At Providence Saint John's Health Center, volunteers make a real difference because they become an integral part of the Saint John's family through a carefully designed service program that allows them to perform many hours of assistance in carefully selected areas. We are truly blessed to have an amazing group of volunteers who support our Mission by helping to create an exceptional place for health and healing.

Volunteers are Making a Difference

Providence Saint John's Health Center has more than 340 volunteers ranging in age from 16 to 97 years old. Our volunteers come from diverse backgrounds and bring with them varying experience and skills.  New volunteers begin their journey with us every month, joining those who have served our community for many years. One of our volunteers has been with us for over 43 years!

Providence Saint John's volunteers can be seen throughout the health center supporting our patients and staff in many ways. They are assigned to at least 35 different areas where they perform an array of duties. Depending on individual interests, some of our volunteers work directly with patients and others provide invaluable assistance in hospital support areas. We are always looking to add dedicated and compassionate members to our volunteer family.

For more information on how to become part of this rewarding experience, please call the Volunteer Service Office at 310-829-8438.

Volunteers are Making a Difference

Providence Saint John's Health Center has more than 340 volunteers ranging in age from 16 to 97 years old. Our volunteers come from diverse backgrounds and bring with them varying experience and skills.  New volunteers begin their journey with us every month, joining those who have served our community for many years. One of our volunteers has been with us for over 43 years!

Providence Saint John's volunteers can be seen throughout the health center supporting our patients and staff in many ways. They are assigned to at least 35 different areas where they perform an array of duties. Depending on individual interests, some of our volunteers work directly with patients and others provide invaluable assistance in hospital support areas. We are always looking to add dedicated and compassionate members to our volunteer family.

For more information on how to become part of this rewarding experience, please call the Volunteer Service Office at 310-829-8438.

Opportunities for service include:

  • Reception areas
  • Transport team
  • Office support
  • Magazine/Book program
  • Surgery waiting room
  • Gift shop
  • Nursing units
  • Nifty Needlers
  • Paula Kent Meehan Pawsitive Pet Program
  • Emergency department (limited availability)
  • Child and Family Development Center (limited availability)

Benefits of volunteering

  • Free parking during your hours of service
  • A free coffee, tea, water or soda during your hours of service
  • Discount on purchases in our cafeteria
  • Free annual flu shot
  • Invitation to our annual volunteer recognition event

Personal rewards many of our volunteers experience include:

  • An ability to give back to the community
  • Staying active and engaged
  • Exploring the field of medicine
  • Making new friends
  • Fulfilling a community service requirement
  • Learning new skills
  • Volunteers report a sense of pride and accomplishment once they see that they really can make a difference!

If you are interested in volunteering at Providence Saint John's Health Center, the first thing you need to do is attend one of our 1½ hour orientations. Orientations are generally held on a quarterly basis.  However, due to the overwhelming interest in our Volunteer Program, we have slowed down our orientation schedule to ensure that all applicants are processed and placed in assignments before we bring on any additional volunteers.

Following the orientation, you will schedule a one-on-one interview with the Director of Volunteer Services. If it is determined that you are a good match for our program and our program is a good match for you, you will be invited to attend our 4½ -hour training.

Our volunteer requirements include:

  • Volunteers must be 16 years of age or older.
  • Commit to at least one 4-hour shift per week.
  • Commit to a minimum of 100 hours of service.
  • Volunteers must complete a health clearance check before they are able to begin, which involves the following steps:
    • Undergo a basic physical examination performed by your own doctor, and have the doctor complete the Providence Saint John's Health Center Volunteer Health Clearance Form. Volunteers receive the Volunteer Health Clearance Form after being accepted into the program.
    • Submit proof of Measles, Mumps, Rubella and Chickenpox vaccine, if available. If you do not have these records, a blood test can be ordered to test for immunities.
    • Complete a Tuberculin Screening through the Employee Health Office, which consists of 2 PPD skin tests. These tests are offered free of charge. If you have a history of a positive skin test, a chest x-ray will be ordered.
  • Volunteers who are age 18 and older are required to complete a background clearance before they are able to begin.
  • Volunteers, with few exceptions, are required to wear a uniform. Our uniform consists of your own tan/beige pants, tan or white shirt, and a Providence Saint John's Health Center navy blue jacket. Jackets are sold for $25 each.
  • Volunteers must be supportive and sensitive to the needs of all patients, families, visitors, physicians and Providence Saint John's personnel.
  • Volunteers must adhere to the policies of Providence Saint John's Health Center.
  • Volunteers must have the desire to serve others in a caring, compassionate manner.

The Paula Kent Meehan Pawsitive Pet Program is comprised of dog and handler teams that visit Providence Saint John's Health Center. Their mission is to provide friendship and comfort to patients during their hospital stay. It is not only the patients that benefit from the Pawsitive Pet visits. The dogs love their work and are welcomed and adored by Providence Saint John's caregivers as well as visitors to the hospital.

Program requirements

For teams to qualify, the handler and dog must become members of the Pet Partners Therapy Animal Program. When you are ready, we will help you through the process. Learn more about becoming a member.

The handler must also become a Providence Saint John's Health Center volunteer. Please note that being a Pet Partners dog and handler team does not guarantee acceptance into the Paula Kent Meehan Pawsitive Pet Program. We are looking for the strongest and most qualified teams to become a part of our program.