Volunteer at UK HealthCare

When you volunteer at UK HealthCare, you'll know you're helping people who really need you. Our volunteers say that the time they give at UK HealthCare is an invaluable experience and that the appreciation of the people they help is the greatest reward.  

We also like to recognize our volunteers for all the hard work they do. Our volunteers receive: 

• Special celebrations throughout the year.
• Group outings, including trips to Keeneland and other historic places across Kentucky.  
• Free LexTran fare with your UK volunteer ID badge.
• Discounts on meals in our cafeterias and cafe areas.

Thank you for your interest in becoming a volunteer at UK HealthCare! Volunteers help across the healthcare campus, including UK Chandler and UK Good Samaritan information desks, surgery waiting rooms, gift shops and ambulatory clinics. We also have Child Life opportunities available in the Kentucky Children's Hospital.

Our application process consists of the following: 

• Completed application packet
• In-person interview
• Background check/drug screening is required for every adult over 18 (not required for teens)
• Medical screens (including TB risk assessment and blood test; proof of immunity to MMR, Varicella, and Tdap; and flu shot during flu season).

COVID Vaccine Statement: As of August 1st, 2023 UK HealthCare is not mandating the COVID vaccine for volunteers.

UK HealthCare does not accept volunteers requiring court-ordered community service hours.

Our volunteer program is unable to offer externships, internships, job shadowing, drop-in assignments, etc.

Volunteering at UK HealthCare does not lead to employment within the University of Kentucky system.

• Are you a teen with a sincere, personal desire to volunteer at UK HealthCare?
• Are you able to work independently, and are you comfortable initiating conversations?
• Are you motivated and outgoing, with an interest in healthcare?
• Does your summer schedule allow you to commit to two weekly shifts for at least five weeks?
• Will you be 14 years old no later than March 31, 2025?

The Summer Teen Volunteer Program is available to students 14-18 years old. This program allows teens an opportunity to explore the nature of a large healthcare facility, as well as provide volunteer service to the community.

Mandatory orientation is on Wednesday, June 11, 2025. The program runs from June 16 - July 25, 2025. Shifts are from 9 a.m. - 12 Noon and 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. (Volunteers can work two shifts in a day with a lunch break in between). Teens are required to participate in five of the six weeks, a minimum of 2 shifts per week, for a total of 30 hours.

Teens must provide their own transportation.

Please note: Teen volunteers do not perform research or observe medical or patient-care procedures of any kind.

How to apply

Step 1

Complete the Teen Volunteer Application online.

Complete the Application

Wait to fill out the application until you have the documents listed below, as you will need to upload and attach them as PDFs.

Attachment 1

Provide a copy of immunization record(s) verifying the following immunizations:

• Measles/Mumps/Rubella (MMR) - must have two vaccinations
• Varicella (chickenpox) - verification of having chickenpox can be noted through medical documentation OR documentation of two varicella vaccinations
• Tdap - must have one vaccination

Attachment 2

Submit a typed essay of 350-450 words answering the following questions:

1. How would volunteering at UK HealthCare impact your life and why should we select you as part of the UK HealthCare Summer Teen Volunteer Program?
2. What accomplishment in your life are you most proud of?
3. What are your future goals?

Essays should be simple 12-point font and double-spaced, and should include your name.

Step 2

Download, complete and submit the following together in one signed, sealed envelope to Volunteer Services by 4:30 p.m. ET on Monday, March 31, 2025:

• HIPAA form and exam
• Parental consent form
• Media release form

Incomplete application packets will not be considered.

Deadline

A completed application (both online and mailed documents) must be received by Volunteer Services no later than Monday, March 31, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. ET to be considered for the program.

All documents listed in step two may be dropped off at Volunteer Services, Pavilion A, 1st Floor, Rm. 129 during business hours (Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.) or mailed to Attn: Volunteer Services, 1000 South Limestone, Pav A.01.129, Lexington, KY, 40536.

Questions?

Contact Jason Brun, UK HealthCare volunteer coordinator, at jason.brun@uky.edu or 859-323-5796.

Our recruitment for the Spring 2025 has ended. To be added to our waitlist for the Fall 2025 semester, please follow the link below.

