Can I volunteer as an RN?

[Amanda299]

Hello,

I completed my nursing education June last year and got my license in Oct. I have been looking for jobs anyway and everywhere nursing is practiced but to no avail. I have been seriously considering volunteering in the hospital or LTC as a registered nurse just to gain some experience. I just want to get the opportunity to utilized my skills and develop new ones. I was wondering, does anyone know if hospitals allow this in the units? If yes, what is the process involved. Thank you.

[Fiona59]

Nope. Hospitals are unionized. Volunteers would never be allowed patient contact in that way.

You could try the Red Cross or inner city agencies such as the Salvation Army or shelters. They might be willing to take you on.

[joanna73, BSN, RN]

You could apply to a facility as a volunteer to get your foot in the door, but you can't actually volunteer as an RN, due to liability reasons and policies enforced by both the facility and the Unions. For example, you could maybe get hired as a volunteer passing out water, trays, making beds, sitting with patients. But actually performing any type of nursing duties would not be allowed.