Advisable volunteer organizations/opportunities

[dingus]

In addition to strong academic achievements, there are many posts recommending volunteering as a means to make an individual stand out as a good nurse candidate. With so many organizations and activities to choose from, what are some of the more "weighted" opportunities for nursing students who want to join the service in the future to look into?

Sadly, I reside in an area that doesn't have many veterans related volunteer opportunities, all recommendations are greatly appreciated.

[carolinapooh, BSN, RN]

Nothing's really weighted. They want to see community service. I worked with the Rock-A-Baby program at Duke Med when I was in school there and the USAF was pleased with that. (I went to the nursery and the Peds ward and either literally rocked babies or sat with kiddos and read to them/watched TV with them - I also would sit with the kids in the Peds BMT unit because they have to have an attendant for 24 hours a day for the first 30 days post transplant. I went to give the parent a break for an hour or two.)\

Veteran-oriented activities are great, but they just want community involvement. If you go USAF you'll have an interview, either on the phone or in person, with a Chief RN at an Air Force medical facility - clinic or hospital. It would serve you far better to have volunteered for something you're passionate about and can answer questions about and show enthusiasm in your response.

[michaelaellie]

I volunteered in a rehab hospital for recreation therapy which was transporting patients to the lobby for live entertainment on weekends and giving out snacks. I also volunteered on a med surge floor and SICU where I went and basically wiped everything down with antiseptic wipes twice and stared at the ceiling for 6 hours a week. I did both before starting nursing school and to be honest, both had nothing to do with healthcare and the latter seemed like i was doing nothing important at all. I agree with carolinapooh to find something you're enthusiastic about! If you're set on devoting x number of hours to something per week, make it enjoyable and something that makes a difference. The hospital volunteering was BS, I wish I tried an animal shelter or something. Also, try to find a place where you'll make good connections so you can use them as a reference. Don't be like me and spend 2 years volunteering in a place where people don't notice whether you're there or not.

[Lunah, MSN, RN]

I volunteered as a paramedic in my community for eight years before being selected to commission. Nothing veteran-related, just service.

[dingus]

Thank you all very much for the helpful answers. I will certainly look into the opportunities available around me to find a good fit.

There's another item I want to ask about. I have been ruminating joining the reserves since I have around 3-5 years of school left (time is highly dependent on waitlists of schools I'm transferring into.) I understand as an enlisted reservist I will not be guaranteed any type of medical position. I am very intrigued by it for perspective and experience, and thought it would be manageable because I am lucky enough to not have to work full-time while in school. Out of curiosity, will being a reservist count towards any volunteering criteria and will it affect my chances of commissioning in the future?

[carolinapooh, BSN, RN]

Being in the Reserves has nothing to do with volunteering and can slow your path to a commission. If you want a commission, pursue it. Don't enlist.