Should I volunteer while in school?

[MayGirl2013]

I'm about to start taking my prereqs toward the Ocean County College nursing program. Do you think volunteering at a hospital a few hours a month is a good idea while I am attending school? I want to do that not only to see what the hospital setting is like, but also so I can have hospital volunteer work on my resume--would that help me get a job once I become a RN in a few years????

[MayGirl2013]

I'm actually not sure as I have experience in a field other than health industry. I would think it might vary depending on where the internship/externship is. I can only speak from a business standpoint as of right now...I have a friend who 3 or 4 years ago interned at a company and I know she wasn't a citizen. But this was a few years ago, now they might be stricter about that stuff. But again, I think it depends on the place really. Sorry I couldn't be of more help.

[nursegia]

Extra exposure is good no matter how u do it, volunteering is a great way to make you feel a little more comfortable in the hospital setting, it allows you to take a look back at the organization as a whole and you will learn. Of course being a PCT/CNA would be more favorable but if that doesn't work for you then this option is great. good luck!

[DaddyO]

I say yes...if nothing else but to network. its not what you know...but who ya know.

[scroopit]

i now volunteer at the free medical clinic in my home town. when i was in nursing school, i volunteered in the hospital that ran the school. these are great experiences and i learn things (especially about myself) that are impossible to learn in school or at my regular job. it's also a great way to network (which, in my opinion, is an invaluable resource). but of all the great reasons to volunteer, i believe that by far the most important one is that it gives an opportunity to give back to the community. being a nurse shouldn't be just another occupation, but a way of life. it's a chance (and in my opinion an obligation) to improve the lives of others (irregardless of whether we think that they are deserving or not). the suffering of humanity is evidence of the devil; the relief of that suffering is evidence of jesus christ. volunteering will help make you the nurse that the world needs.