Volunteerism -- ARC, MSF, etc -- any volunteers out there?

Hellllllo Nurse, BSN, RN · Nov 28, 2003

I'm a disaster relief volunteer RN w/ The Red Cross.

You can pm me, if you'd like.

mobileLPN · Nov 29, 2003

I've been with the Red Cross for almost 15 years. 2 years as a nurse. I think everybody should do volunteer work. I have friends who have worked for MSF and other NGO's. PM me for more info, but most of all.. Just do it!!!! It will take you places you've never dreamed about and will give you the opportunity to help people who really need it!

Sarah Kat · Nov 29, 2003

Ok, this question is for either of you volunteer nurses. Have you had any conflicts between work and volunteering? For instance, when a disaster occurs and you are sent out of town for a few days or more. Recently we were inundated here with a lot of rain and the flooding has been horrendous, even here in the county I live in (we're lucky enough to live on a hill). The Red Cross here has been working round the clock to assist.

Agnus · Nov 29, 2003

Since you are a student I would like to share something I did while in school.

I got my LPN but returned to school that fall for my RN. In the mean time I wanted to do some volunteer community service. I did not want to devote more than 1 hour per week. (I was in school) and I wanted to be able to do it regularly as opposed to a one time or sporatic thing.

I called the local senior center and made a proposal which they immediately agreed to with open and greatful arms.

Every Friday for 1 hour before they served the evening meal I would monitor blood pressures. I provided (made on my computer) wallet cards to record the BP.

As a result I did a lot of client teaching, referrals, and more general monitoring of vulnerable persons (related to other health and wealfare issues)

I created my own volunteer position and therefore created the parameters of that position. It was very sucessful. The clients' physicians really appreciated it. And there were some good outcomes.

You might consider creating your own position since your time will be limited while in school. You set the ground rules. You deside what exactly you will do, when where and how.

mobileLPN · Nov 29, 2003

While you are in school, you should let the agency know how many hours per week you have available. Many student nurses do this for the Red Cross. When you graduate, if you have a position that will allow you to take time off on short notice (there are many different ways that people get the time off. Some are agency nurses, some are school nurses with summers off, some work for state and federal facilities, many of which allow a certain number of days per year for Red Cross disaster work. Check to see if your state has a disaster leave act.) You can inquire at your chapter about the DSHR program. These are the people who go around the country when a disaster occurs. There is lot's of training involved, but it's all free and your local chapter will be happy to guiode you through it.

check out http://www.redcross.org for more info.

kids · Nov 29, 2003

Well, you can sure tell where my brain focuses when it sees "volunteer" "ARC" and "MSF"...

ARC= "The Arc" (aka Association of Retarded Citizens) MSF=Multiple Schlerosis Foundation

I have been involved with Special Olympics doing first aid for about 10 years.

eak16 · Nov 29, 2003

ARC- American Red Cross

MSF- Medecines sans frontieres (French for Doctors without borders)

PS-

I am doing a thesis on the experiences of nurse volunteers overseas, and have lived in Africa and other places volunteering. You can PM me if you like

Sarah Kat · Nov 30, 2003

Originally posted by Agnus
I called the local senior center and made a proposal which they immediately agreed to with open and greatful arms.

That's a good idea. When I was in high school I volunteered at a local senior center. Basically we just played games and talked to the seniors. I loved it. I even learned a few things. For instance, the woman I was paired up with was in her eighties and was a heavy smoker. She had actually been told to smoke by her doctor when she was a teenager! It was supposed to help keep her lungs clear! Can you believe it!

So anyway, back to the subject. Thanks for the idea. I do plan on Red Cross volunteerism, but going back to the senior center would be a good supplement too. Thanks.

Sarah Kat · Nov 30, 2003

Thanks to all who have replied. I definately want to keep this discussion going. Maybe you guys can share some stories about memorable volunteer experiences?

mobileLPN · Nov 30, 2003

There are very few things as rewarding, or as frustrating as disaster nursing. Keep in mind that most of the work is not clinical. It's more akin to that of a social worker, but requires the health care knowledge of the nurse. If you work local disasters as part of your chapters Disaster Action Team, you will have the opportunity to work with house fire victims. Issuing vouchers to replace destroyed medical equipment and prescriptions and coordinating resources to meet disaster related medical needs.

On a larger disaster, you might be working in a shelter housing people displaced by floods or tornadoes, providing care within established protcols that allow you you to use your nursing judgement. Nurses with extensive Psych backgrounds (usually a Masters level preparation) can work in Disaster Mental Health Services.

That's not to say everything always works according to plan. It's called a disaster for a reason. Keep in mind that the American Red Cross is part of the larger Red Cross/ Red Crescent movement worldwide and that with experience there is literally no limits as to how far you can go. One of my best ARC stories comes from a fellow volunteer. She and I have served together on well over 100 disasters large and small over the years. I asked her once how she got involved. She related a time when a flood was approaching her Texas neighborhood. Residents were gathering goods to evacuate and police and fire personnel were attempting to secure the area. A Red Cross vehicle was providing food and coffee to everybody. The fire chief asked a Red Cross volunteer how long they could stay. The volunteer didn't even pause before saying "as long as you need us". That these people were willing to put their own lives on hold to help others for no financial reward so impressed my friend that she joined the organization and has been with them over 20 years now. Again, I urge you and everybody else. Call your local chapter this week. Even if disaster nursing isn't your thing. There are volunteer opportunities available for all interests.

Sarah Kat · Dec 4, 2003

Thanks for sharing, MobileLPN.