Volunteer Mayo

Personal Motivations
- Varied individual reasons for volunteering with the Mayo Clinic Health System.
Excitement and Reward
- Experience provides opportunities to learn new skills and utilize existing skills.
- Networking possibilities with other volunteers and healthcare professionals.
- Enhances patient and visitor care through compassionate support.
- Enriches resumes with valuable healthcare experience.

Improvement of Skills
- Opportunities to develop skills, particularly in problem solving, communication, and teamwork.
Social Benefits
- Fosters connections with others to reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Sense of Purpose
- Fulfills a need to contribute towards helping others, thereby providing a significant sense of accomplishment.
Mental Well-Being
- Engaging in volunteer work helps alleviate stress and anxiety.
Self-Confidence Boost
- Personal growth from learning and adapting to new environments.

Application Status
- Application alone does not ensure commitment; students may withdraw if they have other commitments.
Onboarding Timeline
- Required onboarding activities scheduled for December and January, preceding the start of volunteering in February.
Orientation Dates
- Two mandatory in-person orientation sessions:
- February 2 at 2:30 PM
- February 3 at 4:00 PM
- Locations: Eau Claire and La Crosse, same time on both days.
Volunteer Shifts
- Weekly volunteer commitments start from February 8 to May 9.
- Limited shifts available; capacity may restrict placements based on applicant numbers.

Summer Session (2026)
- Applications: April 27 to May 1.
- Onboarding and orientation: Month of May (exact dates not specified).
- Volunteering: June to August.
Fall Session (2026)
- Applications: July 27 to July 31.
- Onboarding: August.
- Orientation: Second week of September.
- Volunteering: September through December.

General Roles
- Greeting patients and visitors.
- Transport and escort services, including wheelchair training.
- Waiting room attendant roles.
- Opportunities in Physical Therapy (PT) and Occupational Therapy (OT) specific to college students in La Crosse.
- Support roles in inpatient units and cancer centers.
Shift Scheduling
- Shifts typically last 3-4 hours; availability during weekdays and limited weekends.
- Start times range from 8 AM to 7 PM.

Expectations
- Volunteers must not represent their role as employment or job shadowing opportunities within Mayo.
Age-Specific Consent
- Volunteers who are 18 or older require parental consent; consent forms must be printed and uploaded via the volunteer portal.
Dress Code Requirements
- Business Casual Attire: Includes sweaters, button-ups, and khaki or black pants.
- Footwear: Comfortable sneakers recommended due to distance walked.
- Prohibited Items: Graphic T-shirts, hoodies, leggings, athletic wear, or exposed midriffs.
Identification Badge
- Volunteers must wear their badges visibly at all times.
- Cell phones and personal devices should be kept away in patient-facing roles.

Meal Benefits
- Complimentary meals valued at $10 available per shift worked in the cafeteria.
Discounts and Access
- 20% discount at the Mayo store.
- Access to public transportation pass for students.
- Health club access for volunteers who are 18 and older enrolled at La Crosse campus.
Volunteer Recognition
- Annual recognition dinner held in April.

Initial Steps
- Candidates will receive an email invitation to access their volunteer dashboard for additional onboarding steps.
- Background checks include both criminal and caregiver (state) checks, requiring separate submissions.
Health Screening
- Mandatory health screening through the hospital's employee health department, not through personal providers.
- Screening includes TB tests and immunization verification (MMR, varicella).
Learning Modules
- Completion of various online learning modules relevant to volunteer responsibilities is required prior to actual service.