has anyone volunteered their way into a job?

[thekid]

I'm in the process of reinstating a lapsed nursing license (out for eight years) but I see a few job opportunities open to RN's that I'd really like to look into more. As I'm waiting for my license to be activated again, do you think it's feasible to volunteer for one of the clinics or organizations I'm interested in? Has anyone ever volunteered at a place they were interested in working and later got a position there?

This worked for me many years ago when I volunteered in the L and D unit at the hospital while I was taking my CNA class..once I had passed the class and test, a position as CNA was available and I got the position.

I'm anxious to get back out there in the environment while I'm waiting on licensure ..what kinds of tasks would I be allowed to do as I was awaiting license reactivation? Basic assessment questionaires? Non-patient contact?

The two areas I am interested in volunteering are at a plastic surgeon clinic for pre/post care and for a same day surgery clinic. The ps clinic is currently hiring a pt RN (no experience necessary) and I know one of the surgeons personally. The SDS clinic requires 3 years experience. I'm not sure if either would consider having a volunteer but I'd love the chance to ease back into nursing and getting started as I'm waiting for reinstatement. Sort of a trial period before jumping all the way in :) I do not need the money from a job right now since I still run a business, and between my husband and I , we have enough money to pay for part time childcare for our young son so that I could volunteer part time during the week.

Any words of wisdom appreciated.

[AprilG25]

This is a good question.Can't wait until you get an answer so I can see what people think!

[thekid]

I just discovered our local hospice is in need of volunteers as well..i have worked hospice in the past. It would not be my first choice to return to nursing as I wanted to try something different but it may be worth looking into..

[dallasga123]

I am still in nursing school, but I have decided that I want to work in a hospital upon graduation. A local hospital in my area put an ad in the local newspaper. It said that they are in need of volunteers. I submitted an application, did an interview and signed a background release form. They told me the process takes approx 4 weeks. The interviewer asked me the reasons for my interest as a volunteer and I told her that I wanted to become familiar with the hospital setting since it is where I desire to work upon graduation. She said that she would note my file and that that future employment is a great reason for volunteering.

[IHeartPeds87]

It's a good way to get your foot in the door. I was recently called for an interview for a job that I had applied for. The person who called me informed me that one of the reasons I stood out on my application was because I had volunteered with the company for an extended period of time so I already knew the company culture and it was clear that I fit in. I know that it gave me a leg up compared to other applicants for the same job. Now I haven't interviewed for it yet, and while I don't think that volunteering will automatically lead to a job it is a good way to get a foot in the door for something that you really want to do if you can't find a paid position doing so. For example, if you were really interested in working in pediatrics but there weren't any open paid positions in the field, by volunteering in peds you could use that as a means of starting to get experience when paid positions aren't available.

Good luck :)

[thekid]

thank you and good luck to everyone!

[lamazeteacher]

I have volunteered at many agencies, and one did come through with a paid position teaching childbirth preparation to drug abusing pregnant women.They were sent by the court to that daycare-like place called "Patterns", and brought their older children there.

However, the money funding that project was a grant that was not renewed; and it was over shortly after I was finally hired. It's best, I learned, to look at all sides of a program before jumping in with both feet.......

That doesn't mean that I wouldn't have volunteered, if I'd known it would be over before I'd hardly started. I certainly would have, as it was a worthwhile endeavor. If I'd known, and could have picked up the application pieces for another grant, I would have done that. However, I was working in L&D at the community hospital, and time was limited.

I'm proud of the things I was able to accomplish there. I almost got some of the addicts to reluctantly accept the notion that what they took, their fetus involuntarily had in their systems, too. That was after repeated assertions and admission that they wanted what was best for their families.

However, since their physical comfort needs take priority (on a sick basis), withdrawal symptoms that curb any mothering instinct, send them back to their substance/drug dealer/pimp/whoever. I believe their intention to quit is sincere, but their inability to access rehabilitation soon enough,overrides their desire to "go straight". And their ability to make their own teething biscuits that I taught them to do, is certainly hampered by inebriation, and on goes the circle of despair.

So I learned a lot there.