App fee to volunteer?!?

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Specializes in Urgent Care, Pulmonary Med, Primary Care.

So as a RMA that has been out of practice for a year, I decided to get my feet damp by applying to volunteer at a local hospital while working on my long list of pre reqs. I was ready to hand deliver my app until I read that I had to turn the app in with a $35.00 app fee. That is insane! I suppose that is for the criminal check, etc.?

Not to mention that I'd have to purchase their smock, and pay an annual due of $10.00 (that is perfectly fine). However, an app fee?? Come on.

Is this the new thing?

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I'm not sure about other areas, but in mine the nursing students I know complain about waiting lists to get volunteering experience at local hospitals.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

Is it perhaps for the mandated background check and health screening (all hospitals require tb screening some also have additional requirements)

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Find out what the fee is all about, Ive never heard of an app fee for doing free work.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

A few agencies were requesting prospective volunteers pay up front for the mandated background check with their application.

Unfortunately some volunteers had backgrounds they didn't think "counted" and were actually prohibited from certain areas/working with certain populations. The costs were mounting and eating into the funds that could be used to meet the needs of the population served.

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Specializes in ER.

Too many people do not volunteer who apply to volunteer.

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