All Your Questions Answered

We know that there is a lot to learn before becoming an Island Health volunteer.

We have collected a number of our most frequently asked questions to help you understand volunteering in healthcare. 

If you still need more information, please contact us at Volunteer@islandhealth.ca. We are happy to help!

Benefits of volunteering

There are many benefits to volunteering in healthcare. Studies have shown that the act of volunteering brings personal fulfillment, builds confidence, keeps people active in body and mind, provides opportunities for networking and connections and brings a sense of purpose. Specifically, volunteering in healthcare settings is an opportunity to help others in need and to give back to community.

Volunteers apply to Island Health from a wide variety of backgrounds, and a vast array of personal motivations. Some volunteers have experienced the healthcare system in an impactful way and wish to give back. Others feel motivated by the importance health has in the lives of every community and the members who live there.

For some volunteers it is also an opportunity to explore a career in healthcare, and for others it is an opportunity to stay connected to healthcare after a career in a health related field.

Whatever motivation brings you to explore volunteer roles at Island Health, we’re happy to help you find out if volunteering with Island Health is a great fit.

Island Health will also provide:

• a complimentary parking pass for sites that have paid parking
• Reference letters (or confirmation of volunteer hours) for employment or for educational purposes (ie: applying to post-secondary education)
• Long service awards and recognition and eligibility for the Celebration of Excellence program
• Educational opportunities such as online training and access to other educational resources
• Depending on region and site, invites to staff and volunteer recognition events

Requirements to volunteer

Basic requirements to volunteer at Island Health:

• Age requirements:
  • 15 years of age or older to volunteer independently. If you are 15 to 18 years of age, please see our Step Up Youth Program page for application dates.

• Our Intergenerational Volunteer Program supports children and youth under the age of 15 to volunteer in Long-Term Care Homes alongside a parent, guardian, or approved responsible adult known to the family. 

• Criminal Reference Review (see below for more information)

• Strongly recommend an annual flu vaccination (or wear a mask during flu season – approximately Dec to Apr)

• Commit to volunteer regularly (typically two (2) to four (4) hours/week – with flexibility for vacations and other life events)

• Complete online training that is about three (3) hours in length. Further onsite training is provided once accepted

Additionally, for English Language Learners, we respectfully request that all applicants have achieved the equivalent of the Canadian Language Benchmark level six (6) for listening and speaking, or above, prior to applying.

This ensures our volunteers have the ability to understand and communicate important information about health and safety should it arise while they are volunteering in our facilities.

If you are unsure, this Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) assessment tool may help you determine your levels.

Criminal Records Check:

To protect those who access Island Health services, we take steps to ensure our volunteers bring no harm. One of those steps is participation in the online B.C. Criminal Records Review Program (CRRP). This program offers applicants a free, confidential way to demonstrate they have no relevant history of physical, sexual, or financial abuse of vulnerable adults or children.

• Free and Convenient: Free of charge for volunteers, our staff provide a unique link to apply online through the CRRP.
• Confidential: Results are emailed directly to our staff and only verify if a relevant offence does or does not exist. If an offence exists it is not named and no details or personal information is provided.
• Relevant Offences Only: Not all offences are considered relevant. Click here for further information.
• Contact Us: If you have any further questions please feel free to contact us at Volunteer@islandhealth.ca. 

What do volunteers do at Island Health?

At Island Health we have a variety of volunteer programs across acute care (hospitals), long-term care homes and public health units.

Our volunteer programs usually support different areas of the hospital in wayfinding, one-to-one social engagement with residents, supporting staff in waiting areas, and a number of other similar roles. 

Please note that volunteer programs vary depending on region and site. Click on the document below to discover more details about roles volunteers fulfill at Island Health.  

Volunteer Roles at Island Health

If you have questions about specific programs or what may be offered at specific Island Health facilities, feel free to reach out. We would be happy to help.

How do I apply to become a volunteer?

How to apply:  

Applying to volunteer with Island Health is simple and easy.

1. From our main page, navigate to the area or site that you would like to volunteer
2. Click that link and you will find a large blue “Apply Now’ button
3. Click the button and you can complete our short, online application

Please note that we recruit volunteers into a general pool and not for specific roles.

Availability of specific roles and shifts varies from site to site. Please see the What Do Volunteers Do at Island Health section above for more information.

There is no cost to volunteer with Island Health.

A parking pass is available if you volunteer at a site with paid parking. We do not, however, reimburse for travel time to and from your assignment.

Timelines – How long does it take to become a volunteer?

