Volunteering.

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

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How many of you volunteer? Is it required by your school? if not why do you do it? I am considering volunteering at a local hospital once a week. It is not required but I figured it couldn't hurt my application/ future job applications. I have class twice a week this summer (7 credits). plus I work 32 hours a week over nights. I also have two small children, do you think this is too much to take on?

Also please note I am not only volunteering to get into a nursing program it's actually something I have wanted to do for awhile...I just never have. (since I made the decision to go back to school I am feeling more freedom to do things I wanted to do. before I was living in fear of being "Selfish" if I allowed my children to be baby sat or if I wasn't home all day)

Specializes in Oncology, Critical Care.

I had an interview today as a cardiovascular technician/Critical Care Technician and the recruiter outright told me the EMT was the main qualification that looked at for the position for nursing students. They were interested in all the other qualifications but really the EMT shows i can keep calm under pressure and have a base of autonomy and understanding during events.

I would strongly recommend an EMT course to any nursing student.

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I had an interview today as a cardiovascular technician/Critical Care Technician and the recruiter outright told me the EMT was the main qualification that looked at for the position for nursing students.

Fireman767, would you be able to tell me a little more about being a Cardiovascular Technician? Does the hospital train you for that position or do you have to go to school and acquire a degree? I've never heard of that job before, it sounds awesome.

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Specializes in Oncology, Critical Care.
Fireman767, would you be able to tell me a little more about being a Cardiovascular Technician? Does the hospital train you for that position or do you have to go to school and acquire a degree? I've never heard of that job before, it sounds awesome.

They actually expect the person to know what to do, and there are classes to do it. However, if you have years of experience in emergency care they substitute it. I looked at CNA jobs and they were more of clean up patients, set up food, etc. This job is more of set up EKGs, remove catheters from patients, transporting patients from the ICU, or CCU, ETC. its more hands on, which is what I want to do. Most patients are able to take care of themselves as well so feeding, showering and such isnt a task unless they are unable to. The hospital also has the techs go to a dysrhythmia class to learn to identify rhythm issues, which is even better.

I havent seen this position at many other hospitals, although i have a friend who was a CVT at a different hospital, so im sure there are some that hire them. However, this one told me they wont consider an applicant who doesnt have years of experience in emergency care.

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I don't think it's required for my school, there's nowhere to put volunteer work on the application either. Even though it's probably not required I'm going to do it anyways just to be safe-starting this upcoming fall.

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I started volunteering at my local hospital and that's what has made me want to become a nurse! It's awesome, if you've always wanted to do it, I would really consider it. If it were me personally... I wouldn't do it this summer if you're taking 7 credits, but like I said that's just me :) I've taken 5 units in the summer and it was incredibly hard to get an A while I was working 40 hrs/wk. I wish you the best! I know you'll like it when you start :)

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