Volunteer at MedStar Washington Hospital Center

Volunteer opportunities

• Patient Navigators

• Patient Comfort Ambassadors

• Emergency Department Support * 

• Inpatient Unit Support 

• Spiritual Care Support *

• Summer High School Student Program

• Pet Therapy *

• Music & Art Therapy

• Patient & Family Advisory Councils for Quality & Safety (PFACQS) *

• NICU Cuddler**

• ICU Stepdown Ambassador

*Adult Programs Only (18 years of age and above)
** Must be 21 years of age or older to be considered

Patient Navigators - Volunteers are stationed at our entrance provide patient and family support by offering directions, escorting guests (including wheelchair assistance), and conducting tours.

Patient Comfort Ambassadors - Volunteers round within designated areas/units to offer patients comfort and entertainment items, such as eye masks, ear plugs, crossword puzzles, magazines, and more.

Emergency Department Support - Volunteers attend to visitors, families and patients serving as a liaison between them and ED staff, restock supplies in rooms, round on patients to offer comfort items like warm blankets, and generally assist nursing staff with nonclinical duties.

Inpatient Unit Support - Volunteers round on patients, answer call bells, restock supplies, and generally assist nursing staff with nonclinical duties.

Spiritual Care Support - Volunteers play a vital role in providing emotional and spiritual support to our diverse patient population, serving as an interfaith source of comfort. Training is provided for those who are admitted into the program. (This program requires additional prescreening. Please reach out to tahara.akmal@medstar.net to inquire about next steps.).

Summer High School Student Program - High school student volunteers will spend the summer only serving in a patient comfort ambassador, patient navigator, or inpatient unit support position.

Pet therapy - Volunteers offer clinical therapeutic opportunities for patients, using specially trained dogs and their registered human partners to enhance the quality of care and hospital stay. Offers patient-centered interactions, aligning with their condition, care team guidelines, and individual preferences, upon request. This position requires that you own your own dog.

NICU Cuddler - volunteers work closely with NICU staff and follow strict clinical guidelines to ensure the safety and well-being of each infant. Their role includes holding and soothing infants as directed by nursing staff, providing a calm and quiet presence at the bedside, and offering comfort during times when parents or caregivers are unable to be present. Volunteers are required to strictly adhere to all infection prevention and safety protocols at all times. NICU Cuddlers do not provide medical care, administer feedings, or perform any clinical interventions.

ICU Stepdown Ambassador - volunteers plays a key role in supporting patients as they transition from the ICU to a step-down unit. This transition means that the patient’s condition has stabilized and they are moving toward recovery. As ambassadors, you will help educate patients about this important step and provide comfort during the process.

Volunteer requirements and how to apply

• Submit an online volunteer application to begin the interview/selection process.

• Commit to one 4-hour shift per week for a minimum of 100 hours. Available shifts include morning (9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.), afternoon (1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.), and evening (5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.) shifts, Monday through Friday. Weekend shifts are also available during the morning and afternoon timeframes.
• Be at least 16 years of age (18 years of age and over for adult programs).
• Complete and pass a background check if age 18 years of age or over.
• Complete two rounds of tuberculosis screening OR one tuberculosis blood test.
• Provide confirmation of receiving the MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella), Varicella (Chickenpox), Tdap for Pertussis (Whooping Cough) vaccines OR proof of immunity via titer.
• Receive a flu vaccine (if onboarding during flu season).
• Attend in-person new volunteer orientation training.
• Complete a confidentiality agreement & dress code acknowledgement.

Patient and Family Advisory Council for Quality and Safety (PFACQS)

PFACQS is a partnership with former patients, families, and caregivers who work to enhance the hospital's delivery of patient- and family-centered care and improve the overall patient experience. Our advisors help staff and leaders gain a broader understanding of patient and family priorities, identify opportunities for improvement, and highlight organizational strengths. PFACQS members must be able to log in and meet virtually at least once a month, with occasional in-person meetings.

E-advisors electronically share feedback, opinions, and suggestions with minimal time commitment. Participation is done through survey tools and personal email.

If you are interested in becoming a PFACQS member or an E-Advisor, please contact Lunie Martinez at lunie.martinez@medstar.net, or submit your application here.

Volunteer application process

Application processing takes approximately four to six weeks. Please see below for a summary of our application process:

1. Complete the online application. Please note that you will need an email address to complete the application.

2. Upon receipt and review of your completed application, select applicants will be contacted via email to participate in a general information session.
3. Following the information session, a Volunteer Services representative will contact you via email with a link to sign up for a virtual group volunteer interview.
4. Qualified applicants will then receive instructions on how to complete a background check and occupational health clearance. The background check applies to volunteers 18 years of age and above only.
5. Volunteer applicants who have completed the interview and have successfully cleared the health screening and background check process will then be invited to attend a hospital orientation.
6. Accepted volunteers will be assigned to a role at orientation and will complete role-specific, on-site orientation and training.

Volunteer application window

Summer Volunteer Applications

Applications will be accepted March 1 through April 3, 2026. The application deadline is Friday, April 3, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.

Volunteer benefits

• Cafeteria discount worth $10
• Complimentary off campus parking

Contact us

Volunteer Service Department
Office: 202-877-2105
Email: MWHC-VolunteerServices@medstar.net