The application process for volunteering can vary in duration from two weeks to several of months.

A number of factors contribute to the timelines to begin volunteering:

• Availability of volunteer roles at your preferred site. If you are not interested or not a fit with current openings, you may prefer to wait.
• Responsiveness of the applicant in submitting the application for a criminal record check, completing the self-guided online training and fulfilling other requirements.
• Processing time of the Criminal Records Review program, which can vary and is beyond our control. Sometimes, there may be a backlog of requests to process, leading to delays.

The timeline for being contacted for an interview is dependent on the above factors.

**Please note** In many areas, our applicant volume is quite large. At the time of your application you will receive an auto-reply providing further details. Our staff will get back to you as soon as they are able.

Please know that we do our best to be responsive and keep you moving through your onboarding as quickly as possible.

What to expect during and after the application process

We collaborate with you to discover a suitable role. With hundreds of programs and frequently changing availability, please understand that not all opportunities are listed on our website. Rest assured; we’ll work closely with you to find the perfect fit.

Following your application submission, you’ll be invited to schedule an interview. This is an opportunity for mutual assessment – for you to learn about us and for us to learn about you.

During the interview, we determine whether volunteering in healthcare aligns with your interests and skills, and if so, identify the most suitable role.

If we both agree that it’s a good fit, we’ll ask you to undergo a criminal record check and complete initial online training (eLearning). Our aim is to ensure everyone feels adequately prepared before starting their role.

Once all the prerequisites are fulfilled, we’ll arrange orientation for your first shift. We prioritize providing support to ensure you feel confident as you begin your volunteer journey.

Even after you’ve started volunteering, we remain accessible to offer ongoing support to you along the way. We’re always here to help.

Policies Relevant to Volunteering at Island Health

All Island Health volunteer applicants must agree to the below General Policies and Code of Conduct prior to volunteering.

Island Health Policies

Code of Conduct Policy
Confidential Information Policy
Respectful Workplace Policy  

Respectful Workplace Procedure
Acceptable Use of Assets and Resources Policy
Animal Visitation Policy
Animal Visitation Guidelines
Hand Hygiene 
Indigenous-specific Anti-Racism and Discrimination Policy

Volunteer-specific Policies & Standards

Volunteer Management Policy Development
Initial Screening and Registration of Volunteers
Volunteer Staff - Relations
Volunteer Orientation Program
Volunteer Training - Assignment Specific
Volunteer Training - Continuing Education
Evaluation of Volunteer Resources and Performance Reviews for Volunteers
Volunteer Assignments with Client Interaction
Volunteer Assignments with Client Interaction Procedure
Scope of Volunteer Involvement
Collaboration with other Organizations Providing Volunteers within Island Health
Collaboration with other organizations providing volunteers within Island Health Procedure
Volunteer Recognition and Support
Island Health Volunteer Resources Standards of Conduct

Other Frequently Asked Questions

How often do I need to volunteer?

While this may vary, typically we ask for a commitment of a 2-4 hour shift per week for at least a six (6) month period.

Is there a uniform I am required to wear?

For acute care hospitals and some other areas, our uniform is required. This is a smock-style apron and can be worn over your street clothes easily and comfortably. As well, we have a red lanyard that attaches to your Photo ID that is also required at all times you are on shift.

In Long Term Care homes, the red lanyard is essential but the apron is not required.

Can I volunteer with Island Health if I am new to Canada on a work, student or a visitor visa?

If you’re in Canada on a Student or Work Visa, please bring your visa documents to your volunteer interview. Your Visa must be valid for at least nine months from the date of interview and allow you to volunteer in healthcare settings with no conditions. Unfortunately, we can’t accept Visitor Visas for volunteer roles.

What Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is provided to me as a volunteer?

While our roles do not typically take place in areas where strict PPE is required, medical masks, gloves and hand sanitizer are readily available should you need.

Is it possible to receive a reference for a job in healthcare?

Yes, we are happy to provide a reference based on your volunteer experience.

Is it possible to receive a reference for a post-secondary school application?

No problem, we are happy to provide references (as well as hour confirmations) as you make your way towards a career in healthcare.

We do require a minimum number of hours before we provide this reference – if you are successful, please inquire with our staff for more details.

I have an upcoming vacation, am I still able to volunteer?

Yes! We are happy to accommodate absences and schedule changes to the best of our ability. However, if your planned leave is over six (6) months, we will not typically hold your spot.

We know life changes quickly, so the sooner you let us know the easier it will be to accommodate your request.