New Applicant/Onboarding FAQs

  • What age can apply to be a volunteer?

    We generally welcome individuals 16 years and older who are enthusiastic about giving back, dependable, and able to commit to a consistent volunteer schedule. Applicants who are 15 may be considered on a case-by-case basis following an interview to assess maturity, skills, and overall fit for the program.

  • What is the application and onboarding process?

    All applicants must complete an application. Depending on the requirements associated with the program they applied for, they may be required to attend an orientation, pass a background check, and meet health screening requirements (including certain vaccinations). Some assignments may require fingerprint background checks prior to placement. You may begin your service as a volunteer as soon as you have completed the application and onboarding process. Episodic/One-time event volunteers and Employees for PHS have an abbreviated process.

  • If I apply, am I automatically accepted?

    No, applying does not guarantee acceptance. Each application is reviewed to ensure it meets the necessary requirements and each applicant is screened and must complete all compliance requirements for the specific program they applied for. Acceptance is based on meeting these criteria.

  • Do I need any prior experience?

    No prior experience is necessary! We provide training and support to help you feel confident in your role.

  • What kind of roles are available?

    Opportunities may include greeting and directing visitors, supporting patients and families, assisting in waiting rooms, delivering items, or helping with clerical work. We have a variety of assignments with direct patient contact, some patient contact and no patient contact. For a current list click here

  • What is the minimum time commitment?

    We ask volunteers to commit to a minimum hour commitment to ensure our organization and each volunteer obtain meaningful value from the partnership. This is particularly crucial because of the cost of onboarding, time investment, and the need for effective and consistent coverage for PHS, resource planning, volunteer satisfaction, and help ensure consistency.

    General volunteers may choose between the following schedules: Two weekly, 4-hour shifts for a minimum of 4 months or one weekly, 4-hour shift for a minimum of 7 months.

    Pet volunteers may choose between the following schedules: Two weekly, 2-hour shifts for a minimum of 8 months or one weekly, 2-hour shift for a minimum of 14 months.

    Students and teens may choose between the following schedules: Two weekly, 4-hour shifts for a minimum of 4 months or one weekly, 4-hour shift for a minimum of 7 months.

  • Do I need to wear a uniform?

    Yes, volunteers must wear a badge and uniform during shifts. Presbyterian provides the first uniform (polo shirt, vest or smock) free of charge. Subsequent uniforms are $15-$25.

  • Is there flexibility with scheduling?

    We do our best to match your availability with our department needs. Some roles offer flexible scheduling, while others have set shifts.

  • How do I get started?

    Click the "interested" tab to fill out our online application and we will be in touch about next steps.

  • If I apply, how long before I can begin volunteering?

    The onboarding process can take two to six weeks depending on your interests, availability and the needs of PHS.

  • Can I shadow a doctor or physician?

    Observing and shadowing opportunities are not offered or permitted through the PHS Volunteer Services Department. Please contact Presbyterian Human Resources at 505-923-8750 to inquire about possible observation/shadow opportunities.

  • My company/organization wants to bring a group to the hospital to volunteer. How do we do that?

    Presbyterian welcomes group volunteering as it provides essential support to hospital operations. Group volunteer assignments and availability vary by hospital need. Click here if interested.

  • Are there one-time volunteer opportunities?

    Presbyterian welcomes episodic one-time volunteering as it provides essential support to hospital operations. Episodic volunteer assignments and availability vary by hospital need. Click here if interested.

  • What are your hours of operation?

    Our Volunteer Services department's hours of operation typically are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

  • What are the hours I may volunteer?

    While most volunteer opportunities occur during our department's business hours (Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.), we do offer some opportunities during evenings and weekends.

  • Is a flu shot required?

    Flu vaccinations are key to preventing the spread of flu. Vaccination of Presbyterian workforce is essential in our efforts to reduce the spread of flu among patients, visitors and workers in Presbyterian facilities. It is required that all workforce members receive their flu vaccine yearly or complete a declination form, declining for medical or personal reasons.

  • If I have received a flu shot from somewhere outside of Presbyterian, may I use it to fulfill this requirement?

    Yes, if the flu shot was given within the current flu season and you present appropriate documentation.

  • What do I do if I get my flu vaccine outside of Presbyterian?

    If you receive your flu vaccine outside of Presbyterian and you are planning to apply during the current flu season or are currently onboarding as a Presbyterian volunteer, it is your responsibility to submit your documentation to your volunteer manager, and it must include the following information. Without the following information, your flu shot record will not be accepted.
    • Volunteer name and date of birth
    • Date received
    • Administering location
    • Name of influenza vaccine and LOT #
    • Manufacturer
    • Site given
    • Expiration date of vaccine
    • Name/Signature of person administering
    • Contact phone number
    • Not Acceptable documents: receipts, waiting tickets/slips are not acceptable,  prescriptions, or stickers on badge.

  • Is a COVID-19 vaccine required?

    COVID vaccinations are key to preventing the spread of COVID. Vaccination of Presbyterian workforce is essential in our efforts to reduce the spread of COVID among patients, visitors and workers in Presbyterian facilities.

