Is hospice volunteering a good start for CNA?

[Jessicainsantafe]

I am about to start my CNA training here in Santa Fe in a few days, and I am very interested in the Hospice/Palliative aspect of nursing. I tried to become a volunteer at a local hospice here over my winter break, but was told that the volunteer training can take up to six weeks....just in time for me to go back to school! I am keeping in contact with the coordinator at the hospice, and have informed him that I will be willing to take the volunteer training once my CNA class is done in May..he told me to call once my CNA training is done (yay!).

Has anyone else done this type of CNA volunteering? Is this is a good way to get my foot in the door? I am willing to work LTC also; I am in the RN program and am not a spring chicken (I'm 49), but I have worked very physical jobs in the past, so the 'hard work' part of being a CNA doesn't faze me. I just want to be the best I can be for the patients.

Any replies greatly apprieciated. And yes, the avatar is what I hope is in the future! :)

[h_kitty, CNA]

I think it's a great start!!! My first cna job was a hospice facility. Why don't you just volunteer for a little while you're in school and training. A few hours here, afew hours there. Then try and get hired by them as a cna..and then work there for awhile and then try and get an RN job there after you graduated the program

[northernguy]

Do you want to do this volunteering in order to gain experience as a CNA and help to get a job? If so I dont think it would be that hard to find a paid position as a CNA as long as you are willing to work in LTC and maybe start out part time.

Ive never worked solely hospice care, but I have taken care of dying patients and residents who were on hospice. Its largely the same as taking care of elderly residents except theres more focus on just making them comfortable, and towards the end they are obviously going to be bed bound and possibly unconcious. Im not sure what would necessitate 6 weeks of additional training beyond normal CNA training, which should cover end of life care. Maybe there is more training on emotional support for the patient and family?

[IEDave, ASN, CNA, LVN]

Worked for me!:)

And, I'm a 49er myself - did 6 mos. volunteering with VITAS, just completed CNA training, and I've got employment opportunities coming at me from all sides!

----- Dave