Volunteering as a CNA

[Saysfaa]

Is this possible and what are the implications?

I volunteer at a ltc now, as a lay person. Before I talk to the v. coordinator about volunteering as a cna, I'd like a better handle on the implications.

At first it seemed like a good idea, they are chronically short of help and I'd like to do it. However, I also want to work in ltc as a nurse someday. I've noticed threads in various allnurses forums about enabling management to take advantage of nurses' committment to their patients by allowing chronically low staffing levels when they could raise them. Also, is it fair, in this economy, to volunteer like that when people need jobs?

Also, is this kind of volunteering done?

I was a full time mom for 20 years and now that I'm working myself out of that career, I'm preparing for my next career. I've been stretching my pre-reqs out until the kids are a little further along (I have 3 in college, 2 in high school right now.) I would rather volunteer as a cna than work as one because I'd like to commit fewer hours than I've seen offered as jobs... maybe 10 hours a week or so and like more flexibility in time off during the summer and around Christmas than I think an employer would accept.

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

I am amazed that the state health dept and labor dept would allow "volunteers" to work without pay or certification.

[Jack245]

You should consider finding a facility with a float pool of CNAs that pick up the hours they can handle. I think it's also known as PRN.

[Sparrowhawk]

Most facilites you have to be a certified cna before you can even work let alone volunteer.....

[StNeotser, ASN, RN]

None of our volunteers are allowed to do anything beyond sitting and talking to patients, playing card games or filling flower vases. They can't even get them a drink without clearing it with the nurse first for reasons of fluid restrictions or swallowing problems.

You could always enroll in a CNA class and then work prn. You can do as little as a shift a month if you want.

[happy2learn]

I don't see this happening. It's a liability issue. I am a CNA, and a volunteer, but it was made clear that I will not be doing CNA duties. I am not even permitted to assist with someone transferring from the car to a wheelchair. Gotten a few dirty looks over that too. The most I do in that situation is run out there and make sure the wheelchair brakes are locked. I'm not permitted to fetch water either, and I've had a few patients cuss me out over it too.

Volunteering is a great experience, however, if you want to be a CNA, then you should try to find a PRN position.

[Saysfaa]

I wouldn't think of doing it without the cna license.

I see. I told them what I wanted to do when I started and they said, "yes," but I haven't brought it up since. Several things haven't turned out to be what I was told, I'd begun to suspect this is another.

On the other hand, she asked me to serve cookies and coffee on the first day, and help with day trips the second week.

I will look for a prn position, I'm beginning to think even if they will let me, it is not a good idea.

[Brainiacster]

OP,

If you're planning to do more volunteer work as a way to get to know people who might hire you as a nurse later, you might want to Google some of the actual volunteer type positions. Some DO put you in frequent contact with those who might be in the position to hire (good way to network). For example, here is one of the many positions available at just one particular hospital: ED Treatment Area – Volunteers run errands, make beds, stock supplies and transport patients as directed by nursing management staff.

Here's a link to that particular hospital showing all of their available volunteer positions; some (like the one above) would certainly put in you in the position where you're actually able to network with appropriate staff members. (In addition to to getting to network with hiring staff, the position above would also familiarize you with the kind of supplies & equipment used in an ED.) http://www.shc.org/Ways+to+Give/Volunteer+Opportunities/Volunteer+Service+Areas

As you can see from the preceding link, there are quite a few positions that would put you in contact with not only the pts, but would also allow you to network with nurses, nurse managers, & also physicians in various departments ranging from ED to NICU to OB to PEDS and MANY OTHER departments. I imagine many hospitals throughout the country have similar positions. For example, here are the Minnesota Mayo Clinic's volunteer positions: http://www.mayoclinic.org/volunteers-rst/mc-volunteers.html

Here's another really interesting link: http://www.shc.org/prehealth (It's basically a course that is an INTERNSHIP for PRE-HEALTHCARE students, including PRE-NURSING students - see detail below & MORE details on the link - I imagine many 2-yr & 4-yr colleges throughout the country may have similar pre-nursing internships with hospitals, so Google!)

BIO 390

Scottsdale Healthcare is a clinical affiliate with Arizona State University (ASU) for this program. You must be an ASU student and apply through the Pre-Health Professions office before you can register. Students must have completed 45 credit hours and have a minimum 3.2 GPA or instructor approval. Freshmen are not permitted to enroll.

This course provides first-hand experience in the healthcare setting for today's pre-health student. The course is designed to test the student’s suitability for a career in medicine. This is accomplished by time spent in one of Scottsdale Healthcare's Emergency Departments at either Osborn or Shea (internships are not available at Thompson Peak at this time), augmented by classes held at ASU. (It's basically a 120-hour internship in a hospital Emergency Department for PRE-nursing & pre-healthcare students - might be a great foot in the door for employment at this particular hospital - including followup employment while in school in a non-clinical position which could easily lead to a position as a nurse later - a lot of these hopsitals hire their in house staff for nursing positions once you graduate)

Regarding volunteer work as a CNA, give the hospital's volunteer 'department' a call to see what their policies are (afterall, any major hospital will be in compliance with any laws, etc pertaining to scopes of volunteer work).

Best

[Saysfaa]

Thank you very much! :)