Volunteers & Hospitality

50 Years of Hospitality & Healing

The Kern Medical Auxiliary has a rich history of 50 years of continuous service at Kern Medical. Volunteers ranging from teenagers to retirees donate thousands of hours each year to assist patients, visitors and staff throughout the hospital.

Dedicated volunteers operate the Gift Shop and the Snack Bar, raising thousands of dollars annually to purchase state-of-the-art medical equipment for enhancing patient care.

We invite students, working adults, homemakers and retirees to explore volunteer opportunities at Kern Medical. You’ll make friends and learn new skills while giving back to the community through your gift of time. (Adult volunteers must pass a routine health and drug screening and a background check.)

About Volunteer Services

Volunteering is rewarding, helpful and fun, especially if you give your time where it can really make a difference. Each year volunteers at Kern Medical provide thousands of hours of invaluable service to our patients and staff. Whether you’re a teen volunteer, or a college or adult volunteer, your contribution of time and caring helps make Kern Medical a better place in our community.

Kern Medical Auxiliary, founded in 1969, is a nonprofit member organization. The Auxiliary’s mission is to provide volunteer services to Kern Medical, the patients, visitors and family members; to promote public relations for Kern Medical in the community; to raise funds for the betterment of the hospital and to promote interest in health careers.

The Auxiliary has donated close to $3 million dollars in 50 years for purchasing state-of-the-art medical equipment for Kern Medical. Fundraising sources include the Gift Shop, the Snack Bar, baby photo sales and vendor sales.

Becoming a Kern Medical volunteer is a serious commitment – We ask a lot from our volunteers. From securing necessary clearances and background checks, to completing orientation and multi-step training, to fulfilling annual ongoing requirements, our volunteers invest fully to ensure that our patients and families are surrounded by a safe, knowledgeable team of volunteers during their hospital experiences.

Benefits of Volunteering

Volunteering is a great way to contribute to the community, meet new people and really make a difference. Other benefits include:

• Career exploration for students
• Leadership-building opportunities
• Skills, training and work experience
• Fellowship with other volunteers
• Volunteer recognition events

Volunteer Opportunities

At Kern Medical, we have opportunities for those who are interested in helping people. We are here to help make life better for our patients, our community, and you. Volunteers are needed in nearly every department and are placed in different areas of the hospital based on skills, interests and availability. We hope your interest and schedule will match one of our needs:

• Gift Shop – Retail sales
• Snack Bar – Retail sales
• Patient Care Visitor – Nursing units (non-clinical)
• Laboratory
• Surgery Family Waiting – Surgery Liaison
• Bookmobile – Distribute books and magazines
• Cuddle Program – Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Pediatrics (must be at least 18 years old)
• Emergency Department (must be at least 18 years old)
• D-Wing Information Desk
• Clerical Assistance
• Escort Ambassador
• Amputee Peer Visitor – Nursing Units (non-clinical)

Qualifications for All Volunteers

• Able to read and speak English
• Excellent communication skills
• Dependability
• Positive attitude
• Stamina to move quickly and be on your feet for up to four hours
• Mobile enough to carry out errands around the hospital
• Good vision and hearing
• Able to push and pull at least 25 pounds
• Emotionally and physically healthy when you come in to volunteer

Adult Volunteers

Following a personal interview and completion of the Adult/College application, selected applicants must complete the following requirements:

• Over 18 years old, not enrolled or planning to enroll in a college or university
• Health screening, TB and drug test (administered by the hospital)
• A criminal background check (administered by the hospital)
• Commit to a weekly schedule for at least 12 months
• Attend Hospital Orientation
• Complete special department training
• Abide by all hospital rules and policies when on duty as a volunteer

College Volunteers

Following a personal interview and completion of the Adult/College application, selected applicants must complete the following requirements:

• Over 18 years old, currently enrolled in a college or university
• Health screening, TB and drug test (administered by the hospital)
• A criminal background check (administered by the hospital)
• Commit to a weekly schedule for at least 12 months
• Attend Hospital Orientation
• Complete special department training
• Abide by all hospital rules and policies when on duty as a volunteer

Apply Here

Junior Volunteers

• Junior Volunteer Attachments
• Parent’s Consent Form
• Jr. Volunteer Reference Form
• Volunteer Information Center
• Report Volunteer Hours
• Application will be available between mid-April and mid-May
• Must be between 15-17 years old

Please do not apply for other volunteer opportunities if currently under 18 years old

Apply here to be a Junior Volunteer!

Our Junior Volunteer program offers students an excellent opportunity to gain insight into career possibilities within the health care field. Junior applicants must complete an interview, the Junior Application and the appropriate consent forms including the following requirements:

• Must be 15 to18 years old
• Be a full-time student in the 9th through 12th grade
• Have received at least a “C” in all classes
• Submit application packet with all the requested attachments
• Complete interview with the Volunteer Services Manager
• Complete lab requirements for health screening
• Attend Hospital Orientation when scheduled
• Be available to volunteer at least once a week for a 3-4 hour shift
• Volunteer a minimum of 100 hours before any letters of reference will be provided
• Summer program volunteers are expected to complete at least 10 weeks

Pet Therapy

A Pet Therapy Volunteer must own the pet and meet these requirements:

• The dog is required to complete obedience school to learn the basic commands
• Pets are required to obtain their Pet Therapy Certification. There are two companies that provide certifications for pets – TDI (Therapy Dog International) and Pet Partners and they evaluate the pet yearly

Post-Graduate Healthcare Careers Scholarship

The Post-Graduate Healthcare Careers Scholarship has been founded to provide financial support to aspiring medical students who are dedicated to pursuing a career in medicine. This scholarship aims to alleviate the financial burden associated with MCAT materials to ensure that deserving individuals can access quality resources essential for their academic and professional growth.

Scholarship Details: The MCAT Scholarship will cover the cost of MCAT studying materials, including but not limited to textbooks, online courses, practice exams, and registration fees. The scholarship amount will not exceed $2,000.

• Current Volunteer at Kern Medical: Applicants must be active volunteers at Kern Medical at the time of application and able to provide proof of service.
• Pre-health Student: Applicants should be enrolled in or have recently graduated from an accredited institution with a concentration in a pre-health capacity.
• Commitment to Medicine: Applicants should exhibit a genuine passion and commitment to pursuing a career in medicine. This can be reflected through previous coursework, research experience, or extracurricular activities related to healthcare and medicine.
• Desire to Serve Underserved Communities: Preference will be given to applicants who express a strong desire to work in medically underserved communities within Kern County and demonstrate a commitment to addressing health disparities.

APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIP HERE

For more information on becoming a volunteer at Kern Medical, please email Brittney.Dasher@kernmedical.com