Volunteer/Work Experience Required for Nursing Programs

[s_d97]

Hi everyone,

I am a Health Sciences major currently in the last year of my undergrad program at Simon Fraser University in BC. I am interested in a career in nursing, and am looking into applying to UBC's accelerated nursing program for the September 2020 intake. I will be taking "GPA booster" courses for the next 2-3 semesters to ensure that I have a competitive GPA.

I was hoping to gain some more insight in regards to volunteer/work experience + extra-curricular activities that would make me an ideal candidate for admission to a nursing program. I have been volunteering at a seniors' long-term care facility for the past 4.5 years (I will have been volunteering for almost 6 years when I actually apply). I have assisted in feeding residents during meal times, helped recreation staff with activities/games, and engaged in one to one visits with the residents. I have also been working in the recreation department at another senior's long-term care facility for the past 8 months as a recreation/activity assistant. Here, I lead exercise programs, active games, and other recreational programs for the residents. I also spent a year volunteering with an OT/rehab assistant at my local hospital's rehab unit, where I helped staff lead hand, arm and sensory exercise programs for people who recently experienced stroke and/or other brain injuries (although, I'm not quite sure if this experience would be relevant to nursing). I am in the process of becoming a Big Brother volunteer as well, as I think expanding my experience to children would be helpful. I will be helping elementary school-aged children with their homework in this position.

Do you think my current experience would make me an "ideal candidate" for the supplemental portion of my nursing application? Do you think the volunteer/work experience I have been involved with would be sufficient for a nursing program like UBC's? Any insight/suggestions/tips would be greatly appreciated - whether you are a UBC nursing student or not! All information is valuable! :)

Thank you everyone!