Question about volunteering

hollyster · Jun 29, 2005

I do not know about volunteer work unless you are interested in Fire/Rescue. It is a good way to see rapid treatment but it can be intense to see some of the scenes.

Welcome to allnurses!

Holly

breebunny · Jun 29, 2005

From what I have seen, if you do not have any health care experience then volunteering could mean the difference between getting into a nursing program and not getting in. If you already work in health care then maybe not. I would contact local hospitals or check their websites to find out about volunteer opportunities.

Good luck!

loriangel14, RN · Jun 29, 2005

I have found that nursing homes LOVE volunteers,plus it will give you a feel for the health care atmosphere. I have seen volunteers that visit,read to residents and help with feeding,help ferry people to and from the dining rooms,the hair dresser or barber, to the chapel for services, Plus you will get some practical experience just from watching.Best of luck.

TTM01 · Jun 30, 2005

I currentlly do Hospice volunteering for Odyssey Healthcare. They are amazing and are all over the U.S. You may be able to find a facility close to you. Hospice care is not for everyone, but if you have ever experienced the illness and loss of someone ( I have, both my parents by the time I was 27) then you will understand the true nature and importance of hospice care. I currently have two families I visit a couple times a month. I love it and am considering continuing in the hospice care once I become an RN.

Tessa~

L&D_2b · Jun 30, 2005

There's a site: http://www.volunteermatch.org You can put in your zip code and select "healthcare" and see what turns up in your area.

Good luck to you.

KatieBell · Jun 30, 2005

If you can do a Nurse assistnat course and actually do some work, you will better prepared than if you just volunteer, but as a volunteer you will definitely get a lot of exposure, so if you can afford to not work, go for it!!

**RosesrReder, BSN, MSN, RN** · Jun 30, 2005

Hello, I am new to this website and wanted to say that I really love the format and how helpful and nice everyone seems to be. I am getting ready to go back to school this fall and I have just 4 more classes to take before clinicals (that is if I get into the nursing program for next fall). I was thinking about volunteering or possibly working to get my foot in the door. I have a couple of questions though. 1. Would it be worth it to do volunteer work? 2. Does anyone know what an ed tech is or what they do? Thanks in advance.
Jennifer

I personally feel that any volunteer work you perform is worth it. You should 'want' it from your heart to do it, not just to look better on paper. I work two jobs, and go to school full-time at night. I also volunteer because I love it. (non-health related but still rendering my free services).

I say definetly go for it, you will gain valuable experiences and possible a job.

Good luck,

justavolunteer · Jun 30, 2005

I volunteer at an area hospital, not because I'm interested in nursing, but "just because". The nurses sure appreciate the help & I'm always made to feel quite welcome. I've learned a lot about life on the pt. floors, even if I'm not pursuing a health-related field.

TTM01 · Jun 30, 2005

Exactly, I work and go to school as well....but I find time for volunteer work. You can gain knowledge and personal experience from being exposed to all kinds of people. I think it helps you relate to people on a human level...,...something even paid nurses do not even express.

carolinapooh, BSN, RN · Jun 30, 2005

There's a site: http://www.volunteermatch.org You can put in your zip code and select "healthcare" and see what turns up in your area.
Good luck to you.

Thanks for the website! :coollook: