Clueless on Nursing Volunteering

[enlu]

Hi. I'm waiting for the results of the boards last June 2010. I wanted to make my time count by researching ahead about volunteer nursing, hospital applications and such. I have no idea how that works. Like, where do I go? The Human Resource? How do I know who to talk to? Are they accommodating enough? Which hospitals should I go or job fairs to join... I'm clueless -- as humbling as that. Please help! Thank you for your insights and sharing!

[creativetype2007]

Almost every hospital I know if you ask the operator for volunteeer services or something like that they will transfer you to the right person. Even cedar sinai in beverly hills has one. Good luck. OH, if you want to work in a specific area make sure you tell them and see if they can offer that to you.

[mikeicurn, ASN, RN]

I took my LPN boards this spring, but did not want to start working because I am going back next week to finish my RN. I decided to volunteer this summer to get my 120 hour internship out of the way. I went back to my local ER where I precepted at this spring and ask my preceptor if I could work with her this summer. She agreed, as did the ER manager. I then went to HR and told them what was going on. I had to fill out some paperwork so they could do their background check (the school does their own, so the one I did previously did not count), I also took a drug test (which the hospital paid for), and I had to provide my own malpractice insurance and give HR proof of that (since I am considered an LPN student my premium was only $30 or so for 1 year). That was about it. After the background checks and drug test came back, and HR cleared it one more time with the manager, I went to "work".

It has been a great experience. I learned a lot, kept my skills sharp, and have made some great friends in the ER and ICU. They are all wanting me to come back after I graduate and work (they don't hire LPN's) and one of the managers has said several times "it's a shame you aren't an RN, we could hire you tomorrow". I am hoping to precept there again this spring, and roll right into a job when I graduate if something is open. So, volunteering has been good to me. I hope this helps.

God Bless

[happy2learn]

There should be a volunteer office.

Also, you might want to check online. You can usually find the volunteer office contact info online.

[isshin]

thanks for the info, I'm a LPN and have been out of nursing for a few years, volunteering would be an excellent way for me to practice my skills. I will work on it this weekend.