Internships, Volunteering?

[MKO90]

I would like to get a job that pertains to Nursing or maybe a job that is in an enviroment where a nurse may work. Are there internships or can you volunteer at a hospital? I was also thinking of getting CNA liscense. Can anyone that volunteered at a hospital, had an internship or anyone that has gotten their CNA tell me how they did it? :) thanks! hope my question makes sense :) lol

[blondielocks]

yes, there are lots of those options.

For volunteering, do a google search of hospital "your city" volunteer and you should get some results. I just had to fill out an application.

For a job - search Craigslist, although keep in mind I have noticed it is hard to find non-medical jobs in the medical arena. The administrative ones are tough to come by with strict requirments. YMMV.

For CNA - check your state's BON. They should have a list of classes available. Most free CNA classes are gone now, keep in mind, though. Financial aid is out there though. I would also try to contact your state's WIA (search that on here) as they may be able to help foot the bill for you for CNA school.

Good luck to you :) I would love to go for my CNA but lost my job, have barely enough fin aid to get me through my pre-reqs right now, DH doesn't work due to disability, etc etc etc. PM me if I can be of further assistance.

[Justanotherday]

At my college, the CNA course is considered "Continuing Education" and Financial Aid will not cover it. It does cover my prereqs and nursing program, though!

Also the Red Cross may have a CNA course near you. Or try a community college.

[happy2learn]

I volunteer in the Emergency department at the most well known hospital in my area. It is also a teaching hospital.

I get to interact with patients (depending on their state of consciousness), nurses, doctors, aides, and families. I don't do anything physical, for obvious reasons. However, I am learning communication skills like no other. Pretty stressful environment. When the family comes running into the ED, they reach me. They are usually frightened. It's my job to get the as calm as they can, run back and check on the patient with the nurses/doctors and report back to the family. I have to keep giving updates as much as possible without disturbing the nurses and/or doctors, but also keep the family as calm as feasible. Sounds easy to some, but it's not. When the police call a family, they usually have no idea what really happened and they are freaking out. I may not be doing nursing, but I will understand this environment better than someone who has never been there would.

I'm going to add a shift on the Oncology floor in September. There I will transfer patients from the bed to a chair, if they want, so they can eat. Or I will help them eat in bed. I will also keep them company during visiting hours if they have no visitors. Again, not nursing experience exactly, but I love this hospital.

I'll get more patient interaction experience then. My volunteer manager said she would let me transfer around to any part of the hospital I wanted so that by the time I am out of nursing school, I will have some experience on every floor so I will at least have an idea of areas I like.

Granted, a PCA will have an advantage over me (all other factors constant), but that is why I keep my high GPA, and network as much as possible.