Are you passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of children? Do you have a warm heart and a desire to support families in need? Sanford Health in Fargo, ND is seeking compassionate and dedicated individuals to join our Cuddle Care Volunteer Programs. As a volunteer, you will play a vital role in our Child Life Program, bringing comfort, joy, and a sense of normalcy to young patients and their families during challenging times.
Our volunteer program offers a unique opportunity to engage directly with children in a healthcare setting. You will work alongside our Child Life Specialists to provide essential support and create a nurturing environment. Whether it’s through a comforting cuddle for an infant, engaging in playful activities with a toddler, or simply offering a listening ear to an older child, your presence can make a world of difference.
What You Will Do as a Cuddle Care Volunteer:
- Direct Interaction with Children: Engage with individual children or small groups in planned activities, focusing on their specific needs and interests. This might include reading stories, playing games, or assisting with arts and crafts projects, all within a safe and supportive environment.
- Playroom Support: Assist our Child Life staff in maintaining our playrooms. This includes ensuring a clean, organized, and well-stocked space where children can feel at ease and enjoy therapeutic play. Your help keeps these vital spaces welcoming and functional.
- Patient Room Visits: Visit children in their hospital rooms to offer companionship and distraction. Activities can range from gentle rocking of babies to age-appropriate play and conversation with older children. These visits provide crucial emotional support and a break from medical routines.
- Activity Escort: Accompany patients and their family members to the playroom, Cully’s Cabin, or other scheduled Child Life events. Your assistance ensures children can participate in these enriching activities, regardless of mobility challenges or parental availability.
- Parent Respite: Offer parents a valuable opportunity to rest and recharge by providing attentive care for their children. Knowing their child is in caring hands allows parents to take much-needed breaks, reducing stress and improving their ability to support their child.
- Special Events Assistance: Support Child Life in hosting special events and welcoming visitors. This could involve helping with event setup, guiding patients and families to event locations, assisting with activities, or distributing donated items, adding to the fun and celebratory atmosphere.
- Choice and Empowerment: Offer children and families constructive, safe, and appropriate choices in activities and interactions. This empowers them to feel a sense of control and normalcy during their hospital stay.
- Positive Role Modeling: Be a positive role model for families, fostering a fun and enjoyable atmosphere within the healthcare setting. Your positive attitude and caring demeanor contribute to a more uplifting experience for everyone.
- Continuity of Care Feedback: Provide regular feedback to the Child Life staff regarding patient activities and well-being. Your observations are valuable in ensuring consistent and responsive care for each child.
Training and Commitment:
Sanford Health is committed to providing you with the training and support you need to thrive as a Cuddle Care Volunteer. You will attend a general volunteer orientation with Sanford Volunteer Services, followed by a detailed orientation with Child Life Specialists. This comprehensive onboarding will cover your responsibilities, hospital policies, safety guidelines, and answer any questions you may have. Ongoing training and annual evaluations ensure you are continuously developing in your role.
Confidentiality and Expectations:
Maintaining patient confidentiality is paramount. As a volunteer, you will be expected to adhere to strict hospital policies regarding patient privacy, as outlined in the Volunteer Handbook. We expect our volunteers to be responsible, flexible, and above all, to treat patients and visitors with kindness and respect. Safety is our top priority, and we require volunteers to be at least 18 years of age and high school graduates. We ask for a commitment of 6 months, one semester, or 50 hours of service. If you are unable to make your scheduled volunteer time, we ask that you contact the Child Life Specialists as soon as possible. It is also crucial that you do not volunteer if you are feeling ill or contagious to protect our vulnerable patients.
Volunteer Time Slots:
We offer a variety of convenient time slots to fit your schedule:
- Weekdays: Monday – Friday, 9am – 12pm, 12pm – 3pm, 3pm – 6pm, 6pm – 9pm
- Weekends: Saturday and Sunday, 10 am–1 pm or 1–4 pm
Shifts are typically 2-3 hours long.
Ready to Apply?
If you are ready to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families in Fargo, ND, we encourage you to apply for our Cuddle Care Volunteer Program today! Click the link below to start your application process.
Join us in providing comfort, care, and cuddles to those who need it most. Your time and compassion can brighten the lives of children and families at Sanford Health.
