The question of whether hospitals still employ “Candy Stripers” reflects a significant evolution in healthcare volunteerism. While the volunteer role remains a fixture in medical facilities, the specific term and the distinctive uniform have largely been retired. Modern healthcare environments rely heavily on unpaid support, but programs have been formalized and professionalized to meet contemporary standards of patient care and hospital operations. This shift to “Hospital Volunteer” or “Junior Volunteer” reflects broader changes in the industry and the increasing complexity of the medical setting.
The Origin and Role of Candy Stripers
The concept of the Candy Striper began in 1944 as a high school civics class project at East Orange General Hospital in New Jersey. The volunteers were predominantly high school girls who wore a red-and-white striped pinafore, which gave rise to the nickname because the uniform resembled a peppermint candy cane. The program quickly became widespread from the 1950s through the early 1990s, often sponsored by women’s auxiliaries that supported the hospitals.
The responsibilities of these early volunteers focused on light-duty, non-medical tasks that provided comfort and convenience to patients and staff. Typical duties included running errands for nurses, delivering mail, flowers, and newspapers, and providing companionship. They also served water and passed out menus, assisting with basic tasks to free up the time of professional nursing staff. This role was designed to introduce young women interested in nursing to the hospital environment, serving as a pipeline for future healthcare workers.
The Evolution of the Hospital Volunteer Role
The transition away from the “Candy Striper” term began as the healthcare field became more complex and regulated. The role, originally nearly exclusive to young women, saw increased interest from young men, necessitating a gender-neutral title. As the sponsoring women’s auxiliaries dissolved, hospitals took over volunteer operations, leading to more centralized and official program management.
Significant factors contributing to the change included the professionalization of healthcare and the introduction of stricter privacy laws. Modern legal requirements, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), mandate that all personnel, including volunteers, receive extensive training on patient privacy and data security. This focus on liability and patient confidentiality required a more formal integration of volunteers into the hospital’s official structure. The shift in nomenclature to terms like “Junior Volunteer” or “Student Volunteer” accompanied the replacement of the striped uniform with neutral attire, such as polo shirts or vests, to avoid confusion with professional staff.
Modern Hospital Volunteer Programs
Today’s hospital volunteer programs are highly structured, offering a range of assignments more diverse than those of the original Candy Stripers. Programs are typically categorized, such as Junior Volunteer programs for high school students, college student internships, and general adult volunteer roles. These programs require volunteers to undergo formal orientation and assignment-specific training before beginning their service.
Modern duties often involve direct customer service and logistical support, which are valuable for smooth hospital operations. Volunteers may serve as “wayfinders” by greeting and escorting patients and visitors throughout the facility. Other common tasks include:
- Patient transport in wheelchairs.
- Assisting with patient discharges.
- Providing administrative support in various departments.
- Working in the gift shop.
- Providing comfort to patients in waiting areas.
- Assisting in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) with non-clinical support.
Benefits of Volunteering in a Healthcare Setting
Volunteering in a healthcare setting offers substantial personal and professional advantages for the participant. For students, the experience provides firsthand exposure to the realities of a medical environment, which is invaluable for those considering a career in medicine, nursing, or allied health fields. Working within a hospital setting allows students to observe different specialties and build a professional network with established practitioners, which can lead to job references or insights into future employment.
Beyond career exploration, the volunteer experience helps develop soft skills transferable to any profession. Regular interaction with patients, families, and staff strengthens communication abilities and fosters empathy and compassion. The commitment required by hospitals, often a minimum of 60 hours over several months, demonstrates reliability and a strong work ethic, which can enhance college and professional school applications.
How to Become a Hospital Volunteer
The application process for becoming a hospital volunteer is standardized and begins with completing an online application, typically found on the hospital’s website. Once submitted, a volunteer coordinator reviews the application, and potential candidates are often invited for an interview to discuss their interests and commitment.
Applicants must satisfy several requirements before working in a patient-facing role. Many programs have a minimum age requirement, commonly between 14 and 16 years old for student programs, though adult programs require volunteers to be 18 or older. Accepted applicants must complete a background check and a health clearance, which often includes providing proof of immunity to certain diseases and undergoing a tuberculosis (TB) test. Finally, volunteers are required to attend a mandatory orientation that covers hospital policies, safety procedures, and compliance with patient privacy regulations.