Magee-Womens Hospital volunteers are important members of our health care team. They provide much-appreciated support in the day-to-day work that promotes the well-being of our patients and their loved ones.
There are many of nonclinical positions for volunteers throughout the hospital. Most are on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., but we have some evening and weekend positions.
We ask that you commit to a consistent schedule with a minimum number of 3 hours per week for 3 months.
The Many Ways You Can Help at Magee
Whether you prefer to work with patients and their families or behind-the-scenes, we need you!
Here are just some of the many ways you can help as a volunteer:
- Talking to patients and giving them items from an activities cart.
- Aiding patients in various hospital departments and on nursing floors.
- Acting as a communications link between the nursing staff and loved ones of imaging ultrasound patients in the waiting areas.
- Working in the hospital gift shop and food services.
- Completing and filing paperwork.
- Compiling discharge packets.
- Running errands and delivering small packages.
- Stocking medical carts or nourishment rooms.
- Making clean beds.
- Answering call buttons.
Our Volunteer Programs
Learn about each program below and apply to volunteer at UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital.
Mammography volunteer program (MVPs)
MVPs at Magee-Womens Hospital serve as liaisons between the patient and front desk staff.
Volunteers escort patients to changing areas and help those who request it. They also listen with empathy to concerned patients and answer any questions they may have.
No One Dies Alone
No One Dies Alone (NODA) is a volunteer-centered program that ensures terminally ill patients do not die alone. It enlists volunteers to sit with patients who are alone and close to death.
The hospital’s chaplain coordinates the program.
Pet therapy
Magee volunteers and their therapy-certified dogs have long been brightening the halls of our hospital through their visits to patients and staff.
"Therapets" is a new pet therapy program in collaboration with Animal Friends. It brings the healing power of dogs to Magee-Womens Hospital for visits with patients, their loved ones, and staff.
Through a generous gift from the Beckwith Institute, UPMC volunteers and their dogs go through a free 6-week training program. This training certifies their dogs to make hospital visits.
UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital is serving as the pilot for this new program.
Summer Junior Volunteer Program
The Junior Volunteer Program at Magee is a summer volunteer program for teens. This program provides young people exposure to careers in the health care field.
To take part in the program, junior volunteers must:
- Be between 15 and 17 years of age as of June 15.
- Return a signed parental permission form before we can accept you.
- Commit to 20 hours of volunteer time over the summer.
The Cuddler Program
The Cuddler Program provides physical comfort to babies in Magee's 2800 nursing unit who are going through drug withdrawal or neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS).
Volunteers hold and rock babies who are having withdrawal after being born to mothers who used heroin or other opioids during pregnancy.
Cuddling helps babies feel more comfortable and less irritable through human touch. The Cuddler also plays an important role as a substitute parent for parents who cannot be with their baby 24/7.
Note: The Cuddler Program is one of Magee's most popular volunteer programs. Applicants will be placed on a long waiting list.
Magee Hat Makers
The Magee Hat Makers meet twice a month in the lobby at Magee-Womens Hospital to knit, crochet, and loom hats.
Volunteers make hats for newborns and "chemo caps" for cancer patients going through chemotherapy. Patients may choose their own hats from the Magee Hat Makers.
Learn more about The Magee Hat Makers from UPMC HealthBeat.
Note: The Magee Hat Makers program is currently full, but applicants are still accepted.
If you have any questions about our volunteer programs, email Sarah Stewart, volunteer coordinator, or call 412-641-4185.
