Michelle Acero Santana (18), at left, and Ana Gamez Perez (17) volunteer at Paradise Valley Hospital on weekends. They attend Paradise Valley High School, where they are students in the clinical nursing assistant program. Photo by Allison Latzo.
Know a teen with an interest in medicine or working with the public in a hospital setting? Hospital volunteer opportunities for teens allow students to give back to the community while they explore whether a future in medicine might be a career fit.
Three Abrazo Health hospitals are offering summer or year-round internship opportunities for area high school students. Applications are due this week for two of the programs, so encourage that potential applicant to get going!
Hospitals train high school volunteers to work in the medical environment and to perform tasks like escorting patients to locations within the hospital, providing water and ice and delivering and picking up meal trays. Volunteers will help make deliveries and maintain inventory in the nutrition centers and linen rooms. They will also learn how to change beds and perform clerical duties.
Andrew Paul, 18, a senior at Primavera Online High School, volunteered at Arrowhead Hospital in Glendale last summer. He enjoyed the experience so much that he continued volunteering during the school year, working at the information desk.
“There are guidelines and things you’re supposed to do in certain situations,” says Andrew. “Problem-solving skills and thinking on your feet to solve new problems are the most important things that I’ve learned from volunteering there.”
Modeled on the Arrowhead program, Arizona Heart Hospital in Phoenix is rolling out a new summer program for high school students.
“Volunteering gives students a chance to help others and to make a difference in the day-to-day activities at [the hospital],” says Steve Harris, president of Arizona Heart Hospital. “It also enables students to receive hands-on experiences in the medical field.”
Paradise Valley Hospital is looking for teens to participate in its year-round junior volunteer program. Paradise Valley High School senior Ana Gamez Perez has been volunteering one day a week for about 18 months. She plans to pursue a nursing career.
“As a volunteer at Paradise Valley Hospital, I have experienced and learned many different things about the medical field that I never thought I would…at 17 years old,’’ says Ana. “It is very rewarding and a way to meet many people. Volunteering has taught me how to work with nurses and has helped me improve skills, such as communication.”
Applications are due by 4 p.m. Thursday, March 19 to be considered for summer programs at Arrowhead Hospital or Arizona Heart Hospital. Late applications will not be considered.
The internship program at Paradise Valley Hospital is ongoing; applications are accepted at any time.
How to apply for a hospital internship
Abrazo Arrowhead Hospital
18701 N 67th Ave, Glendale, AZ 85308
Contact: Norma Morales
nmorales@abrazohealth.com
Students will volunteer a minimum of one four-hour shift for eight of the 10 weeks between May 26 and Aug. 2.
Arizona Heart Hospital
1930 E Thomas Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85016
Contact: Honori DeReza
hdereza@abrazohealth.com
Students will volunteer a minimum of one four-hour shift for eight of the 10 weeks between May 26 and Aug. 2.
Paradise Valley Hospital
3929 E Bell Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85032
Contact: Janet Iennarella
jliennarella@abrazohealth.com