Hello everyone! I'm very excited that I found this site! (I'm already addicted, weird huh??)....
Anyway.... I'm starting school this fall.... I have 4 pre-reqs to take before I can apply for the RN program. So to help me out I have been volunteering for our local community hospital. I started in April and have worked about 12 hours so far. My question to those of you who are already working.... How do you feel towards volunteers? Are they helpful? A nusiance? Do they seem to be in your way? Do people look down on them? What about CNA's?? Everyone who I've met so far has said "how wonderful the volunteers are..." but the feeling I've gotten from the people around me is that we are more annoying than anything....
I really am doing it more for the experience more than anything.... but it does feel good to be doing something with my free time (I'm a SAHM).... I just feel like when I approach someone at the nurses station... they have better things to do than to ask what I'm there for....:chair:
I've only been in training so far, and once I get on the floor I'll be mostly on my own... so maybe that will make a difference.
I guess I'm just wondering if this is worth my time? TIA!
Speaking as a former volunteer who is now considering going to nursing school... I endeared myself to many nurses by asnwering call lights: if it was something I could do, (get a bed pan or water, help adjust bed, etc) I did it and told the nurse, if not, I told the nurse what the patient needed- saved them some steps. I also spent time with the older patients who just needed company. Also, let the nurses know you are planning to go to nursing school!
I am currently a volunteer, and also waiting to get into the RN program. It has been a great experience. We had three days of training and then had to pass a test to be able to volunteer. But it was worth it because all of the volunteers in this program are either pre RN or pre med and so after passing the test we are able to have a lot of hands on with patients. I have given baths, changed diapers, helped lift patients. Being able to do these things has really reinforced my feelings of wanting to be a nurse. Some of the RN's on the floor will sometimes call me over and show me how they do certain procedures. Probably simple ones for them, but neat for me to see, such as inserting a catheter or an IV. I am currently helping on med-surge floor. But we go to a new floor every three months so I am hoping to go to ER or OB next. I think we are greatly appreciated, when ever Im there they ask how long do I get to stay and an RN on the second day I was there yelled out "we love you guys, your all so helpful and you know what your doing." So I think if you just try your best, overall you are appreciated.
APP
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Speaking as a former volunteer who is now considering going to nursing school... I endeared myself to many nurses by asnwering call lights: if it was something I could do, (get a bed pan or water, help adjust bed, etc) I did it and told the nurse, if not, I told the nurse what the patient needed- saved them some steps. I also spent time with the older patients who just needed company. Also, let the nurses know you are planning to go to nursing school!