Does volunteering help with job prospects after grad?

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Jan 8, 2014

You're asking a very difficult question.... How would anyone know if 'volunteer experience' was a critical factor in obtaining his/her first job?

It's always a good idea to supplement your education by obtaining additional clinical experience. This will better prepare you for your eventual transition from student to practicing nurse. However, unless you are able to work in a job that is designed for nursing students - such as a PCT - it will only improve your familiarity with the patient care environment and make you more comfortable in that setting..... you will not be able to actually perform any "nursing skills".

Volunteers are strictly limited in the type of patient contact/interaction that is permitted. Typically, this includes greeting & escorting patients or providing them with (non clinical) information or assistance. If you need the practice in "customer service" type skills, it may be beneficial - otherwise... not so much.

llg, PhD, RN · Jan 8, 2014

It really depends on the details. For example, "Does your volunteer work relate directly to the type of work you will be seeking?" I work at a children's hospital and experience working with other people's children is a plus when you apply to work here -- even volunteer work with children. Certainly, it can be a plus to be a volunteer at our hospital, showing a long-term interest in our hospital while getting experience interacting with sick children and becoming familiar with our environment. However, that same experience would not be so valuable if you were trying to get a job in an adult ICU in another facilitiy.

Do you see what I mean? It depends.

PCnurse88 · Jan 8, 2014

I JUST got a volunteer position (I graduated with my BSN 8 months ago) and was lucky enough to have connections in the service office, because she actually made a "special" volunteer position just for me that actually had patient interaction. None of the positions that were actually available had any at all; most were filing paperwork, maintenance, restocking supplies, or calling the patients after therir hospital stay to take a survey. Fortunately this woman was best friends with MY best friend of 12 years' grandmother, so she took pity on me and created an "emergency room hostess" position; I will essentially be walking around the ER asking patients if they need anything and refilling water, getting more blankets, etc. Will this position help me/ at least look good on a resume? Sure. Patient interaction skills are a HUGE deal when applying! Would any of the volunteer positions that usually exist help? I mean volunteering is volunteering but no, not really.

Working as a nursing aid / technician / assistant, whatever it is in your home state, is beneficial because you're learning to CARE for patients and you're getting true life experience. If possible I would try to do both (experience + volunteer work is ALWAYS a good thing) but if you have to choose one I would get a job as an aid/tech. This is also good because in the months after you graduate when you're just-searching you have something to fall back on. I was so grateful I had kept my old high school job, because now I can start paying off loans, keep my car, and have a LIFE.

Good luck in your endeavors!

mrsboots87 · Jan 9, 2014

In my area, volunteer work does not really boost the resume any, if at all. What volunteer work does do is show the prospective employer you have interest in their facility and allows you to network with the personnel. This can help you get an interview and maybe score a few extra points because the nurse manager on the floor you are applying floor really likes your personality from volunteering and so on. So while the actual volunteer experience itself doesn't really do much, the people you meet and the ability to be comfortable in the facility is a big plus. In my area, its hard to get even an interview without already working as a CNA or knowing someone.