How to Volunteer: Getting Started

 Last year, more than 1,100 volunteers provided approximately 80,000 hours of service in 60 areas throughout University Medical Center at Princeton, Merwick Care Center, Hospice, and Home Care.  Your efforts free hospital staff of non-clinical, non-technical tasks so they can devote more time to patient care. Volunteers shine through the intangible qualities they bring to our mission of Redefining Care for our patients.

To get started - you may get an application by calling to request an application packet be sent to you by mail; downloading and printing one; or visiting us in person. Please click on the appropriate volunteer opportunities link on the left side of this page. Then follow these steps to become a volunteer:

1.         Application - Please complete and return the application form (If you are under 18 years of age, your application and parental consent form must be signed by a parent or guardian and returned to our office).

2.         Information Session - Interested prospective volunteers are invited to a general information session to learn about volunteer opportunities, responsibilities and benefits. 

• Adults & College Students. Two Information Sessions are planned for each month. To find out the next scheduled session, please call our office.
• Juniors. Invitation with several dates will be mailed out ONLY after both Application and school transcript has been received.

3.         Attend Information Session - Please confirm your attendance by calling our office. We will go over general knowledge of our facility as well as the rules and regulations of the Volunteer Services Department. You will receive instructions on how to obtain a TB skin test, which is required annually of all volunteers. 

4.         After Information Session - Each applicant will be scheduled for and personally interviewed by a member of the Volunteer Services Department staff. 

5.         At the Interview - Opportunities will be discussed. Placement in an assignment is based on individual interests, skills and availability, as well as on the needs of Princeton HealthCare System at that particular time. As a volunteer, you are depended on by both patients and staff; therefore, your assignment should be considered a commitment. Once placed, you will be asked to complete the process of becoming a volunteer with the purchase of your uniform jacket. You will also receive instructions on how to obtain an I.D. Badge. Both are required.

6.         After the Interview - This is the step where you are either placed on the volunteer schedule according to your shift day/time or are put on-hold until a shift opens up.  Specific training and printed instructional materials are provided for each assignment.

Transportation and Parking - Each volunteer is responsible for her or his own transportation to and from our facilities. Volunteers are asked to consider and ensure their transportation prior to making a commitment to the program. Free garage parking and Valet parking are available to volunteers at UMCP. Please stamp your parking ticket when you sign in at the Volunteer Services Department. Free outdoor parking is available at the other sites.

We look forward to your participation in our volunteer program.  

Our Location

Volunteer Services Staff is here to provide guidance and support to you.  

PHONE:                         609.497.4273 for any additional information

For directions to UMCP, click here.