Volunteer gig, need some advice from senior nurses

[IsmeAmanda, LPN]

Greetings

Here is a brief background relevant to my topic: I have an expired CNA license (going to re-test in December god willing) and I am also currently a LVN student :)

With this being said, I'd like to volunteer at a nursing home. Keep in mind, not doing CNA or nurse-type tasks. Because as I said, my CNA license DID expire and I would never want to put a patient or myself in any danger.

Okay, onto my question: I'd like to volunteer at a nursing home, mainly to OBSERVE the other nurses since I do want to work in geriatrics. What can I ask them to do? I was thinking...housekeeping type things, washing clothes and such, cleaning the bathroom facilities (I really dont care what it is). I'll be hoping to go from 12pm-3pm 1 day a week, thats lunch time. Can I feed the patients or is that intruding on CNA duties?

I'm going to call this week but I really wanted some advice first. :redpinkhe

PS: In case anyone asks: I am aware they will most likely want a resume, a background check, etc. And I already have those 2 items, I guess they may also ask for a drug test and TB test, not an issue either.

[linearthinker, DNP, RN]

I'd volunteer to help the activity person. Read to people, lead craft projects, etc.

[rn/writer, RN]

Good to hear that you're in school and will also be renewing your CNA certificate soon.

That said, if your primary objective in volunteering is, "mainly to OBSERVE the other nurses since I do want to work in geriatrics," there is a good chance that both you and the facility will be disappointed.

You stand to be unhappy because much of the hands-on care in LTC is done by CNAs. Of course, nurses transfer, toilet, clean, and ambulate residents and do many other so-called CNA duties, but there are tasks that only a nurse can do, and, short of following her around as she goes from resident to resident, these will not be easy for you to see--things like performing med passes and treatments, assessing patients who are ill or who have problems, and interacting with doctors and family members in an official capacity. Then there's the paperwork.

The facility might be less than satisfied if you come there with your own agenda instead of being open to meeting their needs.

LTC volunteer opportunities that I am familiar with center on assisting with activities, distributing snacks, delivering mail, escorting residents outside or to places within the building, and other efforts that relieve the medical staff of non-medical tasks. Most facilities that I am aware of have housekeeping and laundry department (due to infection control issues, things have to be done a certain way or the place can be fined). There may be exceptions in very small homes, but you'd have to check that out.

If you still want to pursue this idea, I would encourage you to call a number of SNFs in your area and ask them what volunteer jobs are available and how to apply for them. Maybe you will find something that meshes with your interests and be able to share your enthusiasm with the residents.

The important thing is to go there with a willingness to serve others.

[IsmeAmanda, LPN]

i'd volunteer to help the activity person. read to people, lead craft projects, etc.

perhaps reading to people sounds good. as for your "craft" idea: the thing is, at this nursing home, most of them have dementia/alzheimers and i did my clinical there. there is no kind of crafting done to my observations. there is a community room with a telly and some chairs. thats pretty much it....oh, on sundays they sing gospel music.

@ rn/writer:

thank you so much for your advice =d

just so we're on the same page: 1) i do not have an agenda and 2) i do not want to be in anyone's way. i've never volunteered before in my life, so i wanted to get an idea of...do i tell them what i'd be interested in doing? or will they tell me? what shall i expect?

i still want to pursue it and will ask them what opportunities they have.

[linearthinker, DNP, RN]

Re: the crafts. I don't have any experience in nursing homes, except to visit someone. They were always doing crafty stuff, but it was not a dementia unit. I'd just ask to work with the activities person and ask how you could help. they also played bingo a lot at the place I used to visit.

"B-31!"