Currently, volunteers are not required to receive the COVID-19 or seasonal flu vaccinations but are required to complete annual surveys to report whether they are vaccinated. Vaccination surveys help us to comply with National Hospital Safety Network regulatory reporting requirements, and it will help tailor future educational resources regarding vaccinations. This information is considered confidential.

Hospital and Clinic volunteer opportunities require a minimum three-month commitment, our Hospice Volunteer Program prefers a one-year commitment.

No, we are unable to sign off on court ordered service hours.

Volunteers must complete criminal record checks before starting a volunteer role.

Due to our onboarding requirements and individualized training for volunteers, we do not offer one-time or group volunteer opportunities except in very special circumstances.

Once a volunteer has applied and been matched to a volunteer opportunity, Volunteer Services will assign you with the steps required for onboarding. Some steps may differ based on the nature of your volunteer role and the state in which you volunteer. Volunteers complete background checks, online training, immunization surveys, and may be required to complete tuberculosis screening. In-person training specific to your volunteer role is provided close to when you start your volunteer assignment.

Yes, you can volunteer if your visa regulations allow for volunteering, and you can meet other volunteer requirements.

Shadowing opportunities are managed by Essentia's Workforce Development Team. To get started, create an account online, then select the job shadow application. 

Clinical internships are managed through your educational program.

The first step to participate in the Exploring Essentia Job Shadow program is to set up a free account in Clinician Nexus. Once an account is created, interested parties can apply for a job shadow using the following links:

• Job Shadow application - minor age 16-17
• Job Shadow application - age 18 and over
• Job shadow application - current Essentia Health employee

Most locations require volunteers to be 18 years of age.

Our background check process requires volunteers to go through our background checks, rather than sharing results of past background checks. If fingerprints are needed for background study, we appreciate your cooperation in making a fingerprint appointment at one of the listed locations. Our team is available to help with any questions about background checks.