Starting as a ESW at a young age?

Nurses General Nursing

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Wanting to actually understand the atmosphere of a hospital at an early age, and to build experience, can working as an Environmental Service Worker (ESW) at the age of 16 benefit me? Realizing "adult" worries, I have a wanting to help out the mom, but will I even have a chance on becoming an ESW at a local hospital at my age? I stated in a short letter when I applied to the opportunity, that I was open to volunteer work but would be much more interested in the position. Main question: Do I have any reasonable chance of obtaining the opportunity while being paid whatever amount at my young age? Age:16-17

Thanks

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If you live in the USA, there are strict labor laws for hiring people under 18. If there is anything hazzardous in the environment like chemical exposure you won't be eligible. The hours you would be allowed to work are limited if you are under 18.

It looks like volunteer work is your best bet for now.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

You likely would not be able to be hired in such a job due to OSHA regulations and state labor laws. Environmental aide/janitorial staff must handle biological waste at times and right-to- know hazardous materials which excludes minors from working in such a scenario. Your intent is commendable but not very realistic. Even a "terminal clean" of a post isolation patient room would potentially expose you to chemicals & microbes that a minor child cannot legally consent to work with.

Most hospitals will not hire anyone under the legal age of majority (18 in most states, 19 in other states like NE) you may not even be permitted to volunteer in such a capacity due to regulations.

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Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

besides the safety issues, which are real, as a minor you cannot sign a contract. Contracts can be as simple as a form promising not to break HIPAA laws or security policies.

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Specializes in Public Health.

I volunteered in a hospital when I was 15.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

Hospital volunteers can start as young as age 13/14. But they are not working in environmental services. I was a hospital volunteer on a post-ICU floor at age 14.

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Thanks everybody for the quick and speedy responses. Because of you all, I now understand the position I am at in now. I'll go for the volunteering experience. I was really amazed how quick the thread received comments. Thanks you again.

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