To volunteer or not ?

U.S.A. New York

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hello everyone.. I am in an interesting predicament and was hoping I could get your advice. Currently I am enrolled in an accelerated nursing program. Since the program is so condensed its very difficult to obtain an externship. Our breaks are usually never long enough and the semester is so jam packed. I was thinking about becoming a volunteer at a hospital in NYC. It would be great to volunteer and just be in a hospital setting. The ? is do you think this would help me get a job when I graduate in a few months? Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

:)

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I am about to do that...and that is my same question...just want to share some thoughts with you...I volunteer in one of the hhc hospital before...I phoned their nurse recruiter that they are hiring new grad...however I volunteered in their ER department before... and my ex supervisor brought my resume and cover letter to the head nurse and she told me there is not opening in the ER right now but if stuff open up...she would give me a interview...so meantimes I am looking to do some volunteer there so hopefully let the head nurse and staff know me and stuff...

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Yeah thats what Im thinking.. It may be a good idea just to get my foot in the door. I hope in a few months ppl will be hiring new grads..

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Specializes in burning out.

If you guys are thinking about going this route, avoid NYP. I applied to three separate volunteer positions and received the following replies: a postcard telling me my app was being reviewed, a letter saying that they're not accepting ANY volunteers at the present moment (too many apps), and an email asking me for a 2nd application.

I applied almost two months ago, and it took 1-6wks to get a reply.

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Wow. Thanks for the info. Yes, NYP is not on my mind...I can't believe even volunteer, people will say no to that...no paid for work...it hurts to know that it is so hard to step a foot at the door

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Hey HelpfulRN-NJ and 0907, what accelerated programs are you in? What do you think of it so far?

As for volunteering, I've heard it always helps, especially if you haven't worked in a healthcare setting before the accelerated program. Have you thought of settings other than a hospital who may get back to you faster about a more informal volunteer program like a nursing home?

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Specializes in Pediatric Pulmonology and Allergy.

Volunteering definitely can't hurt... however, don't look at it as a ticket to a definite job in the future. It's a good thing to do but don't pin a lot of hopes on getting hired in that particular hospital or that particular area you want to work in. Just look at it as an investment that may pay off in the future in terms of contacts, experience etc.

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Hey HelpfulRN-NJ and 0907, what accelerated programs are you in? What do you think of it so far?

As for volunteering, I've heard it always helps, especially if you haven't worked in a healthcare setting before the accelerated program. Have you thought of settings other than a hospital who may get back to you faster about a more informal volunteer program like a nursing home?

Wells, I am a recent new graduate nurse from BSN in Vermont. I really enjoyed all the times I spend in the program and moved back to NYC, where I came from. From personal experience, it really does help in term of networking and experience...at least something you can put in the resume and know more people who have similar interests as me and get my foot in the door + get my face out there...I got my volunteering experience through a summer internship program; pretty formal i guess...the whole application process, the selection process, the interview, orientation then volunteer on floor...Sorry I can not answer that question because I never volunteer in nursing home. I think it really depend on the facility, location and its own volunteer program. Hope that helps! :redpinkhe

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Volunteering definitely can't hurt... however, don't look at it as a ticket to a definite job in the future. It's a good thing to do but don't pin a lot of hopes on getting hired in that particular hospital or that particular area you want to work in. Just look at it as an investment that may pay off in the future in terms of contacts, experience etc.

I agree 100%! :) Thanks for the insights!:yeah:

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I volunteer at a hospital close to home so I don't waste time and money in getting there. You don't do as much as you would for an externship but at least I'm in a hospital and I can gain some experience.

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Hey HelpfulRN-NJ and 0907, what accelerated programs are you in? What do you think of it so far?

I am NYU's accelerated program. It is good so far but definitely has its ups and downs. The more I talk to ppl in accel programs, it seems to be the ringing theme. It is definitely challenging and alot of hard work!

As for volunteering, I think I am going to go ahead and apply to some places. I figure something is better than nothing!

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