Welcome to Volunteering at North Country Healthcare!

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with North Country Healthcare (NCH)! Volunteers are a vital part of our mission, helping us provide compassionate care and support to patients, families, and the broader community.

We offer multiple volunteer opportunities to match your skills, interests, and availability:

General Volunteers

o   Perfect for those looking to support hospital operations, patient care, and community outreach. Opportunities include:

      • Hospital & Patient Support – Visit with patients, assist with activities, or provide wayfinding.
      • Administrative & Clerical Support – Help with office tasks, data entry, and project coordination.
      • Community Health & Wellness – Support programs that improve public health, education, and access to resources.

Hospice Volunteers (Specialized Training Required)

o   Hospice volunteers provide emotional, social, and practical support to patients and families facing end-of-life care. Roles include:

      • Patient Companionship – Sit with patients, read to them, or provide a comforting presence.
      • Respite Care for Families – Give caregivers a break by staying with their loved one.
      • Bereavement & Emotional Support – Offer comfort to families coping with loss.
      • Veteran-to-Veteran Program – Provide connection and support to veteran patients.

Speaker’s Bureau

o   Do you enjoy public speaking? Our Speaker’s Bureau is a great way to share knowledge and represent NCH in the community. Opportunities include:

      • Health & Wellness Presentations – Speak at local organizations or schools about healthcare topics.
      • Community Engagement – Share NCH’s mission and services at local events.
      • Patient & Family Education – Help educate individuals about resources and care options.

Event-Specific Volunteering

o   If you prefer flexible, one-time opportunities, event-specific volunteering is a great option.

      • Fundraising & Gala Support – Help with check-in, auctions, and logistics at special events.
      • Health Fairs & Outreach Events – Assist with booths, education, and engagement activities.
      • Seasonal & Holiday Initiatives – Participate in community-driven programs throughout the year.

NCH Employees Encouraged to Volunteer!

We welcome NCH employees to engage in volunteer opportunities beyond their regular job duties. However, employees should not select a volunteer opportunity that mirrors their job description to ensure a distinction between paid and volunteer work.

Volunteer Requirements & Timeframes

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) require that hospice volunteers be onboarded similarly to employees to ensure they are fully prepared for their roles. This process helps maintain quality care standards, patient safety, and regulatory compliance while providing volunteers with the training and resources needed for success in their service.

At NCH, Volunteers are asked to register in one of two registration tracks- "Become a NCH Volunteer" (which includes General, Speaker's Bureau and Event Interest) or "Become a Certified Hospice Volunteer" (which is for volunteers specifically interested in Hospice Service. If you are unsure about where to start, we recommend starting with the "Become a Volunteer" track- you can always add additional skills later!

Become a NCH Volunteer Track Qualifications

  • Complete Volunteer Application (At time of application)
  • Provide NH Background Check Information (Submitted with application; processed before approval)
  • Attend Volunteer Orientation (Within 90 days of approval)
  • Provide Emergency Contact Information (At time of application)
  • Confirm Availability & Travel Distance (At time of application)
  • Acknowledge and Agree to NCH Policies (At time of application; reviewed annually)
  • Sign Volunteer Acknowledgment & Agreement Form (At time of application; reviewed annually)

Become a Certified Hospice Volunteer Track Qualifications

  • Complete Virtual Online Hospice Volunteer Training (Before first patient assignment; approx. 6 hours)
  • Complete NH Dementia & Alzheimer's Training (Modules 1-5) (Within 90 days of service start; approx. 6 hours total)
  • Provide NH Background Check Information (Submitted with application; processed before approval)
  • Complete Health Screening (TB test, immunizations, etc.) (Before first patient assignment)
  • Attend Volunteer Orientation (Within 90 days of approval)
  • Confirm Availability & Travel Distance (At time of application)
  • Acknowledge and Agree to NCH Policies (At time of application; reviewed annually)
  • Sign Volunteer Acknowledgment & Agreement Form (At time of application; reviewed annually)

We provide comprehensive training, orientation, and ongoing support to ensure you feel confident and prepared in your volunteer role. No matter how you choose to get involved, your contributions will have a meaningful impact on the lives of those we serve.

Ready to Get Started?

Complete your application today by registering and completing your Qualifications to select your first assignment! We’re so excited you will join a team dedicated to caring for our communities with compassion and excellence!

Details about requirements:
Learn about the BEAS Requirement

Learn about the Volunteer Agreement & Document Review

Learn about Health Screening Requirements

Learn about our NCH Volunteer Orientation

Learn about the Virtual Hospice Training [Required for Hospice Volunteers Only]

Any questions? Email nchvolunteer@northcountryhealth.com and we'd be happy to assist!