How to get involved in community as new grad RN??

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I'm a New Grad and I want to be more involved...

I'm in the process of getting a job at hospitals here in Los Angeles.

Residency programs are starting to interview/hire, etc.

In the meantime, I'm bored! I want to get involved. I've looked into the red cross and all volunteer opportunities I'm interested in require 3 years in the ED, etc.

I'm not yet part of a hospital so there aren't committees I can be a part of that I easily have access to or know about.

Clinics in Los Angeles are so nit picky, wanting you to write an essay and send a resume in and "maybe" they will contact you if they think you're qualified enough... lol it's a bit ridiculous! I'd be working for free for goodness sake!

Any ideas?

1. Is anyone a part of a national or regional organization you can tell me about?

2. How does one get involved in say the ANA and what could you even do? or any nursing association for that matter? Leadership roles?

3. How do you give back or what do you guys do to be involved in your community as a nurse?

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Specializes in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology.

I worked with an NP who said she used a quiz that matched her with various volunteer opportunities. I can't seem to find the site she was using but here is one that brings you opportunities based on interests: VolunteerMatch - Where Volunteering Begins

Hope that helps!

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

I've been a triple-level (national, state & local) member of ANA for a looong time and have found that this is a great venue for connecting with meaningful activities. I've been involved in state-wide committees working with development of new legislation & evaluation of health services as well as local initiatives like disaster relief & planning/providing professional development programs. Our local chapter also maintains a speaker's bureau that serves as a clearinghouse for any organizations that want a nurse to speak about a health-related topic. I've done a few of those - they're fun. You may also want to explore opportunities with your local chapter of American Heart Association or Red Cross.

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A couple of places that I have volunteered for are the Red Cross teaching CPR to foster families and at the local pregnancy resource center. Good luck!

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Specializes in Childbirth Educator, Birth Doula.

I second looking into your local NA chapter to get involved with lobbying efforts on the state level and attending committee hearings on nursing sponsored issues. LOTS of policy affects nursing practice and public health and this is one of the best ways to use your clout as a nurse to affect change.

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If you're interested in activism, National Nurses United is very involved politically.

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I volunteer at a homeless shelter in their health clinic as a new grad. 200+ hrs later and it looking like I will be hired on as a clinic RN!!

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