CNA Volunteer Opportunities?

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Hi There, I live in Los Angeles and I'm about 3.5 weeks away from getting my CNA. Are there any volunteer opportunities for CNAs? If so, where do I look?

Thanks very much and Happy Holidays :)

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Specializes in mental health / psychiatic nursing.

There are many volunteer opportunities in healthcare, particularity in hospitals (but also in other areas). However you cannot volunteer to be a CNA for someplace, even with a license.

I work as a CNA at one facility, and volunteer in another. While I get to help out the CNAs in the facility where I volunteer a lot, there are rules on what I can and cannot do, and it is very clear that I am there as a volunteer, not as an additional CNA for the facility to rely on.

That being said, volunteering is a good way to learn more about what a CNA or nursing job looks like at a particular facility, and is a great way to network and to build experience being in and around a healthcare environment.

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Okay, so if I understand you correctly, you are saying that a licensed CNA cannot volunteer their CNA services?

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Specializes in ICU Stepdown.

Usually volunteers in hospitals are for information services, patient support and other non-direct services. Volunteers in nursing homes are usually for activities and life enhancement services. I have never heard of being able to volunteer as a CNA. Why don't you just get a job as a CNA?

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Specializes in Adult and Pediatric Vascular Access, Paramedic.

Its a matter of liability, if you are not on the facility's clock neither you nor they are covered if something should happen.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
Okay, so if I understand you correctly, you are saying that a licensed CNA cannot volunteer their CNA services?

Correct. Not in a hospital or other facility. CNAs are not licensed they are certified. Only NH licenses nursing assistants and the title is LNA (licensed nursing assistants)

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Oh okay, gotchya. Thanks so much!

Of course I could get a job as a CNA. I also just wanted to volunteer some place. I wanted to ask because I am a licensed Cosmetologist and I am able to volunteer my time providing Cosmetologist services (services that only a licensed Cosmetologist can do). I didn't know it would be different with being a CNA. Thanks for clearing that up for me :)

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I know this is old, but try remote area medical :-)

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