Kootenai Health is a highly esteemed health care organization, serving patients throughout northern Idaho and the Inland Northwest. We provide a comprehensive range of medical services and strive to meet the evolving needs of our surrounding communities. Kootenai Health is continuously recognized both regionally and nationally for clinical excellence. Our mission is to improve health one patient at a time in a friendly and professional culture committed to superior quality and safety. We have one of the strongest hospital volunteer programs in the Northwest consisting of Kootenai Health Adult volunteers, as well as our Teen Volunteer Program for students ages 14 through 17 years old.
We Want You
By becoming a volunteer at Kootenai Health, you get the opportunity to create a meaningful impact on the lives of our patients and their families. If you are looking to gain a genuine sense of satisfaction from helping others, please consider volunteering at Kootenai Health. We truly appreciate volunteers and their gift of time. In recent years, Kootenai volunteers have contributed over 30,000 hours annually in helping us provide high quality care to our patients and community. As we grow and change, volunteers are needed to meet our changing environment. If you have a desire to help others, we have lots of options for you. We are always developing new programs and looking for new ways to support our patients, staff and guests. We are seeking compassionate individuals who are able to commit to at least four hours per week and at least 100 hours to their volunteer service, enjoy helping others, and have a willing and caring heart. To learn more about the Areas of Service please click the link below (PDF)
Our Culture
In order to achieve excellence in healthcare, we must prioritize Patient Safety, Compassion, and Engagement. By focusing on these values, we have nurtured a warm culture where you can serve alongside staff in a positive and upbeat culture.
To learn more about these programs, contact the Volunteer Services Manager at (208) 625-4645.
Patient Family Advisory Council
Our Patient Family Advisory Council serves in an advisory capacity here at Kootenai Health and has been a major influence assisting us in improving the patient experience. Their first-hand knowledge, either through their own patient experiences or that of a loved one, has generated thoughtful recommendations for ways to provide quality care that is safe and effective, and also compassionate. Kootenai Health is on a path to continuously improve the care experience for all of our patients and their families.
Spiritual Support Volunteers
This volunteer position provides spiritual support to patients and families in emergent/distressing situations. Spiritual Support Volunteers provide compassionate presence, prayer, scripture reading and other religious support as requested; and connect patients with additional spiritual resources. The hours are evening, but they may also provide limited daytime services such as spiritual screening and compassionate presence.
Special Events Volunteers
Just as important as long-term volunteers are those hospital supporters who donate their time during annual hospital events which raise funds for programs and services the medical center might not otherwise provide.
The Kootenai Health Foundation holds two special events each year, the Kootenai Health Foundation Golf Tournament in May and the Festival of Trees in November. Various volunteer opportunities are available at both events and often throughout the year.
To learn more about volunteering for special events, call the Foundation at (208) 625-4438.
Interested in Volunteering?
Thank you for your interest in volunteering at Kootenai Health. Before returning your application, please read the information below.
We are very fortunate to have many individuals interested in volunteering at Kootenai —sometimes more than we have service openings for. The volunteer role is extremely important at Kootenai, as everyone representing our organization has an impact on our patients and their experience with us. A few items to keep in mind:
- Volunteering is not job shadowing.
- We do not offer internships through our volunteer program.
- We cannot create a position based on personal or professional goals. We have specific volunteer roles that enhance the services we provide.
- Able to commit to four hours per week and committed to serving in your volunteer role over 100 hours
- Before applying, please ask yourself, “Am I applying because I have a sincere drive to help?” and “Can I consistently commit to one shift every week?”
When we have an opening, we will call you for an interview. In the meantime, we will keep your application on file for possible future positions. The majority of our volunteer needs are Monday through Friday during normal work hours.
