Volunteering at UPMC Mercy

Apply to volunteer at UPMC Mercy.

When you volunteer, you join over 400 community members who donate their time and talents and have a desire to be of service to support UPMC Mercy’s mission of compassionate care for the sick and suffering.

Perks of Volunteering

Free parking
Free meal voucher up to $6 on volunteer days

Other benefits include:

Helping others
Gaining worthwhile career experience
Making lasting friendships

Volunteer Requirements at UPMC Mercy

Must be 15 years of age or older.
Commitment of four hours a day.
An interview to be accepted into the program.
Attend orientation where a volunteer coordinator will match your interests and schedule with the hospital's needs.
Submit required paperwork provided by Volunteer Coordinator.
Have a valid Social Security Number.

Volunteer Opportunities at UPMC Mercy

See below for some of the ways you can volunteer to help patients, families, and UPMC staff.

Not all opportunities listed are available at all times. Opportunities will be discussed in further detail during the interview process.

Clerical

Clerical volunteers will be responsible for filing, organizing, and working on various projects throughout the hospital.

Emergency Department

Assist the staff by providing comfort measures for patients. Cleaning and sanitizing equipment, stocking supplies and other various tasks.

Nursing Unit

Nursing Unit Volunteers will assist in various ways including checking in on patients, restocking medical supplies, providing comfort items to families and patients, etc.

Pet Therapy

Trained and certified Pet Therapy animals and their owners visit patients and staff throughout the hospital. Our Pet Therapy dogs always bring a smile to everyone who sees them!

Physical Therapy/Occupational Therapy

Volunteers will assist the physical therapist, occupational therapist, assistant, or aide with patient care. There is no direct one-on-one patient care. Duties may include changing treatment tables, putting equipment away, and sanitizing equipment. This is mostly for college students who are pursuing a PT/OT degree.

Shadowing

All shadowing requests are processed through the Volunteer Services Department. Please contact the office to request the necessary paperwork. Shadowing experiences are arranged based on the students' interest and department availability. The Volunteer Services Department cannot arrange shadowing with physicians, physician assistants, nurse anesthetists or in the operating room. You can shadow up to 12 hours.