License and Volunteering?

[Jesskanurse]

I was just wondering... how can I volunteer my nursing services? I am a brand new nurse and sometime in the future I would like to volunteer. Where would you recommend I look, and also, how does it work as far as your license-- legal-wise? Thanks!

Jessica

[Dalzac, LPN, LVN, RN]

It all depends on what you have to for volunteering. I volunteer at the board of Nursing. I am a recovering alcoholic. And I am on the Peer assistance Committee. I go in around once every 2 months or so and help nurses get their lives and licenses back on track and help them get into recovery and still work. The board sends offenders to PAC and we give them a very structured program that they have to do and get back into nursing. I love it and I will continue to do it as long as they will let me. It makes me feel like I am worth it.

[Tweety, BSN, RN]

When I finish my RN to BSN program and have more time, I plan on volunteering a free clinic here. Perhaps where you are has the need for volunteers there.

I'm not sure about your other question about the license, which is a good one. I imagine as long as you follow policy and procedure where you volunteer and stay within the Nurse Practice Act, you're covered. But it might not be a good idea to have your own insurance just in case.

[chadash]

I tried to volunteer at a hospital hospice and was told I could not do any care as a CNA as a volunteer. Guess there is some issues in some facilities about being in full employment to work under your certification or license. There might be legal ramifications. There clearly is potential for problems if a volunteer would accidentally injure a patient. So it makes sense.

Something like a free clinic may cover that differently.

If there is a AIDs home in your area, I am confident they would really appreciate some help. My daughter assists at a childrens free clinic too.

[Corvette Guy]

It all depends on what you have to for volunteering. I volunteer at the board of Nursing. I am a recovering alcoholic. And I am on the Peer assistance Committee. I go in around once every 2 months or so and help nurses get their lives and licenses back on track and help them get into recovery and still work. The board sends offenders to PAC and we give them a very structured program that they have to do and get back into nursing. I love it and I will continue to do it as long as they will let me. It makes me feel like I am worth it.

Sounds like your participation in PAC is a win-win situation all the way around. BTW, you are definitely worth it!