Frequently Asked Questions
Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento

How is my volunteer placement decided? | back to top

We will make every effort to place you in your primary or secondary department of your choice. However, placements will depend on current openings and your personal schedule.

When are volunteers needed? | back to top

Many different days and shift times are available. This will depend on the area of the hospital in which the volunteer is assigned.

At which Sutter hospitals may I volunteer? | back to top

The volunteer program at Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento(SMCS) coordinates volunteers for Sutter General and Sutter Memorial hospitals only. If you are interested in volunteering at another Sutter hospital, you must contact that hospital directly.

Locations:

Sutter General Hospital
2801 L Street
Sacramento, CA 95816
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Sutter Memorial Hospital
5151 F Street
Sacramento, CA 95819
Google Map


What happens when I miss a week or two? | back to top

We greatly appreciate the time you contribute to the hospital and understand everyone will occasionally be ill, go on vacation, have an emergency or have other personal obligations. It is necessary, however, to inform the supervisor at the department. If you are going to miss more than 2 weeks in a row, you will need to contact the Volunteer Services Department.

What happens when I don't have a written record of my vaccinations? | back to top

If you are unable to show written proof of your health vaccinations you will need to see your physician to get a blood test which can be administered to detect immunity. SMCS will provide the TB test. A Hepatitis B test will be provided to those going into a high risk area.

Why should I volunteer? | back to top

People volunteer for a variety of reasons: they want to help patients and the hospital to receive school credit, to do career exploration or to get job experience. Your volunteer experience will be what you make of it. Please be aware that volunteering is no guarantee of employment at SMCS, nor does being a volunteer give you preference.

Volunteers receive the following benefits:

  • Annual flu shot
  • Initial 2 step and annual Tuberculosis screening and interpretation
  • Hepatitis B vaccination (only if volunteering in a high risk area)
  • Appropriate Workers' Compensation insurance coverage while volunteer is on premises
  • Service award pin(s) according to years of volunteer service
  • Letter(s) of recommendation upon request (upon completing 80 hours of service)
  • An appropriate work space to aid volunteer in providing quality service at the Medical Centers
  • Invitation to events recognizing volunteer contribution and annual events recognizing contributions of the staff (i.e., picnics, holiday parties, ect.)
  • Use of Medical Resource Library
  • On-site security
  • Free parking
  • Gift Shop discount
How can I contact Volunteer Services for more information? | back to top

You may contact volunteer services by sending us an email at smcsvolunteerservices@sutterhealth.org or by calling (916) 733-8329. It may take a few days to receive an answer to your inquiry. Your patience is greatly appreciated.