Volunteer

Welcome to the Volunteer Services Department at Northern Dutchess Hospital. Volunteers are the heart of the Northern Dutchess Hospital, contributing nearly 30,000 hours a year serving in virtually every department or service area of the hospital and the Thompson House. As a community hospital, Northern Dutchess Hospital could not exist without the generous support of these community-minded people who selflessly give their time and energy to be of service to others.

Volunteers come to the hospital from all walks of life, ages and backgrounds: adult volunteers, young professionals, high school students and college students. These individuals give in so many simple and valuable ways and, in return, they get the rewards of new friendships and the satisfaction of knowing they have made a difference in the lives of others. People volunteer for a variety of reasons. Students are looking for a valuable work experience and use volunteer experiences as a way to explore healthcare careers, gain job references and fulfill school community service requirements. Adults often volunteer to lend a helping hand, to share their skills and talents and for the simple pleasures of social interaction.

Become a Volunteer

Where to apply: Stop by the Volunteer Services Department between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm and pick up an application or call (845) 871-3470 to have one mailed to you.

Patient Care Opportunities

• Nursing Units - providing support to the nursing staff in delivery of supplies and records to other areas of the hospital and Thompson House.
• Meal Mates - assisting patients at mealtime.
• Admissions - assisting with admission protocol.
• Patient Escort/Transport - assisting patients as they are admitted and discharged.
• Comfort Care - visiting patients in the hospital and Thompson House, reading to them, cheering them with company and conversation.
• Transporters - must enjoy walking and be physically capable of pushing a wheelchair. Flexible schedule.
• Pet Therapy - escorting one of our happy canine volunteers around the hospital for patient and staff visitation.

Non-Patient Care Opportunities

• Front Desk - greeting guests, helping with directions throughout the hospital and answering questions as well as delivering mail and flowers to patients.
• Gift Shop - serving as a salesperson or buyer in our beautiful new shop.
• Gift Shop Buyer - assisting with special purchases such as jewelry. Flexible schedule.
• Thrift Shop - sorting and selling donated items.
• Media Services - offering patients a choice of newspapers, books, magazines, cd's and books on tape.

Clerical Opportunities

• Assist in one of the many departments within the hospital or Thompson House with typing, copying, filing, answering phones

Join the NDH Auxiliary

Northern Dutchess Hospital Auxiliary exemplifies the great things that come when a community and its hospital work together. The Auxiliary sponsors fundraising events, combining fun and profit, giving back to the hospital for the care and dedication it has provided. The Gift Shop and the Thrift Shop are run by the NDH Auxiliary. Contacts for the NDH Auxiliary are: