Hospital Buddy Program Volunteer Role Description

Thank you for your interest in StudentsCare’s Hospital Buddy Program. If selected, you will serve children in long-term hospital care by providing fun, friendship, and emotional support to patients and their families. We hope this will be a deeply meaningful experience.

What You’ll Do

• Visit children receiving long-term care (e.g., oncology, dialysis, bone marrow transplant)

• Spend 2–3 hours per week engaging with patients in playrooms, infusion areas, or at the bedside

• Participate in activities such as arts and crafts, games, movies, reading, and conversation

• Help plan and attend celebrations for birthdays, holidays, and end-of-treatment milestones

• Offer encouragement and support to parents and siblings

• Provide a positive break from the physical and emotional challenges of hospitalization

Who Should Apply

• Compassionate, dependable students comfortable in a hospital setting

• Individuals who can remain calm in high-intensity or emotional situations

• Students prepared to work with children facing serious or life-threatening illnesses

• Applicants able to commit consistently, as patients come to rely on weekly visits

• Students ready to handle emotionally challenging experiences with maturity

Program Requirements

Selected volunteers agree to:

• Commit to at least one full academic year

• Meet weekly shift expectations assigned by the hospital (2–3 hours/week minimum)

• Attend monthly meetings, fundraisers, and program events

• Maintain reliable attendance (excessive absences may result in dismissal)

• Maintain strict confidentiality regarding patients and families

• Complete all hospital onboarding requirements

• Participate in mandatory StudentsCare training and meetings

• Submit weekly visit logs after each shift or event

• Support chapter fundraising efforts for program resources (e.g., Comfort Kits)

• Review and adhere to all program policies outlined in the HBP Contract

Training & Support

StudentsCare prepares volunteers to serve safely and effectively through:

• Training on child development and communicating with pediatric patients

• Education on childhood illnesses and the patient/family experience

• Guidance on empathy, boundaries, and self-care

• Activity ideas and resources for meaningful engagement

• Ongoing support from StudentsCare staff, faculty advisors, and hospital Child Life teams

• A campus chapter community of fellow volunteers

What You’ll Gain

• Meaningful service experience with seriously ill children and families

• Greater comfort and confidence in healthcare settings

• Deeper understanding of empathy, resilience, and compassionate care

• Insight into the psychosocial impact of illness on families

• Strong connections with fellow volunteers and mentors

Join us in brightening the hospital experience for children during some of their most difficult days.