Volunteer for experience?

[jessjoy]

Hello all! I am starting clinicals in the fall but would like to have a little hospital experience beforehand. I was thinking about volunteering at a local hospital for 4-5 hours a week. I have no hospital experience whatsoever so I dont even know what to say....should I just walk in and say that I am a nursing student looking to volunteer? Can I request a certain area? Sorry if I sound like like an idiot, but hey, I would rather sound like one now instead of my first day of clinicals! Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

[mustangsheba]

Sounds very smart to me. Good luck!:)

[allevi]

It is a very good idea, I am thinking about doing the same thing. Some point in my nursing career i would like to do hospice and am currently thinking about becoming a volunteer at our local hospice, just to get a better idea of what it is about.

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

Most facilities welcome volunteers and have a volunteer office. Tell them you are interested in working on a nursing unit.

Suggest work assisting unit clerk which would teach you medical terminology, tests ,meds etc and how a unit is run. Volunteer to be a runner to get unit supplies etc. As they get to kow you, and have some clinical experience then you can offer to assist with patient care, fedding clients etc till you get your wings. Another pair of hands was always welcome, even in my home care agency!

Welcome to our group.