Pre-Degree Volunteering?

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Hi all!

I begin nursing school this coming Fall (2015) and I was wondering if there are healthcare-related volunteer positions that do not require a degree. The Red Cross does not offer anything in my area (Phoenix) and I am currently looking into a spot at the Ronald McDonald House.

The Arizona Nurses Foundation (AZNF) provides scholarships for nursing students who exhibit leadership qualities and although I have those in my current industry (restaurant/hospitality), I have nothing to contribute in terms of healthcare. I fear that this may affect my eligibility for the AZNF scholarship.

I am looking for something that I can pursue part-time (

Any advice on where to start?

Thanks in advance for your responses!

-Allie

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Check the hospitals in the area. I've volunteered at my local hospital in the NICU and Emergency Department. It was a lot of cleaning/stocking but you still get to see a lot and have an opportunity to network. Just make sure to only do that when the time is appropriate and the staff aren't busy. I ended up landing a nurse assistant position in the ED after volunteering there before I went to school. Good luck!

(oh and the hours were just one day a week 2-4 hours)

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Specializes in ICU.

I've never heard of needing a degree to volunteer. I volunteered at my local hospital years ago and did not have a degree. You can help out all kinds of places in a hospital. Rocking babies who are born to drug addicted mothers is going to be my next stint. But there are tons of things they need help with.

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Specializes in mental health / psychiatic nursing.

Hospitals usually have volunteer programs. Hospice programs typically have a need for volunteers to help in a variety of roles. Also try nursing homes and outreach programs for senior citizens in your community or outreach for those who are blind or deaf.

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I've heard that volunteering can offer great networking opportunities and may open some doors for later on, so thank you all for your advice. I'm not looking for anything in particular, I just would like to contribute. I appreciate your pointing me in the right direction!

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