should i volunteer?

[nicolerj116]

I am getting ready to start nursing school next semester and was wondering if i should volunteer at a hospital. I didn't know if that would look good to school and future jobs, or if it doesn't matter. I want to eventually work in L&D or the NICU so is there any kind of volunteer work that I should be doing?

[EricJRN, MSN, RN]

I moved your post out of the First Year Forum so that you get more relevant replies. More than looking good on a resume, hospital volunteer work will help you understand more about the roles within a hospital.

[Mijourney]

I agree with Eric. Volunteer because you want the exposure and the experience. I think it's a good idea to volunteer because you can overcome some potential fears and misinformation you may have of the hospital setting.

[Guest289655]

I' am just curious. Practices differ with each countries, Im from the Philippines. Mr Jordan is about so start nursing school right? And yet is planing to volunteer? Is it a good practice? Because in my belief,it would jeopardize your clients since you do not yet have the basic foundations in nursing and the different knowledge needed to provide nursing care.

[EricJRN, MSN, RN]

In the US, direct patient care providers (nurses, aides, etc) don't usually volunteer (the big exception is in EMS, but even volunteer medic numbers are decreasing; sometimes nurses and others will volunteer for medical mission trips to developing countries).

Hospital volunteers are generally nonlicensed laymen who help with clerical tasks, fill pitchers of water, answer phones, etc. It's a great way to experience the hospital/healthcare environment before entering a long training program.

[Guest289655]

That's nice. Oh well, Mr. Jordan you should try to volunteer then :)