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    Frequently Asked Questions
    Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento

    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, Sutter Memorial, and Sutter Oaks Midtwon 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
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    Sutter Oaks Midtown
    2600 L Street,
    Sacramento, CA 95816
    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 vaccines are required? | back to top

    1. A verbal history of having the chicken pox disease; or proof of 2 Varivax vaccinations; or a positive Varicella Antibody titer. Includes all volunteers.
    2. Proof of 2 MMR vaccinations; or proof of positive titers for Rubella, Rubeola, and Mumps for volunteers born after December 31, 1956.
      1. If the volunteer was born prior to December 31, 1956 and has had a history of Rubella, Rubeola, and Mumps diseases in their childhood, no written proof is required.
    3. All volunteers will need to provide verbal proof/recollection of having either a Tetanus or TDaP vaccine within the last 10 years. If the volunteer does not recall having this vaccination, they will be advised that it is a highly recommended vaccine. Employee Health Services highly recommends that volunteers working in pediatrics and high risk departments be vaccinated with the Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (TDaP) vaccine. Employee Health Services will provide this vaccination free of charge to those working in high risk and pediatric departments. TDaP vaccine is not to be given to anyone over the age of 65.
    4. Hepatitis B is not mandatory, but it is recommended for those working in high risk areas.This vaccination is offered by Employee Health Services at no expense if a volunteer working in the high risk areas (noted on the clearance sheet) would like this series.If the volunteer declines the vaccine, regardless of department they will volunteer in, a signed declination form is required.
    5. Two Tuberculosis Screening Tests (PPD’s/TB Tests) or a negative chest X-ray (no more than 1 year old) and a Symptom Review Form for those who have had a previously positive reaction to a PPD test. These services are provided by Employee Health Services free of charge.

    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.