Can an RN Volunteer on the Floor?

[kat1822, BSN, RN]

A little background: Last year I worked for almost 4 months on a stepdown tele unit. I could not continue even part time due to personal circumstances. At this point I'm in a bit of a tricky situation... I can't commit to a job right now because I'm 6 months pregnant with my fourth child. I don't want to consider a formal job again until this baby is at least a year old, maybe older and we have a reliable childcare situation.
Obviously I would like to keep my skills and knowledge up to date and also I know many units are desperate for more hands. I miss nursing in and of itself quite a lot. I need something to keep me motivated and fulfilled. Right now this pregnancy feels like an unending abyss. Being home with the kids all the time, I can feel my brain cells dying by the second. I love them to death but being a stay at home mom is no joke. I worked as a student extern while I was quite pregnant with my second so I know it's physically feasible for me.
However, I have never heard of an RN working on the floor just as a volunteer. Could anyone shed some light on this? Is it even a possibility?

[SmilingBluEyes]

It's tricky. Most hospitals don't have insurance to cover volunteer work in the scope of an RN not employed with them so they won't let you do this.

I feel you are really down and I get it. I am so sorry you feel this way. Remember, pregnancy is very temporary and kids grow up quickly. Once you can, try to secure a Per Diem position that enables you to work around your childcare situation. That is what I did when my kids were born until they were pretty far in school (my daughter was in 5th grade, son 12th). Their father was definitely in the picture, but he was military and gone often. So I get your dilemma.

I feel for you.

[kat1822, BSN, RN]

5 hours ago, SmilingBluEyes said:

It's tricky. Most hospitals don't have insurance to cover volunteer work in the scope of an RN not employed with them so they won't let you do this.

I feel you are really down and I get it. I am so sorry you feel this way. Remember, pregnancy is very temporary and kids grow up quickly. Once you can, try to secure a Per Diem position that enables you to work around your childcare situation. That is what I did when my kids were born until they were pretty far in school (my daughter was in 5th grade, son 12th). Their father was definitely in the picture, but he was military and gone often. So I get your dilemma.

I feel for you.

Thank you for your understanding. I completely get that hospitals wouldn’t want to do this for liability reasons. I knew I was overlooking something!

Despite always saying “wow they’re growing so fast!” it still feels like it takes forever for children to grow!

[TKL]

I agree with everything mentioned. Having a PRN/Per diem job can really be the best of both worlds. Each hospital system is different but some have little requirements for how many shifts you need to pick up each month or each pay period. 

Another thing you can do is work on your CEU's and staying competent. I love listening to podcasts and doing a bit of reading in my areas of expertise and researching areas I'm interested in & want to know more about.

I'm sure you know how busy you will be in just a few months time. Allow yourself grace, recovery time and sleep time. You'll be exhausted taking care of your new little one so plan for the bare minimum in everyday life and allow satisfaction in anything more than that. You can plan more after things settle down. Congratulations and best wishes for your laboring experience!

[londonflo]

Here Goes...Covid 2020 made me really rethink how to keep my brain activated! Sign up for Webinars (free but at definite times).

Think about volunteering at Boys and Girls Clubs (importance of brushing teeth - write for kits from toothpaste companies), providing services such as weighing children, discussing good nutrition, just being the 'nurse to talk to'. You need to be reliable and consistent for the children to trust you. I mean at least a day EVERY week of many weeks.

Ask the teachers at your children's schools if you can create health related bulletin boards.

Reread the Laura Ingalls Wilder books and create some school and library presentations showing some of the skills she and her family  learned and used. .there are a lot of examples available.(sewing, cooking, making refreshing drinks,  reading to each other, listening to each other read) 

And for extra $$ start buying children's books to sell at a local antique mall.