[RN2B73]

Do hospitals let volunteers help out in the NICU? If so, what kinds of things would the volunteer be permitted to do?

[pmkn10]

In the NICU I work in we have volunteers called "cuddlers" and they basically hold the babies that need some extra attention( normally in our intermediate care rooms). If the baby can't be held sometimes they'll read to them, talk, ect. When they aren't needed to help with the babies they'll restock various areas and just help out where they can.

[RN2B73]

Originally Posted by pmkn10

In the NICU I work in we have volunteers called "cuddlers" and they basically hold the babies that need some extra attention( normally in our intermediate care rooms). If the baby can't be held sometimes they'll read to them, talk, ect. When they aren't needed to help with the babies they'll restock various areas and just help out where they can.

Sound perfect. Hopefully I'll come across something like that, thanks.

[viccar82]

We also have cuddlers in our NICU. They need to go through some background checks and special training. Also, we have other volunteers that help us answer phones and file paperwork or stock items. They do not need extra training besides some help and direct on the job training. You should contact the NICU or hospital volunteer office directly in your area hospital to find out what kinds of volunteering you can do. Good luck.

[babiesRmylife]

The only thing our hospital lets people do is we have "cuddlers." Thats when we have babies with special needs (parents never come to visit, usually become an SRS case) & they need a "cuddler" to simply hold them while they are here because they don't get visitors.

[RN2B73]

Originally Posted by viccar82

We also have cuddlers in our NICU. They need to go through some background checks and special training. Also, we have other volunteers that help us answer phones and file paperwork or stock items. They do not need extra training besides some help and direct on the job training. You should contact the NICU or hospital volunteer office directly in your area hospital to find out what kinds of volunteering you can do. Good luck.

I have applied at the local hospital to volunteer and I go for orientation on May 16th. Hopefully, I'll get lucky and be able to work in the area of my choice. Initially, I thought I'd only be able to volunteer a couple days a month but as it turns out I got laid off on Wednesday and now I have a lot more time on my hands. I'm hopeing that volunteering will get me in the door for a job, keep your fingers crossed for me.

[viccar82]

GOOD LUCK! Fingers are crossed for you.