Rockyview General Hospital  - Volunteer Resources  
Becoming a Volunteer

Who can become a RGH Volunteer?

You are an adult (18 YOA and older) and are a responsible person who accepts a commitment knowing you will be able to be there when you say you will. You’re the kind of person if you can’t make your shift, you provide advance notice so that an alternate can be found to replace you. You know that patients, families and staff are counting on you and you don’t like to disappoint them.

What do I need to do to become a volunteer?

Please call us at 403-943-3566, press 0 or email us at rgh.volunteer@albertahealthservices.ca.

We will ask you for your name and a contact number where one of our staff can reach you Mon-Fri, between the hours of 8:30-4:30.

You will receive a phone call from our coordinator or program assistant asking you why you are exploring volunteer opportunities and which program area are you most interested in. This helps us to determine if we have an opportunity that’s going to meet your needs.

If we have an opportunity that will be a good match to your skills and interests, we’ll ask you to meet with us for an interview.

Please bring the following with you to the interview:

Identification

o         you will be asked to successfully complete a Criminal Records Check.

o         This will be facilitated by Volunteer Resources and requires 2 pieces of Government issued identification. 

o         One piece of ID must have a photograph of the applicant. Acceptable forms of photo ID include: current Driver’s License, Learner’s License, identification cards issued from a motor vehicle registry office, Native Status Card, Canadian Citizenship Card, valid Canadian Passport or Military Card.

o         The second piece of ID can be one of the items already listed or one of the following: Birth Certificate, Alberta Health Care Card or other provincial health care card ,Government issued Social Insurance Card, Firearms Card. 

o         If you have recently moved to Calgary within the last 12 months, please provide a Vulnerable Sector criminal records check from your previous place of residence.   Please bring your ID to the interview.

Immunization Record

o         In order to reduce the occupational hazards associated with working in the hospital environment, health screening aimed at preventing the spread of infection must be done prior to starting your volunteer position.

o         According to policy, Occupational Health and Safety will require:

A completed “Communicable Disease Assessment” form. (this form will be available at the interview.  Please bring your Alberta Health Card or equivalent)

Proof of Rubella (German Measles) immunity in the form of:

o         A copy of immunization history from a certified clinic.  (A copy of immunization records in Calgary may be obtained by calling the central office 403-214-3641)

o         A copy of the previous laboratory results.

o         A written statement from your family physician

o         If unknown, blood testing will be arranged.

o         If not immune, you will be immunized.

            A Varicella (Chickenpox) history of the disease.

o         If yes, a definite history of the disease.

o         If no or unknown history, blood testing will be arranged.

          Tuberculosis status, (if your volunteer work will exceed 10 hour per week) in the form of:

o         Mantoux testing (an injection between the layers of skin on the forearm).

o         A copy of a Mantoux test within the last three months.

o         A copy of a chest x-ray result within the last three months.

o         All necessary testing and immunization will be arranged by Occupational Health & Safety and at no cost to the volunteer.  

References:

Please bring to the interview, the name and daytime phone number of two references.  References can be previous or current employers (paid and/or volunteer work) or if you have not worked recently, someone who can provide a character reference.  We don’t recommend selecting a family member or a personal friend – they have a tendency to be a little biased!

To contact the Rockyview Volunteer Resources Department,
call 403-943-3566 or send e-mail to rghvolunteer.resources@albertahealthservices.ca.