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STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES
Students enrolled in a healthcare profession study may find meaningful, hands-on clinical experiences in the delivery of community-based healthcare and non-profit administration at St. Martin’s Healthcare. Typically, students major in pre medicine, pre-dental, pharmacy, public health, nursing, nurse practitioners, physician assistants and other health related fields of study. Non-medical internships may be available in development, marketing and communications.
STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES
Internships at St. Martin’s are limited and highly sought after. Students and colleges are encouraged to contact the clinic early to discuss what opportunities may be available, hours or experience needed and school requirements. Internships are available for fall, winter/spring and summer terms.
HOW MUCH TIME IS REQUIRED TO VOLUNTEER?
To operate the clinic as smoothly as possible and for patient continuity of care, we ask that volunteers commit to 4-hour shifts. Volunteers are asked to consider volunteering weekly or every other week. St. Martin’s is always in need of providers. Most shifts are 4-hour time periods, and we greatly appreciate the hours you can give. All hours our volunteers put in are truly valued.
IS THERE MALPRACTICE COVERAGE?
St. Martin’s Healthcare is a deemed free clinic eligible for liability coverage under the FTCA (Federal Tort Claims Act) program. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) extended the eligibility for FTCA liability protections for the performance of medical, surgical, dental, or related functions to volunteer health professionals at qualifying free clinics when the free clinic sponsors the VHP for deeming and the activity meets the criteria for coverage. This is an application process for licensed volunteer providers that is renewed annually. Funds to support the program were appropriated in 2004, and the first free clinic volunteer health professionals were "deemed" in 2005. St. Martin’s Healthcare was the 38th clinic to be deemed in 2005. In 2010, the Affordable Care Act expanded eligibility for FSHCAA liability protections to employees, officers, board members and contractors of qualifying free clinics. For more information, please contact our executive director.
I'M INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING, WHAT'S THE NEXT STEP?
Please complete an application to volunteer through our website. This is important so St. Martin’s Healthcare can keep all volunteers updated and log volunteer hours you provide. Once your application is reviewed and a training date is scheduled, our staff will contact you. We appreciate your patience during this process.
HOW ARE VOLUNTEERS SCHEDULED?
On the volunteer application, please complete the day and times you are available and work best. Schedules are completed monthly, and volunteers have an opportunity to sign up for the day and time that works best in their schedule prior to the schedule being posted. There will be times that you may be asked to volunteer for a particular day and time if the clinic is in need. If you are unable to work a shift that has been assigned, please let our clinic coordinators know as soon as possible!
WHAT TIME DO I NEED TO ARRIVE AT MY SHIFT?
St. Martin’s Healthcare asks that you arrive 10-15 minutes prior to your shift. There are designated parking areas toward the rear of the building.
IF I AM A PATIENT, CAN I ALSO VOLUNTEER?
No - you may be a patient or volunteer, but not both.
CAN I FULFILL MY COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS AT THE CLINIC?
Community service hours are limited and may be available for students in high school and college when required by a course or an extra-curricular activity. You will need to call the clinic and speak with someone directly. If your community service hours are court mandated, there may be opportunities during spring, summer and fall for outside work. Times are very limited, and you must speak with a clinic staff member directly.
HOW OLD MUST I BE TO VOLUNTEER?
St. Martin’s asks that all volunteers be 18 or older.
DOES THE CLINIC ALLOW OBSERVATION EXPERIENCE?
All who volunteer or work at the clinic and are involved in patient care are observing the practice of medicine. We do not allow direct care observations unless a volunteer or staff member is trained in that area.
DO I HAVE TO HAVE AN ACTIVE MEDICAL/DENTAL OR OTHER PROFESSIONAL LICENSE?
Yes, we will need a copy of your current license as well as a government issued photo ID such as a driver’s license. This documentation is necessary to apply for FTCA immunity coverage. However, you do not need a DEA license. The clinic does not prescribe or provide any controlled substances.
CAN CHILDREN BE SEEN AT ST. MARTIN'S HEALTH CARE?
At times children are cared for at the clinic. This generally happens when there has been a lapse in healthcare coverage. Children under the age of 18 may also visit the clinic for sports physicals required by IHSAA. However, dental and vision clinic patients must be 18 years or older.
HOW DO VOLUNTEERS CONTACT THE CLINIC?
You may call the clinic: (260) 357-0077, email: info@smhcin.org or mail at the address listed on the website.