Need volunteer advice

[Sarahmarie]

Hi, I’m new to this site. I’m hoping to start an accelerated BSN program fall of 2021. I’m looking for resume buildings since I have little to no health care experience.

I currently volunteer in hospice, and I love it. I just got accepted into the COPE Health Scholars program at my local hospital (basically like a CNA but no certification and no pay). However, I’m not sure this program will work out for me due to the tuition cost and how soon they want the money.

Can anyone give me a list of other options I can do to help build my resume for nursing school applications?

I’m interested in working with babies, children, and children with developmental disabilities. I am also interested I. The psychiatric field.

Thank you!

[turtlesRcool]

Why not become a CNA and get paid? I googled the COPE Health Scholars and it looks more like something to take to see if you're interested in a career in health care. Correct me if I'm wrong, but you're paying to volunteer/observe in a health care setting. It's not clear to me how much useful hands-on experience you get with the program.

I think being a CNA is going to get you more experience, allow you to get paid during school (easy enough to pick up a few shifts during an ABSN program if you're already a CNA), and possibly get a foot in the door as an internal hire for an RN job.

It's cool you have several care focuses, but, honestly, Peds and Psych are small portions of RN education. Not that they aren't important, but most of your coursework will be focused on adults with physical (not mental) health care needs. CNA will get you more familiar with the patient population you'll need to know about to pass your ABSN and NCLEX.