Volunteer

“A Tradition of Caring”

The Application deadline for the Summer Program is April 1. 

Shawnee Mission Medical Center (SMMC) represents a tradition of caring. Our volunteers are noted for their warmth, professional courtesy and efficiency, and they find their volunteering experiences to be challenging and personally fulfilling. We invite you to add to this tradition by contributing your time as a SMMC volunteer.

What is a Volunteer?

A volunteer is one who, under staff supervision and direction, serves the hospital without salary. A volunteer gives complimentary service to patients, offers assistance where needed and responds to requests for help.

Most volunteers work one shift per week. Volunteers are asked to commit to giving a minimum of 60 hours of service to the program.

SMMC Volunteer Programs

Adult – The adult volunteer program is for men and women age 19 and older. Weekday and evening/weekend opportunities are available.

Junior – The junior volunteer program is for young persons, age 14-18. The program is year-round, but a student can join in the fall or summer depending on his/her schedule. The summer program runs June through August. Applications for the summer program are due by April 1st. Late applications will be considered for the fall program. The fall program runs September through May. Evening and weekend opportunities are available.

SMMC Volunteer Benefits

Volunteers serve not only individual patients and employees, but also the institution as a whole. While it is impossible to measure the personal benefits that a volunteer receives when helping members of his/her community, perhaps it is just as impossible to estimate the value of volunteer service to the medical center in terms of hours, energy and dollars saved.

To express appreciation for a volunteer’s time and concern, SMMC offers the following benefits:

  • A discount in the Gift Shop
  • Discounts at area businesses
  • Free initial and annual TB tests
  • Free flu shots
  • Invitation to all employee social events
  • Discounted tickets for special events and theme parks
  • Annual awards luncheon/banquet

Meet Our Volunteers

Adult Volunteer

John Gossage

John Gossage began volunteering at Shawnee Mission Medical Center in August 2008 and has given over 5,470 hours of service. He currently serves the Admitting Outpatient Entrance on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, and the Presurgery Clinic on Wednesdays. When asked how he feels about volunteering, John said, “What a privilege to serve here at SMMC, especially on this, the 50th Anniversary, with a great staff of doctors, wonderful nurses and associates, and some of the finest volunteers around! A heartfelt thanks to all who supported me in receiving this award, including my wife, who has sacrificed so that I could spend time volunteering, and my Lord Jesus Christ, who deserves all the glory and honor.”
Junior Volunteer

 

Melissa Balino

Melissa Balino has volunteered for Shawnee Mission Medical Center since April 2010. Melissa has graciously given over 300 hours of service to SMMC. She currently volunteers in the Gift Shop on Sundays, and assists throughout the year with many special events. Customers have commented on how friendly and helpful she is; and the Gift Shop staff truly appreciates her positive attitude, customer service skills, and attention to detail. When asked why she volunteers at SMMC, she said, “I enjoy volunteering at SMMC because I like having a steady volunteer schedule at a place so warm and friendly. The other volunteers are always willing to help out, and I like having the chance to interact with people. It’s rewarding to know that my service can help make a customer’s day better.”