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Volunteer Program

Come Join Us!

Join our Volunteer Team

Volunteering Makes a Difference

Volunteers add an important personal connection to patients’ experiences in the increasingly technological environment of health care.

At Bassett Healthcare Network, our volunteers make a difference. They provide support, comfort, and compassion to our patients, families, visitors, and our communities. Bassett offers a wide range of exciting volunteer opportunities including information services, emergency services, pet therapy, spiritual care, and many more.

Bassett volunteers are people just like you – professionals, retirees, students*, stay-at-home parents, and many others!

*Junior volunteers must be at least 14 years old.

Most Needed Volunteer Areas

  • Information Desk Greeter: All Hospitals
  • No One Dies Alone Volunteer: All Hospitals
  • Emergency Department Hostess: All Hospitals
  • Assisted Living Assistance: Valley Residential Services
  • Bassett Cancer Institute Volunteer: Bassett Medical Center
  • Compassionate Companion: All Hospitals
  • Gift Shop Attendant: All Hospitals
  • Nursing Home Volunteer: A.O. Fox Nursing Home & Valley Health Services
Hospital Volunteer helping an older male patient use their smartphone

Who Can Volunteer

We welcome anyone who has a true desire to make a difference. Whether you're a teenager, college student, retiree, or just looking for a way to give back, we have a place for you at Bassett!

Hospital Volunteer comforting an elderly female patient who is in a wheelchair

Your Impact

As a Bassett volunteer, you'll engage in many meaningful activities — including (but not limited to):

  • Providing comfort and support to patients

  • Supporting our hospital staff

  • Special projects and events

  • Enhancing the patient experience for our patients and their families

Hospital Volunteer pushing a patient who is in a wheelchair outside on a nice summer day

Benefits of Volunteering

  • Make a positive change in patient's lives

  • Develop new skills and enhance existing ones

  • Build self-confidence

  • Gain experience in a health care setting

  • Connect with a supportive community

  • Become part of a caring and passionate team


 

What Areas do Volunteers Work in?

Volunteers lend their time and talents in many areas of the health care system. You may choose what interests you. Volunteer shift hours are flexible, and positions are available in the following areas:

  • Information Desk Greeter
  • Assisted Living Assistance
  • Bassett Cancer Institute
  • Compassionate Companion
  • Emergency Department Hostess
  • Gift Shop Attendant
  • No One Dies Alone Volunteer
  • Nursing Home Volunteer
  • Pet Therapy Volunteer
  • Spiritual Care Volunteer

Testimonials from Bassett Volunteers

Below, you'll find real stories and heartfelt testimonials from volunteers who care, connect, and create lasting change for our patients. Their experiences reflect the passion, resilience, and hope at the heart of our program.

Tim Below

Tim Belew

Bassett Medical Center Volunteer

"I encourage anyone who is willing to give of themselves and of their time to consider volunteering. The gratification I feel spending time with patients and families, and the appreciation I receive from the workers I help is really spectacular. The reception I get from every single person is tremendous.”

Linda Kulp

Linda Kulp

Gift Shop Volunteer

"The merchandise is so beautiful. There are so few places in Oneonta where you can go to get such beautiful stuff. The gift shop is a treasure, not just for the hospital, but for the community as a whole.”

Barbara Gay

Barbara Gay

Nursing Home Volunteer

"Not only have I been able to give back and help, but this volunteer experience has been just as beneficial for me as it has been for them. I love how involved the Bassett staff get with our activities and I think it is important to continue to enhance the experience for our residents. I am proud to be a volunteer with Bassett and A.O. Fox Nursing Home.”

Volunteer Highlight

Click on the below images to see some of our volunteers in action, and learn more about what they do to bring comfort and support to our patients!

How do I Become a Volunteer?

If you're viewing this page on a mobile or tablet device, scroll to the left using your finger to view the full list.

  • Complete Our Volunteer Interest Form

    Fully complete and submit our online volunteer form.

  • Interview

    Interview with our team.

  • Get Cleared

    All on-site volunteers are required to be cleared through a background check and our employee health department prior to volunteering.

  • Schedule your First Day!

    Complete our volunteer orientation, obtain a photo ID, and make arrangements for your first day!

Learn More About Volunteering

Thank you for your interest in volunteering at Bassett Healthcare Network!