Information on Volunteering at CRMC 

By: Alex Levitskiy

Monday, May 16th, 2016

As a student, your life might be extremely busy, but I bet that there are ways to fit in time for volunteering.  One great place to volunteer in our community is at the Cortland Regional Medical Center (CRMC), especially if you are interested in a health-related field.  Even if you aren’t, it is a great place to have exposure to the many departments of the hospital; some of the places that you can volunteer at do not revolve around health care.  Furthermore, it’s due time to consider what a great community we have, so why not give back to the community by volunteering your time?

To begin with, an application must be filled out in order to become a volunteer.  You have to be between fourteen and eighteen years old, be passing your classes, and receive approval from your guidance counselor in order to volunteer.  Following this is a mandatory orientation in which you become familiar with hospital policies and your role as a teenage volunteer.  The requirements to maintain this position are quite simple; one must volunteer during the summer (you will receive information as to which day you are responsible for coming in and volunteering) and also volunteer at least one Saturday a month (this is arranged in advance so you can coordinate volunteering with your weekend plans).  You will be able to volunteer at places like the Nursing Home, the Coffee Shop, Adult Day Care, Food and Nutritional Services, and more.  Eventually, volunteers are able to help more in the units that they prefer. A major part of volunteering is the people you meet and the interactions you have with them.  I, personally, have some great stories about volunteering and will cherish some of the memories from my time at CRMC.   

By dedicating your time to the hospital, you are also bolstering your resume, as volunteering at a hospital looks good on a college application.  Additionally, if you go above and beyond with your volunteering, then you may be eligible for an Auxiliary Scholarship at the end of your senior year.  If you are considering becoming a teenage volunteer at CRMC and would like more information, then you should attend the Cortland Regional Medical Center Teenage Volunteer’s Open House on June 1st from 3-5 pm in the Volunteer Office.