Overview
At this time, all new volunteer opportunities at Cleveland Clinic serving Palm Beach and Broward County - are closed. We will resume accepting applications starting in January 2022.
Thank you for your interest in the Volunteer Service Program.
Stormie Neale
Manager, Volunteer Services
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 Florida is able to provide additional services to our patients, families, visitors, staff and community.
Cleveland Clinic 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, dedicated and friendly individuals to join our family of volunteers. Our Volunteer Services Department takes great care to match a volunteer’s interest and skills to a specific assignment. In most cases, we ask our volunteers to contribute a minimum of four consecutive hours per week on a regular scheduled basis for a minimum of 140 service hours. On this page you will find everything you need to know about the volunteer opportunities and application process at Cleveland Clinic Florida.
Applications
If you are interested in volunteering at Cleveland Clinic Florida print the appropriate form from the buttons below and follow the instructions within the pdf. You will be contacted to schedule a phone interview.
If there is availability in the program and you chose to move forward as a volunteer, you will be asked to complete the following:
- Application and background check.
- Reference check (Teens require a guidance counselor recommendation letter on letterhead).
- In-person interview.
- General orientation.
- Tuberculosis test.
- Flu vaccination for those who volunteer in patient care areas.
- Professional background survey.
- Additional training for individual assignments.
Adult Volunteers
Our adult volunteers provide support in many departments throughout the hospital and clinic. The following shifts are available at the Clinic on weekdays and the weekend seven days a week:
- Morning: 8 a.m. – Noon.
- Afternoon: Noon – 4 p.m.
- Evening: 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
An application, reference check, in-person interview, orientation, tuberculosis test (flu vaccination for those volunteering in patient care areas), professional background survey, background check, and training for the assignment are required for all new volunteers.
Special Programs
Cleveland Clinic Florida now offers several innovative specialty programs for volunteers. If you are interested in any of these programs, please email: neales2@ccf.org
In the subject line please type: Interested in volunteering – “Name of the program”
If you do not have email access, please leave a message at 954.689.5206. You will be contacted for screening and orientation processes.
Sweet Dreams
Cleveland Clinic Florida recently introduced a new initiative known as “Sweet Dreams,” which is a nursing incentive program. It was developed to enhance the patient experience. A select group of volunteers went through training to prepare for this program and become “caregivers.”
Sweet Dreams ensures the patient’s needs are being cared for with integrity and a high level of service in a timely and compassionate manner. Caregivers check in with the nurse manager, charge nurse or the unit coordinator at the beginning of their shift to obtain information about the patients. Caregivers visit the patients three times per four hour shift, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. seven days a week. Volunteers are asked to carry out the following duties:
- Assist patients before meals, clear tray tables from clutter and offer a warm washcloth.
- Distribute comfort items from the “Sweet Dreams” cart, including lip balm, tea, dark chocolate, eye masks, mints, ear buds and more.
- Focus on pleasurable activities with the patients.
- Fill a patient’s water pitcher and provide blankets, socks, shampoo or lotion, etc.
- Offer special care services such as polishing fingernails, giving hand massages, combing hair, etc.
- Relay patient concerns to the nursing staff.
We are looking for enthusiastic individuals who have excellent customer service skills and a willingness to develop positive rapport and relationships with patients, as well as share activities (such as card playing) and conversations. We cannot understate the importance of having pleasant, caring and meaningful conversations with the patients.
Canine/pet therapy
Cleveland Clinic Florida offers a canine program which consists of therapy dogs that have been certified and volunteer handlers who visit the hospital. Dogs are at least a year old, have a mild temperament and are in good health. Volunteers commit to one two-hour shift per week, for a minimum of six months.
Patients benefit greatly from pet visitations. Benefits include a warm welcome to a busy facility, empathy, stress relief, nurturance, acceptance, mental stimulation, socialization, entertainment, diversion and fun.
Volunteers benefit greatly as well. Volunteers gain a genuine sense of satisfaction from helping others. They also meet new people, develop new skills and experience a world class professional environment.
Art and craft demonstrations
Cleveland Clinic Florida is introducing a new program for volunteers who would like to share their gifts in arts or crafts. We are seeking volunteers who will spend time in the Oncology Department or in patient areas demonstrating their special talent to patients. When possible, patients are given the opportunity to participate and create works of art and crafts. The patient benefits include mental and creative stimulation, stress relief, entertainment, diversion, enjoyment and fun.
