FAQs

for providers

What is this initiative? 
We are health professions students (medicine, nursing, pharmacy, etc.) who want to help health care providers in Bakersfield with temporary urgent household needs while they perform essential clinical duties during COVID-19.

Who is organizing? 
We are a group of medical students from Ross University School of Medicine looking for ways to help our community. However, this is NOT an official Ross University School of Medicine activity. 

Who are the “babysitters”? 
Currently they are Ross University Medical Students and other health professions students (pharmacy, nursing, etc.). Please note that we are NOT certified childcare professionals and that we will likely need to be working remotely on class material while supervising your children. We are all certified in CPR/BLS.

Where is this happening? 
Our volunteers will mostly be coming to your home to watch your children/pets and run errands.

What ages do you babysit? What kind of services can the students provide?
Currently, we are offering services for children of all ages. However, because our students are not trained in childcare or managing disabilities, we are unable to provide services for children or adults with complex developmental needs. If you would like to clarify if your child fits into this category, please don't hesitate to reach out to our coordinators at [email protected]. Apart from childcare services, students can provide grocery shopping, meal prepping, and pharmacy runs, provided you give them authorization. We would prefer if you did not utilize our students for alcohol-related purchases. 

How much does this cost? 
Payment is not required, as we wanted to make this a free service for those who are already working hard to care for others. Our students are made aware that this is a voluntary service on their behalf. However, if you rely on your students to complete additional household management tasks such as grocery shopping, pharmacy runs, etc. please pay them in full. We do not accept IOUs. 

How long can I receive childcare? 
Currently, we ask that you evaluate your needs weekly. Additionally, while Ross University School of Medicine is currently holding online classes, we are still expected to attend and complete class sessions, including online small group sessions. Therefore, your student(s) may have educational requirements to meet during their voluntary “babysitting” hours. Also, please remember that we are not professional childcare support. If you find yourself needing them for more hours than our students can manage, please reach out to us at [email protected] so we can reevaluate.

Can we combine children from different households? 
Unfortunately, due to health concerns, we can only accommodate children from the same household (i.e. siblings, live-in relatives).

for student volunteers

What is this initiative? 
We are health professions students (medicine, nursing, pharmacy, etc.) who want to help health care providers in Bakersfield with temporary urgent household needs while they perform essential clinical duties during COVID-19.

Who is organizing? 
We are a group of medical students from Ross University School of Medicine looking for ways to link various parts of our student community to those healthcare families who are seeking help. However, this is NOT an official Ross University School of Medicine activity. 

Will I be monetarily compensated for my time?
No, this program is voluntary and compensation is not to be expected, as we want to lessen the burden on those in the front lines of healthcare in the setting of COVID-19. 

What if I get paired with a family and their requests are outside of my comfort zone or the hours are too much for me to handle at this moment? 
We have intentionally placed you in pods of 3-5 students to serve 1 healthcare family in order to minimize the burden on each student. However, if you are facing difficulties or requests that are beyond your scope, please reach out to the student coordinators at [email protected] and we will work with you and the family to either come up with a plan that works for everyone, or replace you. We value your health and well-being at the utmost. 

What will the pairings look like? 
As we expect the time needs of families to be larger than any individual student could/should manage on their own, we hope to create small “pods” of 3-5 students that will work together to fill the scheduling needs of 1 healthcare family in your geographic area. After you and families fill out the intake form, we will work to create these groups based on matching characteristics and location and will send an introduction email to the family and the student group. It will then be the responsibility of the family to let the students know their time requirements and the students to coordinate to best cover the requested shifts. 

What is the time commitment needed?
Any time you are able to contribute is incredibly appreciated. There is no minimum or maximum time limits for volunteering. Our families will surely appreciate any and all help that you can provide them. With this being said, please remember to take care of yourself during this time!