At St. Mary Mercy Hospital a special group of people personify generosity and unselfishness. They freely give of their time, talents and resources to help St. Mary Mercy Hospital carry out its mission of service to the community. These dedicated individuals are the volunteers of St. Mary Mercy Hospital.

We invite you to become a part of this exceptional group of people.

Volunteer opportunities are available in over 40 departments within the hospital. Placement of volunteers in all departments is dependent upon service area needs. These service areas, including both patient interaction and non-patient care related duties, are as follows:

• How to Become a St. Mary Mercy Hospital Volunteer You have taken the first step by requesting this information. Please call the Volunteer Services Department to schedule an interview. Further requirements include: Furnish two references (one character reference, and one employment reference, if applicable). A form will be provided for this purpose. Meet health requirements. Meet uniform requirements. Participate in orientation of assigned area. Be flexible to service area needs and times. Volunteering Benefits The volunteer program of St. Mary Mercy Hospital is geared for your success: Enjoy the “family atmosphere” and positive work environment. Be recognized as a vital part of hospital care. Sharpen your skills or learn new ones. Gain social relationships with fellow volunteers and other community members. Call today for an appointment: St. Mary Mercy Hospital Volunteer Services Department 734.655.2912 or 800.494.1652 (out of area) or contact us online.

  Admitting
  Put on your walking shoes and escort patients to various testing areas.
  
  
• Endoscopy
  The Endoscopy Department offers volunteers an opportunity to assist patients and patient family members. Some clerical work is involved. The ability to push wheelchairs and walk to other areas is necessary.
  
  
• Emergency Center
  Three service areas are available. The Emergency Liaison supports patient family members by keeping them informed of the status of the patient. The Emergency Ambassador reacts to the needs of the liaison and the patient family members in a clerical situation, interfacing with staff regarding the condition of patients. The Emergency Runner offers direct patient comfort and errand assistance for the staff.
  
  
• Food and Nutrition Services
  Assist our dietary specialists with tray delivery, menu distribution, or general kitchen service. Involves some patient interaction.
  
  
• Infant Hearing Screening
  One of the newest programs at St. Mary Mercy Hospital, this program is limited to retired medical professionals (nurses, physicians, aides, physician office personnel, etc.).Hands on involvement with newborns.
  
  
• Information Desks
  Meet and greet incoming visitors and be part of a positive first impression.
  Marian Women’s Center. A variety of light clerical duties and collating skills are needed by this department.
  
  
• Medical Records
  Clerical assistance involving typing, filing, computer input, materials copying.
  
  
• Miracle of Life Birthing Center
  Assist staff with a variety of duties including clerical, patient transport, patient snack cart, supply organization, and much more. Does not include involvement with babies.
  
  
• Non-invasive Cardiology
  If you are interested in clerical work, this is the service area for you. Assisting the office staff with a variety of clerical duties will make your day go quickly.
  
  
• Nuclear Medicine
  Assisting patients to and from various testing areas and being a cheerful person will make you a valuable part of this department. Some light clerical skills are necessary.
  
  
• Physical Medicine and Rehab
  Students wishing to volunteer and at the same time fulfill educational requirements will find this program most beneficial.
  
  
• Outpatient Surgery
  A choice of clerical or patient interaction is available in this service area. Receptionists greet incoming patients, while other volunteers interact directly with the patients.
  
  
• Patient Interaction Areas
  The volunteers offer staff and patient assistance. Visiting with patients, providing fresh ice water, and assisting the staff with light clerical functions are only a few of the duties that keep volunteers active and in touch with a variety of people and duties.
  
  
• Other Departments
  Included in this classification: Library, Coffee Cart, Book Cart, Clerical Pool, Marketing/Public Relations, Patient Services, Radiology, Oncology, and many more.
  
• Pet Therapy Volunteer Program, as featured in the Detroit News
  Visiting St. Mary Mercy Hospital, you may notice another kind of volunteer - pet therapy dogs. These four-legged friends visit patient rooms, waiting rooms and lobbies to interact with patients, families and staff. Each visit typically lasts two to three hours.  The program currently has 11 dogs, working through Dr. Paws, a nationwide pet assisted therapy program.
  
  Pet therapy has both physiological and psychological benefits. Not only does pet therapy help alleviate pain, it helps to make facilities more homelike and offers a change in a patient’s routine.  Spending time with animals can help patients feel less lonely.  In turn, patients often become more active during and after a pet visit.  Animal visits can also trigger memories of a patient’s own pet, which stimulates conversation.  Owning a pet can serve as a common bond between a patient and a caregiver.  In fact, simply petting a dog or cat may help lower blood pressure.
  
  These canine visitors can be small or large dogs and must meet certain requirements. To find out more, please visit www.drpaws.org. For more information on the Pet Therapy program at St. Mary Mercy Hospital, contact the volunteer office at 734.655.2912.