Planned Parenthood and nursing

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Hello,

I am a new nursing student and eventually I want to be a WHNP. In order to do this though, I would like to gain some experience. I have tried to volunteer with OB/GYN offices and the like and no one wants me, probably because of HPAA. What I am wondering is this, I would really like to volunteer with Planned Parenthood. I hold alot of the same political ideals, etc, but my mom says that this would be like 'career suicide'. She thinks that if anyone had found out that I volunteered for them I would blackballed from other jobs because of pro-life vs. pro-choice issues. Does she have a valid point? I don't have alot of experience within the nursing field like she does-(RN/BSN for 30 years).

Advice for this would be appreciated!

Thanks,

Rhiannon

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I worked as a LPN/office manager for PP many years ago and have subsequently worked for an OB/GYN. I did not even have that fact brought up. I loved working for PP, I think it was a very valuable experience to have.

Maybe the reason your mom said that is that she doesn't agree with what PP believes in. Any experience you can get to help you decide what to do with your career is good in my mind. Good luck in whatever you decide.

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I've been in nursing for 20 years, and I've never heard of such a thing (association with PP having a negative effect on one's career).

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

I can't see HOW it would be the "kiss of death" in ANY career. Sheesh, PP is about much more than abortions! Their services touch women all over, in many ways, and NO they do NOT peddle abortion as their means of operation. They educate and provide low-cost women's health care at prices that many more women can afford who otherwise would do WITHOUT these. Pap smears, birth control education/methods, information regarding STD's and their transmisson in addition to wellness information are among the services provided by PP. I cannot imagine anyone NOT hiring you as a nurse in the future because you VOLUNTEERED for PP. I think it would enhance your resume, myself. If you believe in the cause, then I say go learn how you can be a volunteer there.

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I don't see how volunteering (which really looks great on a resume wherever you apply - with the exception of the National Right to Life ;)) could be the "kiss of death." As Deb said, they provide quality care to women who might not otherwise afford it. My opinion, it would be a good thing to do. Go for it.

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Specializes in Med-Surg.

I also agree. It's a wonderful organization. I know many great LPNs, RNs, midwives, PAs, and physicians there who give great care to women. You can PM me if you like.

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You would get invaluable experience working or volunteering at PP. Why not. It does seem like your mom went a teensy bit overboard there about "career suicide". If you really want to be a WHNP you should absolutely go for it. If they won't take you as a volunteer fro HIPPA reasons, then see if they will take you on as a P/T employee, since you are a nursing student, they may train you on the job. On the other hand, you may decide to go another route after experiencing all your rotations in school. I thought that I for SURE wanted to be a L&D RN. Well, after my L&D rotation, I don't even like walking BY the L&D area (and I graduated in 2000!)

Good luck

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I totally echo the previous posters responses and advice. Volunteering at Planned Parenthood can do nothing but help your career. It certainly isn't going to be any kind of black mark against you in terms of getting nursing jobs in the future, especially if you want to go into women's health in your career. They do so much for women's health... it's not "just" pregnancy counselling and abortion referrals. Your mum may not be aware of the wide range of services they offer or she may not be in line with their philosophies as much as you seem to be.

I volunteered at our local PP clinic for the first two years of nursing school and also worked there one summer as a paid student intern. It was fabulous experience and I think it's only helped boost my resume. I loved it, learned so much there and met so many wonderful people. I think you'll totally enjoy your experience and learn so much that will help you in your career. If your heart's in it, then I definitely encourage you to go for it!

Good luck!

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Specializes in Emergency.

I love planned parenthood ( went to them for over `10 years for female health)!!! in fact now they don't accept my insurance so I'm forced to go somewhere else ( sad) Also, They only hire LPNs in my area, and their ad is always in the paper, I so wish the would go the RN route.

As far as your post goes..... i doubt you would be banned from female health for volunteering there. I think it would be a good thing in fact!!

xo jen

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I think mom has over-reacted. It would look great on your resume. I also think you might change your mind as you go through school. I thought I wanted to do peds. Now crying babies totally un-nerve me. Best wishes.

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I too am interested in women's health and what Planned Parenthood has to offer but I never thought to ask about volunteering there.

Can anyone tell me what types of experience you can get by volunteering at a PP, what you can do?

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I am in total agreement with everyone else on this. Any experience in nursing will be good because you will be well rounded. Good luck!

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