Aspiring RN student!

[TexasRosiee90]

I recently decided Nursing is the career I want for myself. I have been a caregiver (nanny) for the past 5 years and realized helping people is truly what I love to do. Finally deciding to go after my dream of becoming an RN is an amazing feeling! I am working on placement exams and will be signing up for the prerequisite classes for the spring semester. I was wondering if it would be a good idea to volunteer at a hospital or other health care facility while I am doing prerequisites to boost my Nursing School application? Or if volunteering was even an option available for someone with no health care experience. Appreciate any input!! Thanks yall!

[cracklingkraken, ASN, RN]

Congratulations on taking a big leap forward!

It really depends on the program that you are looking to apply to. In my area, none of the schools look at volunteering experience as a factor when considering your application.

Volunteers tend to be limited in what they are able to do due to patient privacy and such, so they often do clerical duties such as stock supplies or clean equipment.

[TexasRosiee90]

Thank you!!!

[dailydori18]

You might apply for a Paser position at a hospital. My suggestion would be get involved in research with a professor. When you get into clinicals you will be able to work as a CNA. GPA is always the biggest hitter for getting into schools. They won't care as much about experience (that's what you're attending their program for) they want to know you won't flunk out during clinicals.

[cracklingkraken, ASN, RN]

And per ToS, you cannot have the title of "nurse", if you are not in fact a nurse.

[TexasRosiee90]

And per ToS, you cannot have the title of "nurse", if you are not in fact a nurse.

Is there a way to change my username then?

[Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN]

I would call the school(s) you're planning to apply to, and ask how important volunteer experience is. Personally I don't think it is relevant; I mean, volunteers are so limited in what they can do in hospitals...but I'm not the one to decide those things.

If it's not an important factor, honestly I wouldn't bother, unless of course you want to volunteer. What I do recommend is taking a CNA (nursing assistant) course. They do basic nursing tasks such as bathing, feeding people who need help, helping with mobility, sometimes taking vital signs, etc. as delegated by the RN/LPN. That work pays and helps to get you into the groove of working with patients/nursing facility residents.

Wishing you the best on your nursing journey!

[cracklingkraken, ASN, RN]

Is there a way to change my username then?

https://allnurses.com/how-use-site/how-can-i-387083.html

[GoodnessFlows]

CONGRATS! You will be so happy you started one year from now. Slow and steady wins the race, UNLESS you are in a huge hurry. Try your best to get all A's in your pre-reqs. This is more easily achievable if you take your core science courses one at a time, unless you think you can handle two.

GOOD LUCK!

[TexasRosiee90]

Thank you so much!!

[TexasRosiee90]

Thank you! I am so excited to finally have a path set for myself. I always wanted to do 'something' with my life but wasn't sure what. Until recently, I've always been a caregiver, and everyone tells me how good I am at helping others, so nursing is the only thing I can think of wanting to do!!

[la_chica_suerte85, BSN, RN]

Volunteering is absolutely an option! Do whatever you can now because you'll need to be doing it during nursing school once you get in. If you have an idea what you would like to do, then see if you can volunteer at a hospital/unit that serves that specialty (i.e. if you like pediatrics, go to a Ronald McDonald House or a children's hospital). You'll need letters of reference and a way to show that you are committed to your community so volunteering is a must.