Frequently Asked Questions

The following Frequently Asked Questions will answer many of your questions about volunteering at NorthBay.

General Questions
What are the requirements?
Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older. Volunteers must also complete an application, pass a background check, and attend a mandatory orientation session. To find out all the required steps to becoming a Guild Volunteer, please click here.

How do I get started?
To get started, please visit this page and follow all the steps. The best way to get started is by printing and mailing an application and then communicating your interest in volunteering to Volunteer Services when contacted for an interview.

What is my time commitment?
Volunteers keep a regular schedule of at least one shift per week. Shifts are at least three (3) hours in length. You also commit to a minimum of 100 service hours in a given year.

May I volunteer more than one shift per week?
Yes! Many Volunteers give their time in multiple shifts throughout the week, and in multiple Service Areas. NorthBay Guild is very interested in recruiting long-term volunteers who plan on being with NorthBay for many years. If your schedule allows sufficient flexibility to volunteer for many hours in a given week, we would be very interested in talking with you!

I only need 20 hours of community service for school. Can I fulfill this requirement at NorthBay?
Unfortunately, no. Our minimum requirement of service is 100 hours, and we do not provide references or write letters of recommendation until the minimum 100-hour commitment is met.

I have recently received a criminal conviction that requires community service. Can I fulfill this requirement at NorthBay?
Unfortunately, no. Hospital policies do not allow us to certify community service at NorthBay to a court or to satisfy sentencing requirements stemming from a criminal conviction.

What do Volunteers do at NorthBay?
Primarily, Volunteers offer extra TLC and kindness to our patients and their families. Volunteers also help raise money for the hospital and support our community. We have listed an extensive description of all the areas within the NorthBay Healthcare System where volunteers provide needed assistance here.

Questions about the application form
Please fill out the Volunteer Application completely and in blue or black ink. Do not forget to sign and date your application. Then, mail the application to this address:

Volunteer Services
NorthBay Healthcare
1200 B. Gale Wilson Blvd.
Fairfield, CA 94533

Why do you need an emergency name and contact?
In the event that something happens to you while you are on your shift, we need to be able to contact someone on your behalf.

I only speak a little of a certain language (Spanish, French, etc.). Should I list that on the application?
Yes. We are interested in Volunteers that speak a variety of languages as a way of communicating effectively with our patients and their families. Just be sure to check the appropriate box for conversational fluency using the best judgment of your abilities. NOTE: Volunteers at NorthBay must also be fluent in English.

Who should I list as references?
You may list teachers, neighbors, friends, clergy members, or members of the social groups to which you belong. We prefer references to be individuals who are in "helping fields," such as clergy members, teachers, and counselors. Listing family members and other relatives is not permitted.

Questions about the health clearance requirements

What is needed for a health clearance?
NorthBay Healthcare requires all Volunteers to meet the following health requirements:
Required Immunizations

• Proof of a two-step TB Test (within one year)
• Blood Titer for Rubella or Rubiola OR proof of immunization (within two years)

• Must be able to walk with a normal gait.
• Must be able to stand unassisted for ten (10) minutes, unless reasonable accommodations can be made.
• Must be able to bend and lift objects up to five (5) pounds and return to a standing position with, or without, the use of assistance of a stationary object (i.e. desk, table, etc.).
• Ability to move quickly throughout the hospital.
• Physical stamina and ability to push gurneys and wheelchairs.

Where do I get my two-step TB Test?
You can get your required two-step TB Test from either your physician, or at NorthBay's Occupational Health Office. If you choose to have NorthBay provide your two-step TB Test, you must receive permission from Volunteer Services prior to reporting to Occupational Health. DO NOT arrive at Occupational Health for a TB Test prior to receiving clearance from Volunteer Services.

What happens if I test positive for TB, or if I know that I will test positive for TB?

• If you test positive for TB, you will be directed to receive medical attention immediately and may not be able to volunteer for NorthBay until cleared to do so by both your primary care physician and Volunteer Services.
• If you know that you will test positive for TB, you will be required to provide a copy of a chest x-ray taken within that last five (5) years.

Questions about the College Student Volunteer Service

My school requires that I volunteer 20 hours per year. Can I fulfill that requirement at NorthBay?
Unfortunately, no. Our minimum requirement of service is 100 hours, and we do not provide references or write letters of recommendation until the minimum 100-hour commitment is met.

Why do I need to pay a deposit to become a College Student Volunteer, and how much does it cost?
Unfortunately, due to the current economic times, we have been forced to require a deposit from our Volunteers. Upon the completion of 100 hours in one year, your entire deposit will be returned to you except the Guild Membership dues of $10. There are a few ways you can reduce the amount of the deposit by providing some of the required documentation and uniform pieces (included in the table above under the heading "Items You May Provide and Deduct").

Here is a table listing the itemized costs of the deposit:

I am interested in volunteer work that allows me to perform the same duties as a paid employee. Can I do this at NorthBay?
No. Due to the Fair Standards Labor Act (FSLA), Volunteers at NorthBay cannot perform the same job as a paid employee. Furthermore, Volunteers will not do any hands on care, nor may they use any medical skills or assist in a medical procedure in any way even if trained to do so.

I am interested in working at NorthBay. Will volunteering my time get my foot in the door?
No. Volunteers do not have priority for any employment positions that may become available. If you are interested in working for NorthBay, please check our job opportunities on a regular basis.

Is volunteering for NorthBay considered an internship, externship, or work experience? Can I receive a letter of recommendation for my services?
Volunteering for NorthBay is not considered an internship, externship, or work experience. Letters of recommendation may be provided but only for those Volunteers that have met the minimum commitment of 100 hours of service.

I can only volunteer my time on weekdays and during normal business hours. Is this possible?
Generally no. College Student Volunteers typically work shifts during nights and weekends.

What is the time commitment?
College Student Volunteers are required to volunteer for a minimum of 100 hours in a given year, and for at least one shift per week. Each shift is at least three (3) hours long.

I am required to attend an Orientation. When will one be held for me?
Orientations for College Student Volunteers are different from orientations for Guild Volunteers. Check this page to find upcoming dates and times for College Student Volunteer Orientation.

Questions about volunteering for Hospice

I am interested in volunteering for Hospice.
NorthBay does have a separate department for hospice volunteers. To find our more information, please click here.