Volunteer work?

It's usual for volunteers in the USA not to be doing anything very close to patients; even with an RN out of state license some years ago they only let me deliver flowers and give directions.

I'm not sure volunteering is your best answer. What about approaching the Director of Nursing of your favorite/nearby/prestigious hospital and asking if s/he can arrange for you to shadow an RN for an evening or two. They might even offer $ assistance for schooling with this sort of approach.

Or approach the DoN of a nursing school for assistance - this will also give you an idea of waiting lists etc. You might want to get your name down and make up your mind later!

I think you are making some wise decisions in researching the matter this carefully. Although I do also feel that you 'know' if nursing is for you - it's vocational still in the truest sense of the word (not necessarily religious).

"Does anyone know of any volunteer possibilities around the south bay?"

EMTs are poorly paid throughout the country.

It is not clear what purpose you wish volunteering to serve in your life? To give you enough experience to decide whether you want to be an RN? It is very unlikely that you could find such a position, for liability reasons, if no other, day or night.

You could always get CNA training and work doing that for a while, but I have not heard of any training programs at night. You are probably going to have to give up something you now have (job, expectations, whatever) in order to obtain the "try it out" experience it seems you are looking for.

Or alternatively, just go for it. Nobody is EVER 100% sure about something she/he hasn't already done--if then.

When I still lived in San Diego I volunteered at Paradise Valley Hospital in National City. I was able to volunteer in the evening, but I think it started at 4. I'm not sure if this is late enough for you... Maybe some nursing homes could use volunteers? I'm really not sure.. But I don't think you need to volunteer in order to get oriented with nursing. You'll learn about hospitals and departments, but not much about the world of nursing. You'll be fine once you get into nursing school. Clinical is great experience and you will get plenty. Good luck!