Is anyone volunteering?

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Hi everyone! Just wondering if any of you are volunteering at a hospital or anywhere else. I started volunteering in the ER department of the hospital where I had my 3 babies:) I guess I'm hoping that it will help when the time comes to apply and get accepted into nursing school. But it is very rewarding being able to be a smiling, welcoming person to the families of those that are sick or injured.

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I plan on volunteering once I start school in the Fall ( which is August 29 ).

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Specializes in Cardiothoracic, Peds CVICU.

I just started volunteering at the hospital closest to the CC I attend. They have certain areas for college students to volunteer in so unfortunately I can't volunteer in the ER or anything like that... =/ I volunteer at the back office/back lobby desk. It's pretty fun, to be honest.

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Yes, I am planning on volunteering at a children's hospital in Tennessee. I am so excited and nervous but its always something I wanted to do to give back to the community and plus I love children:) I have been touching base with the hospital as far as them receiving my immunization records, once they receive them, I will be scheduled for orientation.

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I looked into it, but at the hospitals here I need my own health insurance, which is a bit out of reach at the moment. I hope to be able to at some point before I graduate.

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I was going to volunteer, but I feel like it will put too much pressure on me with all my classes and working Monday - Thursday. I used to volunteer when I was in my junior year of high school, but they made me stop because of the swine flu epidemic. But when I was there it was fun. My best friend and I baked and delivered cookies to the new moms and their families.

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I volunteered for 7 months and took a break when summer came around. I volunteered in a hospice setting and it was a very rewarding, but sad experience. I love the nurses I know, but there are many who have no compassion for their patients. The elderly deserve respect and attention and it's one of the reasons I hope to work in a nursing home after I graduate.

It does look good on a resume. You won't land a job based solely on volunteering experience, but any experience is good experience. Make sure you do it for the right reasons though.

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Yep!! I'm starting to volunteer as of next Thursday :-) I am really looking forward to it!! I will be in the ER as well

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I volunteered for 7 months and took a break when summer came around. I volunteered in a hospice setting and it was a very rewarding, but sad experience. I love the nurses I know, but there are many who have no compassion for their patients. The elderly deserve respect and attention and it's one of the reasons I hope to work in a nursing home after I graduate.

It does look good on a resume. You won't land a job based solely on volunteering experience, but any experience is good experience. Make sure you do it for the right reasons though.

I was thinking of volunteering for the local hospice, but was worried it might be too emotionally overwhelming. Did you already have some experience with death or progressive illness? What kind of things did you do, and how many hours per visit/week were you there? Did you tend to see the same people, or move around?

Wow, I just attacked you with questions! If you feel like sharing, I'm interested in any pointers! Obviously... :specs:

And to the OP - I volunteered in the ER for several months. It was a great experience! Even in a small ER, there is a lot going on and you can become really familiar with the inner workings of a hospital. I know for me, it's nice to know that I "get" that, so when classes start I can worry less about the minutia.

Have fun! And maybe you'll meet some fellow pre-healthcare students??

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I am an on again-off again volunteer at a local hospital. I started on a med/surg floor and switched to the ED and love it! The problem is I just don't have enough time to go on a regular basis between my full time job and school. But when I have been there I have learned a lot and gotten a good feel for the hospital environment. And you will find there may be some nurses who find out you are entering nursing school and will go out of their way to show you things. Good luck!

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I've been volunteering in Day-Surgery the entire year. I plan to do the same for fall, and then switch to the ICU next spring. (I'm thinking that CRNA could be an option for me. :) )

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Most hospitals have waiting list or they just cancel their volunteering program. Its so frustrating!

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