Volunteering @ a hospital ?

AccelCNL, MSN, RN · Jan 20, 2010

Hello everyone! I have a question about volunteering at a local hospital...
When I went through my CNA program I did my clinicals at a local hospital. I had a wonderful experience there and have been thinking about volunteering. I am currently unemployed so I thought that would be a great thing to do, to make use of my free time (when I'm not doing stuff for school-of course). I'm also thinking that it would be a good thing to add to my resume when it comes time to look for a job, which will be after the summer.
Has anyone done this or is anyone doing this now?
Do you think it will help my resume stand out from others?
Thanks for any input!
~ J

I plan on volunteering either later in the Spring Semester or in the summer. Volunteering might not make or break the application process but it can only help you. I hope to become a cuddler in the NICU at the regional hospital that is about 30 minutes away from my house. Hopefully I plan on voluteering until I graduate in Spring 2011. If I get into the nursing school I want ( which is an ABSN) I would be able to volunteer at this hospital until graduation and then probably get my foot in the door for a job.

Voluteer away....it shows that you are serious about your career plan.

jriccardi · Jan 20, 2010

Volunteering might not make or break the application process but it can only help you.
Voluteer away....it shows that you are serious about your career plan.

These are really good points! Thanks for your reply!

Chloe Louise · Jan 20, 2010

Hey I am about to start a volunteer placement at my local hospital before i start my nursing diploma in sept and I am so glad that i am doing it because universities love it!It'll give you the edge when it comes to applying and it shows the unis that you know what youre letting yourself in for. Plus it will tell you pretty soon into it whether or not you like it or not. So yeah totally go for it!I'm feeding patients and helping out on the wards so see if you can do something with patients. try not to get something where you will be just doing skivvy work like paperwork and running erins etc. hope this persuades you to go for it!Let me know how it goes!

chloe

ruaalien2 · Jan 23, 2010

I agree with Chloe, make sure that your helping out with patients and not just paperwork and errands. I can't wait to get back to volunteering (I had ankle surgery so I didn't have a choice). I was on a med/surg oncology floor and I'm hoping to get back on the same unit...I love the unit clerk, nurses and nurse techs that I was with. I am very happy that I started volunteering and I'll be volunteering through NS if I'm able to.

jriccardi · Jan 23, 2010

Thanks for all of the encouragement and advice! I really appreciate it. I am turning in my volunteer application on Monday! There was a section on the application where I was able to specify that I wanted patient contact. Thanks for that tip!!

reganette · Jan 25, 2010

I think it's a great idea! I know so many volunteers and they rant and rave about it. I'm hoping to start volunteering this spring at a great hospital near by.. I want it to show how serious I am about nursing, and honestly, I cannot wait to get my feet wet.

NP Sam · Jan 26, 2010

As a fellow CNA I must tell you this. I had this SAME idea yesterday, I mean I was so excited and they told me "We understand that you are a CNA but if you volunteer in a hospital you can have no direct patient contact." Hopefully the hospital you want to volunteer at lets you.

But, don't let no direct patient contact deter you, I do volunteer somewhere else.:)

Chloe Louise · Jan 26, 2010

I had my first day of volunteering today!it was rather daunting but really good to finally get started!:yeah:I was on and elderly people's ward which was pretty eye opening!I would definitely encourage Volunteering. Imagining what the hospital environment is one thing but actually being there is completely different. I know it's only been my first day today but I loved it!I just loved being there and being a part of the team that worked on that ward. I was quite suprised how involved I was. I thought I was just going to get in the way and be told to do this and do that but actually there was a lot of me taking the initiative and taking responsibility for the patient's well being (when it came to eating anyways!) It's quite challenging feeding old people but I wanted a challenge!Nursing here I come!WOO!!!!!

TaraRae123 · Jan 26, 2010

I have my 8 hour orientation for volunteering a week from tomorrow! I am so exited! :) I will be in the NICU which is a level 2. I love babies and plan to be a NICU nurse!