Hospital Volunteer Interview?

markuskristian · Mar 12, 2009

I just had mine a couple weeks ago. They ask basic questions such as why you are volunteering, if you're in college what are you studying, and to make sure that you still want to do it after they explain the very little you're allowed to do... Its mostly transporting patients after discharge and taking family to the correct room at the ED.. At least that's the limit at most places. It does offer the great chance to shadow nurses and doctors (off your normal volunteer hours).

Koala33 · Mar 12, 2009

I'd always feel better if I over-dressed than if I under-dressed. Go with what you said you were going to wear.

freesia29, ASN, RN · Mar 12, 2009

Thanks! The co-ordinator did say on the phone that for nursing students they have you act as a float, carrying a cell phone, so you will run specimens to the lab, and help the nurses wherever needed, as well as flower delivery, transporting patients etc.....so it sounds like never a dull moment! LOL

rcclover00 · Mar 13, 2009

I've been wondering this about hospital volunteering....How does scheduling work? I would think you can be really flexible with when you go in? How do the hours differ from an employed situation? - you arrange them ahead of time? you pick from what they offer?...

JeanettePNP, MSN, RN, NP · Mar 15, 2009

I guess every hospital is different, but when I did volunteering I could pick my own hours. I did have to commit to work a full shift though (six hours). I got a lunch break in between too. Officially they wanted a six-month commitment, I think, but unofficially they were okay with a lot less than that. You ARE a volunteer after all. I worked together with a PCT and helped her wash and turn patients--it was a great experience as I was able to do a lot of hands-on stuff.

The interview was pretty basic, I just filled out a few forms, explained what type of volunteering I was looking to do and why. I needed to go through a background check and a physical, and was cleared for volunteering. I also took a little HIPAA workshop to make sure i understood confidentiality rules.

rcclover00 · Mar 15, 2009

Thank you!

freesia29, ASN, RN · Mar 15, 2009

Thanks!

The interview was about a 1/2 hour. But we chatted about lots of stuff! She was excited that I was a pre-nursing student and said I will make an excellent nurse. She basically just asked why I wanted to be a volunteer. She said she didn't have any openings right at this moment, but once I get thru the orientation class (next friday is full, but if someone cancels, I am in) or otherwise the next one is April 17th. I have my nurse appt next week, to do the TB tests. And basically she said I would be a float, on call for the nurses. They have you shadow someone for 5-6 weeks.....it's only a 4 hour shift once per week.

So I am very excited to get started! I hope someone cancels for the orientation on friday! I don't want to wait a whole month!!

I am looking into taking a phlebotomy class as well....I figure if I can get into the hospital lab (DH had one....he has hemocromatosis and is in there a lot)...she was a volunteer and got into the lab, and the hospital trained her....so I thought that would be an excellent part time job as well....

Thanks!

Natascha