Volunteers make a difference at Ohio State’s James Cancer Hospital an Solove Research Institute
There are more than 350 active volunteers who donate approximately 30,000 hours to Ohio State’s Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute each year. These volunteers are our Most Valuable People. The patients, families, and staff feel fortunate to have caring and dedicated individuals giving of themselves each day at The James and at JamesCare in Dublin, JamesCare at UH East and JamesCare at the Martha Morehouse Medical Plaza.
Volunteers come to The James for many reasons. Some are cancer survivors who wish to offer the gift of hope and inspiration to others. Some are students who are hoping to gain valuable patient contact experience for their future clinical careers. Others are simply interested in giving back to the community and helping where needed.
The following are just a few of the volunteer positions offered at The James:
- Children's Programs — Volunteers who prefer to work with children can help with the various coping support groups for children.These children are experiencing the effects of having a friend or family member going through cancer or a terminal illness.
- Concierge – Volunteers greet and escort patients and visitors of The James.
- Family Waiting Areas — Volunteers help comfort families while keeping them aware of the patient's progress throughout the day of surgery.
- Hope's Boutique — Volunteers work as sales assistants helping patients make a wig selection, or by showing them a variety of hats and gift items.
- Movie, Music or Magazine Cart — Volunteers give inpatients a diversion by offering them a CD, movie, magazine or book. Some volunteers choose to play a game with a patient or read to them.
- Outpatient Clinics — The volunteers are actively involved with patients and can help in a variety of areas, such as registration, keeping track of patients, chemotherapy, etc.
- Patient Floors — Volunteers work with the staff and offer support to patients and families in the hospital.
- Tours — Volunteers are called on to give tours to various groups who come to visit The James.
- Patient & Family Advisors – Volunteers who have received treatment at The James, or the family member of a James patient, can apply to participate as a Patient/Family Advisor. In this role, you may work directly with staff on committees and projects with the goal of improving programs and services in The James. Volunteer Advisors may have the option of participating in a variety of ways including: reviewing patient educational materials at home, attending weekly, monthly or a one-time meeting, or speaking on a panel or public event.
Most volunteers set aside two to four hours a week to assist in the hospital or at one of our outpatient facilities. Besides the personal fulfillment one receives from helping others, there are other benefits that volunteers receive, such as free parking, meal tickets, gift shop discounts on OSU logo items, annual volunteer banquet and educational workshops.
The Applicant Screening Process includes:
- Application
- Interview
- Reference checks and medical clearance
- Criminal background check (including fingerprints)
- State ID or Driver’s License AND Social Security Card are required for a criminal background check to be performed (Student Visa is accepted for international students)
- Orientation
- Position-specific training
If you're interested in becoming a member of our volunteer team, please contact us at:
Volunteer Services
Ohio State’s Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute
300 W. 10th Ave., Room 114
Columbus, OH 43210-1228
Phone: (614) 293-4663
Fax: (614) 293-5919
As an alternative you can print out an Adult Volunteer Application or a College Volunteer Application, or High School Application and mail it to us at the above address (requires Adobe Reader).
