Volunteer Program Overview

Thank you for your interest in volunteering at Nicklaus Children's Hospital! Nicklaus Children's volunteers make a difference with the patients and families in the hospital and outpatient centers by providing unexpected joy through engaging activities and play, and by supporting the professional staff throughout Nicklaus Children's Health System. The Volunteer Resources Department oreints, interview, trains, and places all qualified applicants who wish to volunteer. We enthusiastically welcome individuals of all backgrounds and abilities, and offer a wide variety of volunteer opportunities to meet the enterest, needs, and desired experiences of all volunteers.

Volunteer Application Process

At Nicklaus Children's, we believe that our patients and families deserve the absolute best. As such, our volunteers are rigorously vetted in oder to provide quality volunteer support. Once a completed application has been submitted, a member of our team will review the application and contact you by email within two weeks. The application and onboarding process may take up to 8 weeks.

Time Commitment

Fullfill a six month and 80 hour minimum commitment by volunteering once a week for a scheduled three-hour shift. Two absences are permitted in each three-month period.

Before applying, please carefully consider your ability to fully commit to the program. Putting our patients and families first, we enforce a very high standard for attedance and punctuality. Volunteers in this program must be able to maintian their commitment even throughout periods of heavy school workload and exams.

Please note that verification of hours and/or recommendation letters may be provided only upon successful completion of the minimum commitment.

Thank you in advance for your thoughful consideration of this commitment.

Medical Requirements

Patient safety is our highest priority and as such, all Nicklaus Children's volunteers must comply with all vaccination requirements and health screenings.

  • Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine: submit immunization record demonstrating two vaccination dates, or a blood titer screening demonstrating immunity.
  • Varicella (Chickenpox) Vaccine: submit immunization record demonstrating two vaccination dates or year in which you had the disease, or a blood titer screening demonstrating immunity.
  • Tetanus, Dipheria, Pertussis (Tdap) Vaccine: submit immunization record demonstrating one vaccination date.
  • Tuberculosis (TB) Screening: submit proof of a PPD skin test, or Quantiferon blood test, performed withing the most recent three months.
  • Influenza (Flu) Vaccine: is required throughout flu season, December 1- April 1 of each year.

All vaccines and the PPD skin test are provided at a reduced cost for volunteers in the Employee Health Clinic. More information on this option will be provided at the interview. We appreciate your understanding in putting the safety and wellness of our patients first.

Background Check

A level I background check will be performed immediately following the interview for all new volunteers aged 18+. A Social Security number will be required for the background check. International applicants without a Social Security number may contact Volunteer Resources at 786-624-4431 for for options.

Background checks are performed free of charge to new volunteers.

Volunteer Uniform & ID Badge

Accepted volunteers will be required to purchase a volunteer polo, available at the hospital's Gift Shop for $34. An ID badge will be provided to all volunteers once onboarding requirements have been completed.

Volunteer Interview

Applicants will be invited to Volunteer Resources at Nicklaus Children's Hospital's main campus at 3100 SW 62nd Avenue in Miami for an interview, following the completion of an online welcome orientation. The purpose of the interview is to match an applicant's skills, background, and interest to an appropriate and available volunteer placement. Acceptance into the Nicklaus Children's program wil be determined at that time, along with the volunteer placement, schedule, training dates(s). Please come prepared with your current and upcoming schedule availability.

Volunteer placements are not guaranteed, and are based on availability and the outcome of the interview.

Volunteer Training(s)

Orientation and training(s) are provided jointly by Volunteer Resources and the volunteer's department prior to beginning volunteer service.

Additional Requirements for High School Volunteers

Prior to reviewing and accepting high school volunteer applications, high school applicants must upload a copy of immunization records, birth certificate, and most recent school report card demonstrating academic and conduct grades of A or B, in order to be considered for the volunteer program.

Additional Requirements for Specialized Volunteer Programs

Please note that all requirements for each Specialized Volunteer Program must be uploaded for application consideration.

  • Hair Styling & Massage Therapy: a copy of your certification.
  • Pet Therapy: a copy of Therapy Dog Certification, Rabies vaccine , and fecal exam record.
  • RN: a copy of RN License, BSN, and CPR documention.