Internship/volunteering???

[YoungMaleCNA]

Hey yall. So does volunteering at a hospital or nursing home gain you experience that benefits you as a CNA? And is there such thing as CNA internships? How would that work? How can i gain experience as a CNA without working? Thanks! -Joseph

[cracklingkraken, ASN, RN]

Not really.. volunteering is very limited, at least in my area. It's mostly limited to clerical duties, such as organizing, restocking, etc.

And what do you mean how do you gain experience as a CNA without working?

[sunflowerr]

So does volunteering at a hospital or nursing home gain you experience that benefits you as a CNA?

In my personal experience, I would say that volunteering is a good experience and could benefit you as a CNA. At the hospital I volunteer at, I go from room to room on one unit and ask patients how they're doing, refill their water if it's empty, get them blankets or anything else they need, discharge patients, etc. And often times, I'll end up having a conversation with them—either they'll start telling me stories about their life or they'll ask me questions about why I'm volunteering and if I want to work in healthcare. Things like that. It has GREATLY helped me improve my communication skills. I remember the first time I walked into a patient's room and introduced myself I felt nervous and awkward, but now I feel much more comfortable.

It's also a good way to learn how hospitals work, see nurses, doctors, PTs, OTs, and other healthcare workers in action, and learn some various things.

But it really depends on the policies of the hospital you want to volunteer at. Some hospitals don't allow volunteers to be around patients at all. My hospital has high school volunteers go through a 9 hour orientation where you learn about HIPAA, infection control, wheelchair safety, etc. so I believe that's why we're allowed to be around patients. They call us "Volunteer Patient Care Assistants," see if your local hospital has a program like that.

Your hospital may have different rules and you may end up doing clerical work. The only way you'll know is if you contact them.

One thing to keep in mind is that while you're volunteering, you won't be allowed to do the things you would as a CNA.

I saw another one of your posts and you said you couldn't find any jobs as a CNA because you're 17. Maybe you can find a job at a nursing facility? If not, I think volunteering would be the best bet at your age, and then once you're 18, looking for a CNA job again.

[YoungMaleCNA]

In my personal experience, I would say that volunteering is a good experience and could benefit you as a CNA. At the hospital I volunteer at, I go from room to room on one unit and ask patients how they're doing, refill their water if it's empty, get them blankets or anything else they need, discharge patients, etc. And often times, I'll end up having a conversation with them—either they'll start telling me stories about their life or they'll ask me questions about why I'm volunteering and if I want to work in healthcare. Things like that. It has GREATLY helped me improve my communication skills. I remember the first time I walked into a patient's room and introduced myself I felt nervous and awkward, but now I feel much more comfortable.

It's also a good way to learn how hospitals work, see nurses, doctors, PTs, OTs, and other healthcare workers in action, and learn some various things.

But it really depends on the policies of the hospital you want to volunteer at. Some hospitals don't allow volunteers to be around patients at all. My hospital has high school volunteers go through a 9 hour orientation where you learn about HIPAA, infection control, wheelchair safety, etc. so I believe that's why we're allowed to be around patients. They call us "Volunteer Patient Care Assistants," see if your local hospital has a program like that.

Your hospital may have different rules and you may end up doing clerical work. The only way you'll know is if you contact them.

One thing to keep in mind is that while you're volunteering, you won't be allowed to do the things you would as a CNA.

I saw another one of your posts and you said you couldn't find any jobs as a CNA because you're 17. Maybe you can find a job at a nursing facility? If not, I think volunteering would be the best bet at your age, and then once you're 18, looking for a CNA job again.

Thanks for sharing! I'll call my local hospitals and find out about that. And i've called a bunch of nursing facilities and they say they only hire 18 and above. It looks like i'll just have to wait until im 18.

[amoLucia]

LTC/NH doesn't have much use for your kind of volunteering. The Rec/Act Dept usually does such stuff as mentioned.

As your screen name identifies you as a CNA, you had to have done hands-on care during your training. No other way to gain real experience other than doing the hands-on.

I didn't get IV skills until I did the sticks. Same with other skills.