Our First Volunteers

Inova Alexandria Hospital was started by volunteers in 1872. Julia Johns, daughter of the Episcopal bishop of Alexandria, called together a group of concerned citizens and friends who were interested in charity work. Johns asked for their support in forming a society that would both establish and run a local hospital; this was the beginning of Alexandria Hospital.

Alexandrians and residents in the surrounding community continue to volunteer enthusiastically and serve throughout the hospital as well as at the Springfield Health Plex. Our volunteers support our clinical and support teams in delivering excellent care and providing a positive patient experience.

Learn More About Volunteering at Inova Alexandria Hospital

Service Area Options and Availability

Current service needs and availability are updated monthly in the interactive volunteer opportunities box below. Select the hamburger menu (three horizontal lines) to see assignments with openings at each of the hospital sites. By clicking the duties and times needed labels, you can view more details about the service area and the times we currently have openings.

Requirements to Become a Volunteer

  • Commit to one, 3-4 hour shift per week for a minimum of 6 months
  • Be at least 18 years of age (for involvement in the College and Adult programs)
  • Complete and pass a background check
  • Complete two rounds of tuberculosis screening OR one tuberculosis blood test
  • Provide confirmation of receiving the MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella), Varicella (Chickenpox), Tdap for Pertussis (Whooping Cough) vaccines OR proof of immunity via titer
  • Receive a flu vaccine (if onboarding during flu season)
  • Take online training
  • Attend new volunteer training class

To learn more about our program requirements and service area opportunities before applying, we welcome you to attend an information meeting. While not mandatory in order to participate as a volunteer, we highly recommend attending to make sure our program is a good fit for you.

Note: all meetings are held via zoom: https://inova.zoom.us/j/96526194242?pwd=OWdVWWNvVTJBMmNtdmg3ajE0L3FSdz09

  • Upcoming dates to be determined.

Applications are reviewed during designated open application windows throughout the calendar year. Before applying, please be sure you’ll be available to attend the corresponding mandatory orientation session and meet the attendance requirement of serving one, 3-4 hour shift per week for a minimum of six months. You’ll begin volunteering within one week of the orientation session.

  • Applications open: Wednesday, March 6 at 10 a.m. – Wednesday, March 13 at 10 a.m.
  • All applications will be responded to by Tuesday, March 19.
  • Mandatory Meet & Greet/Information session via Zoom: Thursday, March 21 at 6 p.m. or Friday, March 22 at 12 p.m. (noon)
  • Mandatory In Person Orientation: Wednesday, May 1 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

*Please note: At this time, high school student applications are only accepted at Inova Alexandria for the summer program. For details on this program check back on the website in late March 2024.

Volunteer Application

Please note: the below application is for our adult and college programs only. The High School applications will open again in the spring.

Applications will be open from Wednesday, March 6 at 10 a.m. through Wednesday, March 13 at 10 a.m.

Volunteer Application

Patient and Family Advisory Council

Inova Alexandria Hospital is pleased to announce an opportunity for patients and families to have a greater involvement in hospital care by serving on our Patient and Family Advisory Council.

We are seeking volunteers to become members of this group that will help shape the future of healthcare at Inova. The council membership will consist of recent patients and family members as well as hospital staff. The mission of the council is varied and may include the following: providing input and different points of view on programs, issues, and services that impact patient care.

We are looking for volunteers who:

  • Have strong listening skills as well as effective oral communication abilities
  • Are willing to work in an advice-giving role
  • Are able to respect the different points of view of others
  • Are able to actively participate in discussions and provide necessary suggestions for improvement on a variety of issues
  • Have a strong desire and commitment for quality health care at Inova Alexandria Hospital

Learn more about joining our Patient and Family Advisory Council