LPN opportunities volunteering in hospital:Benefits?

[SharLoir]

Well I live in Philadelphia and passed my Nclex in March.I have applied to quite a few nursing homes and hospitals,but I've either been told I need a year experience or they don't hire new nurses.Its been a tad frustrating applying for jobs.Someone advised me it would be best to volunteer my services at an hospital.I am aware that volunteer opportunities are not guaranteed to employment.Just quite uncertain what my responsibilities would be and how it would assist me with the LPN aspect of gaining experience.Also what's the best approach to letting them know that my reason is to gain experience relating to nursing. I am also interested with the altruistic purpose as well.Thank you!

[tiffnie, RN]

Volunteering is a really good way to get your foot in the door. I believe all you do is contact HR and let them know you are a licensed LVN who would like to volunteer. They will most likely assume that you are looking for a position, and they really dont have anything to lose because you are giving them free labor. If they can see what kind of worker you are and they like you, especially if you make friends, they will probably keep you in mind when a position opens.

[AngelicDarkness]

Be very careful in volunteering. Know your role. To quote a hospital near me :

We are pleased to accept your application. Please note that volunteers at GRH are not permitted to take on any tasks or responsibilities that fall outside the scope of the volunteer role.

Any tasks or responsibilities that only a member of a licensed or regulated profession (physician, pharmacist, physiotherapist, laboratory technician, nurse etc.) can legally perform are not included in any volunteer role descriptions.

Volunteering will not allow you the opportunity to practice or develop your clinical or technical skills, nor are our volunteer roles designed to be professional internship opportunities.

[HazelLPN, LPN]

Volunteering can give you human connections in the hospital. You certainly won't practice as an LPN, but you will learn new things and new people. Ever job that I ever had was through a human connection. LPNs in acute care in many cases are the exception to the rule. Volunteering and making these connections helps you become the exception.

Best to you,

Mrs H.