I am waiting to get accepted into nursing school (hopefully January 2012), and in the mean-time I was thinking of doing some volunteering. As of right now, with zero experience in the nursing field, I think that I'l like L&D/newborn nursery/NICU. My local hospital has an L/D/R/P concept and it has a level III NICU. Do most hospitals allow volunteers on these units? If so, what types of things would I be doing? In addition, I am considering volunteering at my local Red Cross to teach CPR certification classes. Are there any other volunteer opportunities that would pertain to a nursing career in LDRP/NICU that would be beneficial to future employment in one of these units? TIA-Christie

Many hospitals have volunteers but few allow them in the nursery due to infection control and risk of HIPAA violations. Worth a phone call though! Also, the gold standard for CPR in hospitals is American Heart. However, that is not universally true and ANY experience on that line would be beneficial. I applaud the fact you have goals!

I know the children's hospital near me has volunteers called "cuddlers" Who basicaly hang out and entertain the sick kids. I also doubt they would let you into the nurserys or NICU's but even volunteering to do something else at the hospital could be a big help for you. You can get to know some of the nurses and staff and possibly get recommendations for when you are eventually looking for jobs.

I am hoping to attend nursing school in the near future. I happen to also be interested in those same areas in the hospital. I volunteer at a hospital (in NY) in the Emergency Department right now but im looking to get a position in L&D or the Mother/Baby Nursing Unit. They do have positions available there and from what I've heard from other volunteers, you do get to see quite a bit (which is what most of us want). What I can tell you from my experience is that what you are allowed to do as a volunteer is limited due to the hospitals needing to protect themselves from potential legal risks. In the ED some of things I can do is, give out food and drinks (if I check with their nurse first to see if it's ok), chat with patients and see if I could help in making them more comfortable, bring specimens to the lab/blood bank, bring patients to ultrasound/ct/xray, radiology etc (if they are in a wheelchair, volunteers have a no stretchers rule here), go to the pharmacy, clean and make beds, and bring in patients from the waiting area to a bed. Hope this helps!

I have been a volunteer in the mother/baby unit since last May. I am able to go into the nursery to do things, such as stock cribs, fold baby blankets, empty dirty laundry, but what I can't do is touch a baby. I enjoy working that department very much. I'm not only in the nursery, I also help change the new mom's bed and get them things that they may need. Also help with whatever the CNA's and RN's may need.

I too am a pre-nursing student (will begin nursing school in the fall) and it is very helpful to have volunteer hours on your application so I say go for it!

To reiterate what zee09 said, volunteering at a local hospital in any capacity is very limited but worthwhile. We are not allowed to do a lot of things but what we do get is an exposure to the overall healthcare environment. This is much more beneficial then anything in my opinion. Just being exposed to the innerworkings of a unit assist you in understanding your future role. I've volunteered at an oncology unit, pediatrics clinic, and currently am between positions at an urgent care and endocrinology office. I applaud you for reaching out and wanting to help out at a hospital. It will show schools your initiative and willingness to jump right in.

Thank you all for your responses. I called both my local hospital and Red Cross and left messages for their volunteer coordinators. For the hospital, I told them where I would prefer to be, but that I will be happy to help in any area that I'm needed. Thank you :)

Getting into a hospital as a volunteer is a great way to secure a job after graduation. Good Luck!