Any advice?

RNHawaii34 · Apr 22, 2008

i need some advice here.
presently im working for almost 6 months now as a nurse trainee in one of the tertiary hospitals here in the country, but as we all know being in this position means working without a salary. its good that the hospital did not require us to pay any fee to them. the experience was really good. but right now, im thinking of whether to continue my training/volunteer work or look for other job that will pay me a salary. i enjoyed my exposure in the hospital, but i also have to earn an income that will support my daily needs, and looking for a nursing job here is very much difficult.
i am weighing the pros and cons, and as i read the different threads here, the moderator here emphasized that a training is a training and not considered as work experience.
would appreciate any thoughts on this.

working without salary is like slavery. if i were you, i will immidiately look for another job who will actually pay me, than to work there without pay. have you consider asking.or inquire to that hospital if they have opening? yes, you make enjoy working there as a trainee, but for how long? i think you didn't go to 4 years of school and work for free. you are right, volunteer and training is not considered as work experience.goodluck to you.

msdreamchaser · Apr 23, 2008

i agree with rnhawaii34. it guess it is better if you look for other hospitals who will train you as a staff nurse and pay you as well... i know you already enjoyed your training but be practical as well...

lenjoy03, RN · Apr 24, 2008

here's my suggestion. If you can still bear it, stay in your job and while currently undergoing your volunteer, look for another job. its really hard to look for a job nowadays. If you quit your volunteer program then look for a job, you'll be staying in your place for quite sometime because of so many applicants ahead of you. While if you continue your volunteer and look for a job, at least you will have something to do and not just stay at home. Its your choice....

meliza72, LPN, LVN · May 2, 2008

just hang on in there. if a position is vacated you'll have the edge over other applicants. your training is still an experience. it may not give a boost to your resume as a work experience but it will definitely give you a boost on your skills.

ulyza · May 9, 2008

I need some advice here.
Presently Im working for almost 6 months now as a Nurse Trainee in one of the tertiary hospitals here in the country, but as we all know being in this position means working without a salary. Its good that the hospital did not require us to pay any fee to them. The experience was really good. But right now, Im thinking of whether to continue my training/volunteer work or look for other job that will pay me a salary. I enjoyed my exposure in the hospital, but I also have to earn an income that will support my daily needs, and looking for a nursing job here is very much difficult.
I am weighing the pros and cons, and as I read the different threads here, the moderator here emphasized that a training is a training and not considered as work experience.
Would appreciate any thoughts on this.

Firsr of all I salute you for giving services for free!!!

If I were you I would stick with this job. Even though you don't earn money from them, you'll still be able to earn something -EXPERIENCE. Which might not not be helpful,financially, as of now but in the future, i believe it'll be.

I'll say you're Lucky and Blessed to be under a tertiary hospital. Now a days new RN's are having difficult time finding a hospital where they could be trained or serve as a volunteer who are also very much willing even without pay. What they are after is the experience,anyway.

If you also plan to work abroad you may also use that as experience. Some may say it may not be counted as one but you may explain to the employer the reason why you settle fo that hospital even without pay and that you do what a hired nurse do.

But if you have kids, this is really a thing to consider. I mean money matters in that case. So it's still up to you and your long-term career goal.

suzanne4, RN · May 9, 2008

Firsr of all I salute you for giving services for free!!!
If I were you I would stick with this job. Even though you don't earn money from them, you'll still be able to earn something -EXPERIENCE. Which might not not be helpful,financially, as of now but in the future, i believe it'll be.
I'll say you're Lucky and Blessed to be under a tertiary hospital. Now a days new RN's are having difficult time finding a hospital where they could be trained or serve as a volunteer who are also very much willing even without pay. What they are after is the experience,anyway.
If you also plan to work abroad you may also use that as experience. Some may say it may not be counted as one but you may explain to the employer the reason why you settle fo that hospital even without pay and that you do what a hired nurse do.
But if you have kids, this is really a thing to consider. I mean money matters in that case. So it's still up to you and your long-term career goal.

Even foreign countries do not accept the training programs there as work experience, you are paying for the privilege of volunteering there. And as a volunteer, you do not get any verification from them that you were there as a volunteer either until it has been several years and we do not see all get that letter.

One must decide what is best for the person, but be aware that what you are doing is going to help you but not help you in getting a job out of your country if that is what your final goal is to be doing.

ulyza · May 10, 2008

Even foreign countries do not accept the training programs there as work experience, you are paying for the privilege of volunteering there. And as a volunteer, you do not get any verification from them that you were there as a volunteer either until it has been several years and we do not see all get that letter.
One must decide what is best for the person, but be aware that what you are doing is going to help you but not help you in getting a job out of your country if that is what your final goal is to be doing.

Exactly! being volunterr might not help you financially but it'll help you develop your skills. It's better than be like those I know who have no hospital exposure and struggle to have one and never given a chance even as volunteers.

