NY Metro/Long Island Students....

[frenchtoastwaffles, BSN, RN]

I'm doing everything I can to try to get into nursing school in the NY metro area, and most of the counselors I have spoken to recommend finding a volunteer gig before applying. I put in a few applications to local hospitals to see what I can do, but if at all possible I would LOVE to find a volunteer spot in a NICU or nursery. Does anyone know if NICU's in the area take volunteers? I can understand why many wouldn't, but it sure doesn't hurt to ask.

Thanks everyone!

[frenchtoastwaffles, BSN, RN]

Also, to those of you already in nursing school- aside from doing very well in prereq classes, what else do you think helped you get into school? Even if you didn't ace your prereqs, what was it about you and your application that got you accepted?

I have my heart set on Stony Brook as they offer the master's program I want to later pursue. That and I've heard some pretty great things about the instructors and the environment.

Thanks everyone, good luck to all who are in the same boat as I am :)

[Kris10Noel]

I'm doing everything I can to try to get into nursing school in the NY metro area, and most of the counselors I have spoken to recommend finding a volunteer gig before applying. I put in a few applications to local hospitals to see what I can do, but if at all possible I would LOVE to find a volunteer spot in a NICU or nursery. Does anyone know if NICU's in the area take volunteers? I can understand why many wouldn't, but it sure doesn't hurt to ask.

Thanks everyone!

Hey sarolany,

I work at stony brook. Have you applied to volunteer there? I work on a medical telemetry floor as a CNA. I believe most volunteers in the hospital stock supplies and assist the nursing station clerks. At least that's what they do on my unit. The most patient interaction I've seen a volunteer have was bringing a patient fresh water. So even if you got into an NICU or nursery, you provably would not have interaction with the patients or babies. If you haven't already applied to SBUH, you definitely should! Good luck!

[frenchtoastwaffles, BSN, RN]

I don't really expect to get much direct care experience, but it's definitely worth it to ask around. Volunteering is volunteering though, and it all counts! I've actually applied for work at SBUH- if that goes over as I hope it will I'll definitely apply to volunteer! The only reason I can't apply only to volunteer is because I don't have a car right now, and SB is over a 2 hour commute by train. Keep your fingers crossed that they at least give me a call for an interview!

[frenchtoastwaffles, BSN, RN]

I am flooding my own thread-

I was told by a couple of admissions counselors to look for volunteer ops that are field related, but I wonder does volunteering in other areas look good as well? I've been volunteering for a yoga studio for several months now, and also for a dog rescue team. Neither have anything to do with nursing or school, they're just things I care about.