Benefits of Volunteering
Volunteering at Chesapeake Regional Healthcare is a rewarding way to make new friends and discover new interests. By working in different areas throughout the hospital, volunteers of all ages gain experience and knowledge.
Our volunteers are truly part of the health care team and make a difference every day. Their efforts are greatly appreciated by patients and staff. They are included in hospital special events and are given a special reception during National Volunteer Week each year.
In addition to a general orientation, volunteers receive training in their chosen area:
- Welcome/Information Desk
- Physical Therapy
- SAU (Surgical Assessment Unit)
- Phase 2 (Day Surgery Unit/Phase II Recovery)
- Mail Room
- Priority Toyota Cancer Center
- Diagnostic and Breast Center (Jennings Outpatient Center)
- Radiology
- Cardiac Cath Lab
- Emergency Department
- Nursing Units
- Gift Shop
- Welcome Waggers (see below)
- Registration
- Knitters & Quilters
Additional special training may be provided in certain areas of the hospital.
Welcome Waggers
At Chesapeake Regional Medical Center, volunteer handlers and their certified therapy dogs are known as Welcome Waggers. The teams are available to provide companionship and help improve the emotional well-being of people throughout the hospital.
Chesapeake Regional has enjoyed the innovative benefits of pet therapy for nearly 20 years. Volunteers and their dogs, certified by Therapy Dogs International, make short, in-room visits to patients who would benefit from their company. Consult requests are simply entered into a patient’s electronic medical record. The dogs also visit nursing stations and waiting areas.
No matter their background, breed, size, shape or color, all of our Welcome Waggers perform an important role at Chesapeake Regional. Not only do they help the hospital improve patient satisfaction, but their unconditional love brings warmth and happiness to those who need it most.
Safety and sanitation requirements:
• Therapy Dogs International certification for the current year
• Updated pet vaccination record (use TDI form)
• Owners need a recent Tuberculosis test (PPD), and a flu shot during the season
Welcome Waggers provide joy and fun, plus:
• Positive, friendly experiences
• A distraction for patients who are alone
• A sense of unconditional love and acceptance
• Comfort for patients who miss their pets
• Enjoyment for visitors, clinical and non-clinical staff
How to join our team
Community members interested in volunteering as a pet therapy team must complete this application (choose Welcome Waggers as your first choice). For more information, call the Volunteer Office at 757-312-6109.
Volunteer at Chesapeake Regional Medical Center
Interested in Becoming an Adult Volunteer?
Your commitment of time to our program is valuable. Our commitment to making your experience at Chesapeake Regional Healthcare is important as well. For this reason, we ask that you commit to six months or a minimum of 100 hours of volunteer service.
Please note, there are two separate pages you will be directed to.
Student Volunteer Program
The high school student volunteer program application is now OPEN until May 31st, 2025. Apply here!
To qualify for our summer program, you must commit to one of the three sessions in its entirety:
- June 30th - July 10th
- July 21st - July 31st
- August 11th - August 21st
Summer High School Student Program – Session 1 Update
Thank you for your interest in our Summer High School Student Program. Please note that Session 1 is now at full capacity and registration is closed for that session. We appreciate the overwhelming response and enthusiasm from students.
If you are still interested in participating, we encourage you to consider enrolling in Session 2 or 3, which currently have limited availability.