Volunteer

Volunteer Services

Welcome to the Volunteer Services Department at Northern Dutchess Hospital. Volunteers are the heart of the our hospital, contributing nearly 34,000 hours a year serving in virtually every department or service area of the hospital and our residential facility, the Thompson House. As a community hospital, NDH could not exist without the generous support of these civic-minded individuals who selflessly give their time, talents 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 valuable ways and in return they are rewarded with 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 to gain life experience and use volunteering 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, for the simple pleasures of social interaction and as a way to "give back" to our hospital after an exemplary personal experience here.

Patient Care Opportunities

• Dietary - Making "Meal Rounds." Surveying patients regarding meal satisfaction. Being our liaison between patients and our Food Service Department.
• Admissions - Serving as receptionist and errand runner for our busy Patient Access Services (Registration) Department. Cheerfulness a must!
• Patient Escort/Transport - Assisting patients as they are admitted and discharged. Transporting patients in wheelchairs from one location to another. Must be physically capable of pushing a wheelchair and wearing a smile.
• Pet Therapy - Escorting one of our happy canine volunteers and her handler around the hospital for patient and staff visitation.

Non-Patient Care Opportunities

• Front Desk - Greeting guests, helping with directions throughout the hospital, answering questions as well as delivering mail and flowers to patients.
• Gift Shop - Serving as a salesperson in our beautiful shop.
• Thrift Shop - Sorting, merchandising and selling donated items - many of which are brand new!

Clerical Opportunities

• Assisting in one of the many departments within the Hospital or Thompson House with typing, copying, filing and answering phones.

Join 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 an integral function of the NDH Auxiliary.

Lois Chenkus, Auxiliary President  758-1714
Alice Chupay, President, Hyde Park Unit 229-8523
Nancy Finkle, President, Red Hook Unit  758-8372
Linda Tamm, President, Rhinecliff/Unit 876-7105.

Become a Volunteer

Click here to download and print the volunteer application (pdf).

Adult Volunteer Application

Our volunteer positions at Northern Dutchess Hospital and The Thompson House are all specifically tailored to match the current needs of the organizations to the skills and interests of the prospective volunteers to ensure a fulfilling and productive volunteer assignment. At times, we are at capacity with all volunteer roles filled.  In that case, we will keep your volunteer application on file for six months and continue to try to match a suitable position to fit your interests and the organization’s needs.

Summer 2013 Junior Volunteer Program - ***The Summer 2013 Junior Volunteer Program is now FULL***

Junior Volunteer Application

You may return the application in person, or send via e-mail to pnapolitano@health-quest.org 

You may prefer to stop by the Volunteer Services Department between 8:30 am and 3:30 pm to pick up an application or call (845) 871-3470 to have one mailed to you.