experience and play an important role in helping patients feel comforted, valued, and supported during their hospital stay.
Traditional Volunteer Roles
Traditional Volunteer Roles at Cleveland Clinic are available for individuals ages 16 and older who are looking to make a meaningful difference while gaining valuable experience in a healthcare environment. These essential volunteer opportunities help enhance the patient, visitor, and caregiver experience through compassionate service, friendly support, and everyday acts of kindness throughout the hospital and outpatient facilities. Some of the Traditional Volunteer Roles include:
Inpatient Nursing and Unit Support
Volunteers in Inpatient Nursing and Unit Support assist hospital units with non-clinical tasks that help create a welcoming and supportive environment for patients and caregivers. Responsibilities may include stocking supplies, organizing patient care areas, delivering comfort items, answering phones, supporting staff with light administrative tasks, and helping patients feel more at ease during their stay. This role is ideal for individuals who enjoy staying active, working as part of a team, and making a direct impact behind the scenes.
Lobby Greeters
Lobby Greeters are often the first friendly face patients and visitors encounter when entering the hospital. Volunteers provide wayfinding assistance, answer general questions, escort guests when needed, and help create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. This role is perfect for volunteers with strong customer service skills, a positive attitude, and a passion for helping others feel comfortable and supported.
Clerical Support
Clerical Support volunteers assist departments with administrative and organizational tasks that help operations run smoothly and efficiently. Duties may include filing, data entry, preparing materials, organizing paperwork, answering phones, and other office support responsibilities. This role is a great fit for detail-oriented individuals who enjoy organization, teamwork, and supporting staff in meaningful ways.
Physical Therapy (Weston, YMCA, and Parkland)
Physical Therapy volunteers support rehabilitation teams by helping maintain organized therapy spaces, sanitizing equipment, assisting with patient flow, and creating a welcoming environment for patients during their recovery journey. Volunteers may interact with patients working toward regaining strength, mobility, and independence, making this a rewarding opportunity for individuals interested in wellness, rehabilitation, or healthcare careers.
Wheelchair Transport Assistance
Wheelchair Transport Assistance volunteers help escort patients and visitors safely throughout the facility while offering reassurance, conversation, and compassionate support along the way. Volunteers play an important role in helping patients arrive comfortably to appointments, procedures, and discharge locations. This role is ideal for dependable individuals who enjoy staying active and interacting with a variety of people throughout the day.
Histology and Pathology Support
Histology and Pathology volunteers provide valuable behind-the-scenes support within laboratory departments by assisting with organizational and clerical tasks related to specimen slide management. Volunteers may help file slides, organize materials, prepare documents, and support staff with maintaining an efficient and orderly workspace. This role is well suited for individuals who are detail-oriented, organized, and interested in learning more about the laboratory and diagnostic side of healthcare.
Canine/Pet Therapy Program
Cleveland Clinic offers a compassionate Canine/Pet Therapy Program consisting of certified therapy dogs and dedicated volunteer handlers who visit patients throughout the hospital. These specially trained dogs are at least one year old, have a calm and gentle temperament, and are in excellent health to help provide comfort and emotional support to patients, visitors, and caregivers.
Therapy dog teams visit the hospital on scheduled shifts, bringing warmth, encouragement, and uplifting interactions to those who may be experiencing stress, anxiety, or extended hospital stays. Volunteers in this program commit to one two-hour shift per week for a minimum of six months.
Patients benefit greatly from pet therapy visits, which can provide:
- Comfort and companionship
- Stress relief and emotional support
- Socialization and mental stimulation
- Encouragement and empathy
- A positive distraction during difficult moments
- Smiles, entertainment, and moments of joy
The program also creates meaningful experiences for volunteer handlers. Volunteers often gain a strong sense of fulfillment through helping others while building connections, developing interpersonal skills, and serving within a world-class healthcare environment. The Canine/Pet Therapy Program is a unique and heartwarming way to bring comfort, healing, and happiness to the hospital community.