Add Me To The College Volunteer Waitlist

When recruitment begins for the Fall 2025 semester, I will contact you to let you know when it opens.

Jason Brun
Volunteer Coordinator, UK HealthCare
Jason.Brun@uky.edu
859.323.5796

Thank you for you interest in volunteering at UK HealthCare. Our volunteers are invaluable to us and play an integral role in ensuring our patients, visitors, and staff have the absolute best experiences here at UK HealthCare.

Please review the following two documents:

1.) The requirements section (at the top of this page), process, and timeline to become a UK HealthCare volunteer.

2.) Our availability and placement options.​​​​

• If you are interested and available in any of these options, please complete the application and note the dates and times you are specifically available in the "Interests & Availability" section.

Applications for adults are now open via the link below and will close on Wednesday, March 5, at 12 Noon.

Adult Volunteer Application

• Deadline to apply: Wednesday, March 5
  • Selected individuals will be contacted via email to sign up for interviews by Friday, March 7.
  • Not everyone who applies will be selected.
  • College and teen applicants will not be considered.
• Interviews will be held between March 18 - March 27.
• Onboarding and orientation will follow upon successful completion of all screenings.

Below is what to expect as you begin the journey to become a volunteer with UK HealthCare:

Step 1 - Apply

• Complete the Adult Volunteer Application
• Please complete the application an note the placement you are interested in as well as the specific dates and times in the "Interests & Availability" section.

Step 2 - Interview, Human Resources and University Health Services

• If selected to move forward in the process, schedule an interview time with Volunteer Services to discuss placement areas and availability.
• UK Human Resources (HR) will call you to begin the background check and drug screen process.
  • This is a requirement of all UK HealthCare Staff, and thus a requirement of volunteers.
  • Results are sent directly to our office.
• Visit University Health Services (UHS) to get TB test and immunization compliance.
  • UK HealthCare requires TDAP, MMR, varicella and flu vaccinations. If you do not have an immunization record, they will draw titers (vials of blood) to test your system for the antibodies. If those are negative then you will receive the needed vaccinations free of charge.
• Using MyChart, you print your official records from UHS and send to Volunteer Services.
• Total timeframe for the HR and UHS process equals about four weeks.

Step 3 - Onboarding appointment and confirmation

A member from Volunteer Services will contact you once we have received your HR and UHS screenings to schedule an appointment to complete your on-boarding. During this time, please expect the following:

• Take a picture and obtain your UK HealthCare Volunteer Badge.
• Receive your position description, parking pass and volunteer shirt
  • You will get the choice of one shirt (a polo, button down or cardigan; both men's and women's sizes available)

Step 4 - Orientation

Orientation varies by placement area.

Step 5 - Begin volunteering!

We will work with you directly, as well as your placement, to ensure you are thoroughly oriented and ready to go!

The following items are things that patients will frequently request from our office. All donations should be brand new and not marked with any political/religious affiliations. Donations can be dropped off during normal business hours to Volunteer Services between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. We are located at 1000 South Limestone, Lexington, KY 40536. 

• Activity books (puzzles, crosswords, seek and finds, Sudoku, etc.)
• Coloring books
• Writing utensils (pens, pencils, colored pencils, crayons)
• Small, compact games (such as decks of cards)
• Brand new underwear (men and women, all sizes)
• Sweatshirts, and sweatpants/yoga pants/pajama pants (men and women, sizes S, M, L, XL, XXL; maternity wear also appreciated)

The Ronald McDonald Family Room began welcoming guests in 2009 inside the walls of Kentucky Children’s Hospital in Lexington, KY.  The Family Room provides a comforting and quiet area of respite, relaxation and reflection for families and loved ones of children who are being treated in the critical care units (NICU, PICU) of the hospital. The Ronald McDonald Family Room, open from 9 a.m to 4:30 p.m, seven days a week, is staffed with helpful specially trained and screened volunteers. 

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer with the Ronald McDonald Family Room, please visit their website for more details. To sign up for an interview time, please click here: https://form.jotform.com/241825020663147.

We do accept donations for the Ronald McDonald Family Room. Details regarding items needed and how to to donate are below: