Volunteer opportunities

Apply for volunteering

At Aurora, we have a variety of volunteer opportunities to suit every interest and experience level. From volunteering remotely to volunteering at a hospital or clinic, our opportunities give you the chance to make a lasting impact on the lives of our patients. See below for a partial list of the volunteer opportunities available throughout the Aurora Health Care system.

Ambassadors (all sites)

Ambassador preparing a patient wheelchair

Do you believe in the power of first impressions? Then you’ll thrive as an Aurora ambassador - the first point of contact when guests arrive at our hospitals and clinics. Ambassadors’ welcome patients and visitors, provide directions, escort patients to their destinations, and assist people in wheelchairs. This is an excellent opportunity if you are looking to be active and social.

Floor assistants (all Aurora hospitals)

Floor assistant with mask

As a floor assistant, you’ll work on an inpatient floor helping people who have been admitted to the hospital. You’ll support the nursing team by passing out books and magazines, offering warm blankets, bringing fresh drinking water, stocking supplies, and helping with special projects.

Virtual volunteering

Virtual volunteer at computer

Volunteer from home or one of our locations by placing calls to hospital in-patients to inquire how their care has been, learn of experiences to help improve their stay and connect with clinical staff to assist patients when needed. Connect patients and family through Zoom meeting services. Assist with witnessing patients’ signing their Advance Directives.

Emergency department (many Aurora hospitals)

Patient entering the emergency department in wheelchair

One of our most popular volunteer opportunities is working in the emergency department. When you become an emergency department volunteer, it’s your job to provide comfort and reduce anxiety for patients and their loved ones. You’ll accomplish this by attending to guests in reception areas, checking on patients, communicating wait times, updating family members on patient progress, and passing out warm blankets. You’ll also assist the care team with other tasks like restocking medical supplies.

Pet therapy (all Aurora hospitals)

Our four-legged furry friends are a huge part of our volunteer team! Certified pet therapy dogs spread joy, reduce anxiety, and ease fears for patients and visitors alike. All therapy dogs must have their Animal-Assisted Therapy Certification to participate in our volunteer programs.

HELP (Hospital Elder Life Program) (Aurora Grafton, Aurora Sinai, Aurora St. Luke's & Aurora West Allis)

Pre-health students are a wonderful fit for this program, although anyone who would like hands-on care of a patient is welcome. This is Aurora’s only direct patient care volunteer position. Learn more about HELP PDF].

Cancer center ambassadors (Aurora BayCare, Aurora Summit, Aurora West Allis & Aurora Health Center in Germantown)

Cancer center volunteers provide vital support and comfort to those undergoing cancer treatments. In this position, you’ll help guests get comfortable before their treatment, offer them a warm blanket, or deliver a favorite snack. You might also bake cookies and share them with patients or sit and chat to help pass the time.

Aurora Health at Home hospice volunteers

Aurora’s hospice volunteers share their unique talents and skills to help people at the end of life. We provide highly specialized training for volunteer opportunities through the hospice volunteer program, from patient companionship to clerical work. You can make a difference in the life of a hospice patient. Complete the hospice Hospice Volunteer Application Form to get started.

Patient companions (Aurora Grafton amp; Aurora Psychiatric Hospital)

Are you a good listener? Do you find it easy to empathize with others? Become a patient companion and provide comfort by listening and being present with patients in need.

Cookie bakers

Who doesn’t love the comforting aroma of freshly baked cookies? Become a cookie baker and spread joy and delight to patients and visitors alike. Bake cookies in patient care areas, pass them out in the waiting room, or deliver them throughout the facility - and count how many smiles you inspire!

Musicians

Do you play the piano, flute, or another soothing instrument? Share your musical talents with our patients and visitors in hospital waiting areas. Many of our facilities have pianos right in the lobby, or you can bring your own instrument from home.

So much more

There are close to 25 different volunteer opportunities! Read our FAQ for answers about common volunteering questions. Contact our volunteer coordinators about other ways you can help or for answers to questions not addressed in our FAQ.