    It is required that all workforce members receive their COVID vaccine yearly or complete a declination form to decline for medical or personal reasons.

  • Is tuberculosis (TB) screening required?

    Yes, to ensure volunteer and patient safety, you are required to receive a TB screening during the onboarding process.

  • If I have received a TB screening in the last 12 months from somewhere outside of Presbyterian, may I use it to fulfill this requirement?

    In most cases, yes, this is acceptable with proper documentation. The Employee Health Clinic at Presbyterian will evaluate each case individually.

  • Can I be employed by Presbyterian and volunteer as well?

    Yes, you can be both an employee and a volunteer, but your volunteer role must be clearly separate from your paid job duties. Volunteer hours must be unpaid, optional, and not performed during the regular work hours. Employee volunteers require special approval from the direct manager and the director of volunteer services to ensure there is no conflict of interest. In addition, employee volunteers must confirm they are still an employee every year on their anniversary. If their paid employment status ever changes, HR and the Director of Volunteer Services must approve continuing with volunteer assignment.
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    Active Volunteers FAQs

  • May I ever change assignments?

    Yes, you may discuss assignment changes with your Volunteer Manager. We may ask that you remain in your scheduled assignment for a required number of shifts, while we complete the assignment request processes.

  • May I volunteer for multiple assignments at once?

    Yes, you may discuss assignment details with your Volunteer Manager.

  • If I have a criminal charge on my background check, may I still volunteer?

    Having a criminal history does not disqualify you automatically from volunteering. Each case is evaluated individually for approval or rejection by the Human Resources department at Presbyterian and the Director of Volunteer Services. It is advised to disclose criminal history when filling out your application.

  • What happens if I don't meet the required volunteer hour commitment while I'm still actively volunteering?

    Volunteer Services will review your participation and follow up to understand the circumstances or offer support. The decision will depend on your overall performance, attendance consistency, and any potential behavioral concerns. A determination will be made to either keep your active assignment and current assignment, keep your active status and change your assignment, or terminate your volunteer status.

  • What if I become inactive before I can complete the minimum time commitment and I want to return?

    If you become inactive before completing your minimum time commitment and wish to return, you will need to reapply. Volunteer Services reserves the right to reject a request to return for any volunteer who did not meet their minimum hour requirement. If your application to return is accepted, depending on the length of your absence and program requirements, you may need to complete updated compliance steps or attend a refresher orientation before being reassigned. Please note, recommendation letters will not be provided unless the full time commitment has been met.

  • What if I cannot come in for my volunteer shift?

    If you are unable to come in for a shift, please log into and cancel via the volunteer portal either on your calendar or on the 'My Info' page under assignments. If unable to cancel through the portal, please reach out to Volunteer Services for assistance.

  • What if I need to take time off?

    It is the responsibility of the volunteer to notify Volunteer Services and their volunteer supervisor if they are taking time off or need to take a leave of absence from volunteering. This will change the status to Leave of Absence (LOA) and will give you 90 days of inactivity without requiring you to update competencies. Thereafter, should volunteers wish to return, it is imperative that all volunteer competencies are updated (background check, seasonal flu vaccine, COVID-19 vaccine, orientation, safety exam, and TB test). The Volunteer Services Department reserves the right to reject a request to return from any volunteer who reaches Inactive status before meeting their volunteer commitment.
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    Donations FAQs

  • Where and when can I drop off donations?

    Hospital locations accept donations at the information desk during standard business hours, for questions please contact the volunteer leadership team.

  • Do you accept gently used clothing, toys or other items for patients and families?

    All Albuquerque Metro sites will accept new and gently used clothing, toys, toiletries, shoes, blankets, coats, and other supplies.

    Santa Fe Medical Center can accept new or gently used clothing.  Books and magazines that are less than a year old.

  • Are there toys or items I should avoid donating?

    We do not accept open-box baby equipment, food, or items that are broken or in disrepair. We are unable to accept donation of medical supplies or equipment. Santa Fe Medical Center does not accept toys or books.

  • When I drop off my donations, may I distribute them directly to patients and families?

    All donated items must be held for at least 72 hours and vetted prior to distribution; for the safety of our patients, we are not able to allow visitors to distribute directly to them.

  • Can I donate handmade items to Volunteer Services?

    Yes! We gladly accept handmade items as long as they're made from new or gently used materials. Popular donations include pillows, hats, blankets, and stuffed toys for children. These items bring comfort and joy to those we serve, and we deeply appreciate your creativity and care.

  • Can I donate fabric?

    Absolutely! We accept all fabric donations, as long as the materials are new or gently used. Cotton and other soft fabrics are especially useful. If you have fabric to donate, please contact us so we can coordinate your generous gift.

    Location Contacts:
    PH/Kaseman Hospital: Amberle Davis, Manager of Volunteer Services
    Rust Medical Center: Chrissy Cruce, Volunteer Manager
    Santa Fe Medical Center: Christine D'Antico, Volunteer Manager
    Or
    PHS Volunteer Services at phsvolunteer@phs.org , 505-841-1501

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