Volunteer at St. Luke's – Sioux City
The Greatest Gift You Can Give!
Volunteers are an integral part of St. Luke’s. If impacting the lives of Siouxland patients interests you, a volunteer position at UnityPoint Health – St. Luke's may be the opportunity for you. View our current list of volunteer opportunities.
Volunteer Program Overview
At St. Luke’s, we offer four different volunteer programs.
- Adult and College Student Volunteer
- Junior Volunteer
- Junior Volunteers must be at least 14 years old or in the 7th grade to be eligible.
- Short Term Volunteer
- This program is for those who only want to volunteer one time or less than eight hours.
- Summer College Boot Camp Volunteer
- This program is an eight-week camp with a minimum of 10 hours of volunteering a week, starting June 1 and ending July 23, 2024.
We have many different volunteer opportunities depending on your interests, from working directly with patients to helping in hospital support areas. View the volunteer opportunity descriptions.
Steps to Becoming a Volunteer
Volunteers are important members of our hospital workforce and treated as integral contributors to our success. Onboarding as a UnityPoint Health – St. Luke’s volunteer is much like on-boarding as an employee. We want to make sure that our volunteers are vetted and trained to be successful members of our team. The turnaround time from application to assignment is approximately 14 days.
Requirements & Onboarding Process
- Complete the Online Volunteer Application. Once you have submitted your application, please schedule a new volunteer meeting by booking an appointment with our volunteer coordinator.
- Attend the in-person interview. The new volunteer meeting will consist of Volunteer Services staff asking about your experience and interests, your reasons for wanting to volunteer and the times you are available to volunteer.
- Complete a Health Screening. You will be given the information to schedule a health screening where you will be asked to provide proof of required immunizations; if you do not have proof a blood titer will be drawn to determine your current vaccinations. The cost of the health screening and lab draw is covered by Volunteer Services.
– Bring a copy of your immunization records
– You will need to bring the parental/guardian signature form given to you at the interview, otherwise, you will need your parent/guardian to accompany you to the health screen. - Complete Background Check Process. UnityPoint Health – St. Luke’s Volunteer services will run your background check.
- Complete New Volunteer Orientation Components. Orientation provides an overview of polices and procedures and explains how volunteers assist UnityPoint Health in creating a positive healthcare experience. We ask that you complete all the orientation components within two weeks of your volunteer interview. Once you have completed all the orientation components you will be contacted within two business days to finalize your next steps. Please note that if you are unable to complete the new volunteer orientation components online, Volunteer Services will provide accommodations.
- Set up your Vicnet net account. VicNet is our Volunteer Information Center hub that allows volunteers to manage their schedule, view and submit service hours and more. Review the instructions to set up your account.
- Volunteer Assignment. Once you have completed the on-boarding components you are ready to be placed in your volunteer assignment. You will be contacted within two business days to set up your next steps, which include either scheduled assignment training or on-the-job training. Volunteers will be asked to come in early on their first day to receive their ID badge and volunteer shirt.
Animals must meet the following requirements:
- Be certified by a reputable certification authority; we highly recommend Alliance for Therapy Dogs. Please have the certification document available.
- Be at least one year old, domesticated, obedient, trained and housebroken
- Be with the owner a minimum of six months
- Welcome, not merely tolerate, interactions with strangers
- Have proof from your veterinarian for:
- Yearly "well pet" visit
- Current vaccination records
- Pet Partner Animal Screening Form
- Not be fed raw meat
Humans must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 16 years old and outgoing
- Complete the UnityPoint Health – St. Luke's volunteer orientation process. These steps will take approximately three hours to complete.
- Application
- Interview
- Health Screen (required vaccinations)
- Background check
- New volunteer orientation
- Complete assignment training with a UnityPoint Health – St. Luke's Pet Pal Mentor
- Commit to a regular monthly schedule
- Be in uniform with ID badge
St. Luke's Summer College Boot Camp Program
UnityPoint Health – St. Luke’s provides college students access to different departments within the hospital every summer through our College Boot Camp Program. This experience allows students to see and experience firsthand how the different departments function, what their role is and day-to-day experiences. College Boot Camp is an eight-week commitment with the expectation of volunteering a minimum of 10 hours a week from each student and more if they choose.
How to Apply
- Complete the online College Volunteer Application. In the notes section of the application, put "SUMMER VOLUNTEER BOOT CAMP". Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an email explaining the volunteer onboarding and orientation process.
- From our areas of interest, you will choose one or several areas to volunteer in and experience.
- You will receive hands on training from a department champion who will introduce you to the area and show you the tasks that need to be accomplished while you are volunteering.
- Volunteers will log their hours into our VICNET system allowing the Volunteer Services Office to track the program and report on its success.
- Emergency Room
- NICU
- Rehab/Pediatric Rehab
- Mom and Baby
- Siouxland PACE
- Behavioral Health
- ICU
- Radiology
This is a unique opportunity for any college student going into healthcare to experience what it is really like in a hospital setting, to see and experience many areas and perhaps guide your educational decision or career path.
Volunteer at Our Gift Shop
Gifted Boutique Gift Shop
The gift shop is the "Happy Place" in the hospital where patients, families and employees go to grab a snack, shop for unique items, and get a well-deserved break from their stressful day. Located inside the hospital, the Gifted Boutique Gift Shop is a great way to interact with visitors and gain retail experience. Help customers find the perfect gift, ring up sales, and help keep the shop tidy.
Volunteer Opportunities