We appreciate your interest in volunteering your talents and supporting the patients at Arkansas Children’s Hospital. In order to ensure a positive experience for patients, families, staff and performers, we have developed the following guidelines. Please review these guidelines carefully and feel free to call Volunteer Services at (501) 364-1825 should you have any more questions. Once again, thank you for your interest.
- All special entertainers, performers and volunteers are screened and approved in advance by Volunteer Services and/or the Child Life Department.
- All special entertainers, performers and volunteers must be at least 14 years of age. Children between the ages of 14-18 must be accompanied by an adult sponsor.
- All special entertainers, performers and volunteers are invited to interview with the Volunteer Services Department prior to completing the application. This gives applicants the opportunity to ask questions as well as tour the special project and performance areas.
- All groups visiting the hospital will have no more than ten (10) people during the visit. If a celebrity visits, no more than four (4) people may accompany him/her.
- All special events are to be scheduled at least one month in advance in order to prepare for adequate staffing and/or specific patient activities to incorporate in the program.
- All special entertainers, performers and volunteers must schedule their performances to begin at 9:30 am or 1:30 pm. Weekend performances will begin at 10 am or 1:30 pm.
- Absolutely no videos or pictures may be taken of patients or families without consent from a parent or guardian, Public Relations and Child Life. This rule is strictly observed. Media coverage of an event is discouraged since it can produce additional stress for patients and their families. Any media coverage must be approved by Public Relations prior to the event.
- We prefer your presentation last between 60-90 minutes. Presentations must create ways for the patients to become actively involved. Suggestions include encouraging children to assist in performances, asking open-ended questions, and utilizing rhythm instruments for musical performances.
- Please dress comfortably and appropriately. No shorts, tank tops, sleeveless jersey shirts or sandals may be worn.
- Toys or favors approved by the Child Life and Education Department may be distributed to the appropriate children. Please check with Volunteer Services or the Child Life staff in advance about the kinds of donations and/or gift items that meet safety and medical requirements and are appropriate to the age and condition of the children. When items have been approved, please bring enough to distribute for all patients. Please remember that favors are not necessary in order to visit the hospital. More information on donation guidelines is provided in this packet.
- No food (including candy) may be given to the patients. According to Public Health laws, all food given to patients must come from a certified kitchen. Please do not bring any edible donations to the hospital.
- Performances must not include any potentially harmful materials such as latex balloons, fire, candles or knives.
- If any visitor is feeling ill (cold, fever, upset stomach, etc.), we ask that they not visit the hospital. Also, we ask that visiting persons who have been exposed to contagious diseases (i.e., chicken pox, measles, mumps, German measles, hepatitis or any flu-like symptoms) within the past four weeks, not visit the hospital.
- Because our children come from a wide variety of religious, political and social backgrounds, we require that the content of any presentation be religiously and politically neutral. If you have any questions on the content of an activity, please contact Volunteer Services.
- To protect the patient and family’s rights for privacy and confidentiality, we are unable to disclose information regarding a patient’s reason for hospitalization.
- The Child Life representative will monitor the children’s emotional well-being during the performance. If, at any time, the interaction becomes potentially stressful, the Child Life representative will redirect or terminate the contact in order to protect the patient.
- We trust that these general guidelines will help prepare you for this experience. We thank you for your interest in sharing your time and talents with us. If these guidelines have raised other questions, please call Volunteer Services at (501) 364-1825.
Helpful Tips for the Day of Visit or Performance
- Parking for visiting groups is available in the front parking lot of the hospital located directly across from the main entrance located on Marshall Street.
- When you arrive at the hospital, please report to the Admissions Office or Information Desk just inside the front doors. You will be met by a representative from Volunteer Services or Child Life who will take you to the appropriate area(s).
- Hospitalized children’s reactions differ from those of healthy children because they are coping with the stress of illness and hospitalization. Expressions of appreciation or affection may be restrained. Please be mindful that a child in the hospital will usually not react to a performance in the same way as a child in another environment.
- When interacting with children, approach them slowly and bend down to their level, allowing the patients to decide as to what extent they wish to interact with you. If the child shows any resistance to greeting you, then move away from the child.
- Greet hospitalized children as you would other children. Comment on their clothes and eyes and/or ask general questions about them or their interests. Some suggestions are: “I like your shirt”; “How old are you?” or “What is your favorite TV show?”. Avoid questions such as: “What happened to you?”; “How long have you been here?” or “When are you going home?”. Comments such as “Get well soon!” or “See you next time!” are also confusing and should not be used.
- The Child Life representative will monitor the children’s emotional well-being during the performance. If, at any time, the interaction becomes potentially stressful, the Child Life representative will redirect or terminate the contact in order to protect the patient.
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