GMHVA’s Members, as Volunteers, play an important role in Guam’s only public hospital, GMH. They help the hospital run smoothly, and allow doctors and nurses to spend their time focusing on providing the best healthcare for their patients. Volunteers assist hospital employees in caring for patients and visitors. There are variety of areas that depend on volunteers, encompassing all skill sets.
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GMHVA, patients, the medical community, staff at GMH, and all our residents are truly grateful to the many volunteers who have made a difference for patients and their families over the years.
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GMHVA, patients, the medical community, staff at GMH, and all our residents are truly grateful to the many volunteers who have made a difference for patients and their families over the years.
What is a Volunteer?
A hospital volunteer works in a hospital without regular pay. They essentially donate their time and skills to help the hospital and community. The goal of the volunteer is to "serve everyone in our hospital and community with dignity, respect, and equality."
GMHVA offers volunteers and fundraising to help cover hospital costs, equipment, and services not covered in the operating budget.
What Does a Volunteer Do?
There are many volunteer opportunities through GMHVA. If you decide to donate your time, you will go through a thorough training program. GMHVA offers various events, projects, and tasks so that volunteers can find their best fit and make their volunteerism effective in all aspects.
Some examples of volunteer tasks include:
- transport patients
- clerical duties
- give directions or escort visitors
- cashier
- inventory
- answer telephone
- deliver flowers
- socialize with patients and/or visitors
- change linens
- restock closets
- cleaning
Volunteer Benefits
Besides making a meaningful contribution to the hospital and the community, there are many other benefits of volunteering. You will meet new people, make new friends, and be exposed to new skills.
Active volunteers will also:
- receive orientation and training
- be invited to an annual recognition events
- have good reference for employment and/or education programs
- awards for achieved levels of service hours
Career Opportunities
Volunteers have the unique opportunity to see the healthcare system from an inside perspective. It's easy to see the demand for quality healthcare professionals. For some, this inside knowledge offers a new found desire go into a healthcare related profession. For young volunteers, volunteering may help you determine if you want to continue your education in healthcare. Many volunteers gain clinical and patient exposure, which is desirable to medical and professional schools.