Best hospital units for volunteering as a student?

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Hello!

I'm in my junior year (well, the equivalent; it's an accelerated program) of a BSN program, and I'm going to start volunteering at a hospital, assisting with patient feeding, transport, and emotional support. Is there a particular unit or units that would be better to be placed in? I'm hoping to take this path at this hospital: volunteer -> get an externship here in the spring -> get a job.

I was originally placed on the hemodialysis unit, but was changed to the neuro and surgical step down unit. Would I be better off requesting a different placement, if I'm trying to set myself up to get a job in 10 months?

Any and all advice would be appreciated! Thank you so much!!

- Bk_cyclist

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Specializes in Pediatric/Adolescent, Med-Surg.

I don't think placement really matters. At most hospitals the amount of hands on care that volunteers can provide is minimal. Use it more as an opportunity to help pts and observe nurses.

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I don't know what would set you up for a job in a specific unit, but I think volunteering period will help you. I'm volunteering in the ED once a week and really enjoy it.

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Specializes in ER.

I don't think volunteering is necessarily the best way to go to get a job. I don't think long-term it would matter. It looks nice but it should not be patient care. I think it would be better to look into nurse externs and see if you can get hired for one with an intent to work on the unit.

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