How do I find nurse volunteer?

[cncbennett]

My best friend was a nurse 4 years ago and she was in a car accident and paralyzed from the chin down. She is now on a vent and feeding tube. She recently lost her nursing care. Hopefully it is a temporary thing, but in the mean time her Mother and her Sister are taking care of her full time and are about to crash. I posted an ad on Craigslist for volunteers and also a paid position, although the family doesn't have adequate funds to pay for someone who holds a degree in nursing, but they could pay for a CNA. Her Mother has been doing the "night nurse" position for over a month and is operating on little sleep. I don't live in the same state or I would help them. My friend and her family have made such an impact on me in a positive way that I am going back to college to get my degree in nursing. I just want to help them find some help until they get the insurance issue worked out and I have no idea where to start or even if there are options out there or not. This is my 2nd post, so please go easy on me. I'm looking for advice of any type.

[SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN]

Agency is my only thought.

Sorry

[vlntrnurs]

Hi Cncbennett,

You could try posting ads at local nursing schools that produce RNs, LPNs, CNAs, or even Respiratory Therapists. I know some families have advertised through Craigslist, Monster, and the local newspapers. Families seem to have success when posting advertisements at local schools for nursing volunteers. Some RN students were CNAs and would like to volunteer to get experience, and references for future employment.

My co-worker and her family have done this, and she has received requests for volunteer work with a family member in need of healthcare. Its actually worked out very well. She has 3-4 student RN volunteers (who have their CNAs) who come in throughout the week and assist the family with patient care. One of the volunteers has already graduated with her RN and still comes twice a month to provide respite care for the family. She continues to volunteer her services. In this economy, you may get many volunteer requests!

Please let us know how this works out!

Good Luck!