Try to look for hospitals that accept staff nurses with pay. You will find nothing. If you might then you are TRUe blessed person! Even I've know who graduated on a "reputable" (as what they call it) nursing schools are jobless. Yes, they tried applying in hospitals in Manila but most are freeze hiring,some accepts volunteers -but that's before- now most don't accept even volunteers, some offers training where you have to pay them to work there for 4-6 mos like makati med,PGH,Nat'l kidney.

Paranaque Doctors Hospital train nurses and gives allowance as well. You might try applying there.

Again, you have to set a long term career goal. If the hospital wherein you work with no pay have vacancy, you might fill it. I believe they'll consider you since you serve them for free before.

This is what Filipinos are known for " matiyaga at matiisin." So be PROUD.

nurselove · May 13, 2008

I need some advice here.
Presently Im working for almost 6 months now as a Nurse Trainee in one of the tertiary hospitals here in the country, but as we all know being in this position means working without a salary. Its good that the hospital did not require us to pay any fee to them. The experience was really good. But right now, Im thinking of whether to continue my training/volunteer work or look for other job that will pay me a salary. I enjoyed my exposure in the hospital, but I also have to earn an income that will support my daily needs, and looking for a nursing job here is very much difficult.
I am weighing the pros and cons, and as I read the different threads here, the moderator here emphasized that a training is a training and not considered as work experience.
Would appreciate any thoughts on this.

:yeah: I did the same thing about 3 yrs ago. Back in 2005, it wasn't as hard to find a job in hospitals as compared to now. Since I was a new RN, I opt to work as a volunteer because I was reluctant with my skills. I believe that I came from a reputable nursing school, even so, there are still a lot of things you won't learn in school. I'm currently working in a tertiary hospital, My training really helped- in improving my skills and boosting my CONFIDENCE!

Goodluck to you! and I hope you find a job soon... GODBLESS!

lovethisjob · May 14, 2008

I need some advice here.
Presently Im working for almost 6 months now as a Nurse Trainee in one of the tertiary hospitals here in the country, but as we all know being in this position means working without a salary. Its good that the hospital did not require us to pay any fee to them. The experience was really good. But right now, Im thinking of whether to continue my training/volunteer work or look for other job that will pay me a salary. I enjoyed my exposure in the hospital, but I also have to earn an income that will support my daily needs, and looking for a nursing job here is very much difficult.
I am weighing the pros and cons, and as I read the different threads here, the moderator here emphasized that a training is a training and not considered as work experience.
Would appreciate any thoughts on this.

i beg to disagree... training is truly just that... training! BUT, hey, there are several hospitals esp. in the US who would gladly consider training and volunteer work (you're lucky you have 6 straight months and didn't have to pay) IS experience already. you just have to prove to them that your work entails you to carry out nursing responsibility as a regular staff nurse would, NO LIMITATIONS, they trust you to chart and carry out MD orders and give meds esp IV, and that you work full time (40 hours a week - which is 5 days x 8 hours) it's how you sell yourself that would impress a prospective employer. paid or not, you work hard as those employed, sometimes, even harder. don't despair. there's a place for hardworking nurses like you, keep the faith! :bow:

suzanne4, RN · May 17, 2008

i beg to disagree... training is truly just that... training! BUT, hey, there are several hospitals esp. in the US who would gladly consider training and volunteer work (you're lucky you have 6 straight months and didn't have to pay) IS experience already. you just have to prove to them that your work entails you to carry out nursing responsibility as a regular staff nurse would, NO LIMITATIONS, they trust you to chart and carry out MD orders and give meds esp IV, and that you work full time (40 hours a week - which is 5 days x 8 hours) it's how you sell yourself that would impress a prospective employer. paid or not, you work hard as those employed, sometimes, even harder. don't despair. there's a place for hardworking nurses like you, keep the faith!

And you may not be aware but there is a retrogression in place and one is looking at five years plus for a chance at a green card. The number issued per year has not increased at all, but the number of students has exponentially risen, so that lowers ones chances of getting the green card.

Titanium888 · May 19, 2008

Where exactly are you doing your volunteer service kabayan? BACK when I was a fresh local board passer and looking for a decent job there in Manila, I had known some of fresh nurses who were doing the same thing you're doing right now. At first, yes, they said the feeling was rewarding as they're gaining lots of training but in the long run it looked like it wasn't FAIR!!! I know for one, this hospital in Manila which asks certain fee for the nurses to do their training and will see what happens next. There are also hospitals that play the game, you know. Accept some trainees (registed nurses) and make some false promises. Horrible!!! Very opportunistic!

I suggest that you apply to a decent hospital that will give you your due. It is given that whereever you go in any part of our country, the salary is low. That is a fact and nothing can be done until the gods wipe out all the ba*tard politicians in the position.

If you're just around Manila, try Manila Doctors, MAkati medical Center or Our Lady of Lourdes:yeah: (unless you hate religious things and hate certain denominations). And when u apply, be prepared and practice on how to make them think that you are the one they need among the applicants. Yes, you have the patience and they said "matiisin" but my, dear, you have to ASSERT yourself. That is the NURSE!

Goodluck! :wink2: