News at UI Health

Volunteer Services at UI Health in April surpassed 1,000 active volunteers, making the hospital’s program among the largest hospital volunteer programs in Illinois.

In total, nearly 1,100 students and community members volunteer at least 8 hours per month as greeters, patient companions, and in many other highly specialized roles across our hospital. 
 
“Our team is incredibly proud of this milestone,” said Kinga Keilman, senior director of Volunteer Services at UI Health. “Continuing to grow our program has given our volunteers more opportunities connect with patients, give back to their communities, and, in many cases, begin careers in healthcare.” 

Making a Difference as Volunteers

UI Health Volunteers fill crucial support roles for teams and departments across the hospital and build the meaningful connections with our patients. Among the patient care areas where UI Health Volunteers serve include: 

• Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU): NICU volunteers can participate in UI Health’s NICU Baby Cuddler program. These volunteers are trained to hold, sing, swaddle, and read to some of our tiniest patients — providing newborn babies with warmth and comfort when their families have to be away.
• Emergency Room (ER): ER volunteers provide patients and their families comfort and support, helping them confidently navigate the fast-paced environment of an Emergency Department.
• Inpatient Pediatrics: Volunteers at the Children’s Hospital University of Illinois keep hospitalized children engaged by reading, coloring, playing games, and offering a warm, welcoming presence.
• Surgery: Volunteers in Surgical Services help nurses prepare pre- and post-op patient education materials and provide assistance to patients and families as they wait for their procedure.

A Pathway to Healthcare Careers

The program’s Volunteer-to-Employee Pathway — designed to help volunteers transition into permanent healthcare roles — offers free CNA, medical assistant, and phlebotomist training to our volunteers and support staff. As a part of this program, participants also have access to application assistance, résumé and interview advice, and connections to UI Health hiring managers.

Volunteer Services also oversees clinical rotations, internships, externships, and shadowing experiences for students pursuing healthcare careers. These programs provide hands-on learning in clinical settings, and are typically arranged in partnership with UIC’s seven health sciences colleges, with the goal of supporting our students’ growth and success.

“As Chicago’s only public academic medical center, training the next generation of healthcare professionals is critical to our hospital’s mission,” Kinga said. “Our volunteer program has become an incredible resource for students and young people looking to get hands-on experience in a healthcare setting.”

Interested in becoming a volunteer at UI Health? Visit our Volunteers Services webpage for more information about the application and onboarding process.