Volunteering at the hospital you want to work for

nfdfiremedic, BSN, RN · Aug 25, 2011

It's never a bad thing to get "on the radar." It's an opportunity to make a good name for yourself and demonstrate your work ethic, bedside manner, etc. These are things that give you an advantage when it comes time to interview. You may be one of ten names on a paper that all lack nursing experience, but if the hiring manager has personal knowledge of your work ethic, you may end up the one they hire.

netglow, ASN, RN · Aug 25, 2011

Adding to the above, where this type thing used to almost guarantee a job once you graduate and get your RN, these days it is much less common. So, don't put all your hope there. Try to find out if it is common for that hospital to hire NGs in this way currently. Don't ask the hospital, they will almost never say the truth about anything. Try to find out from some of those who have recently graduated from your school. It pays to get to know people in the classes further along than you.

CNA1991, CNA · Aug 25, 2011

Well, I am not a nurse yet but I know a couple of nurses and when I was in my CNA program, I overheard the teachers talking about their students and one of the teachers was talking about how his student (LPN) got a job at the VA even before she graduated because she had been volunteering there. I have also heard of other medical careers getting hired at the VA simply because of volunteering so I know it's not an isolated case. I think in general it is probably a good idea because you might have a chance to network while you are volunteering and get your name out there so that people know who you are. Good luck:redbeathe

pugmom79 · Aug 25, 2011

Thanks so much for your responses! I really appreciate the guidance.

SNIXRN · Aug 25, 2011

i volunteered for the hospital i wanted to work for before i started nursing school. my commitment for those 2+ years landed me a job there as a new grad before i even graduated, and did i mention, on day shift :) keep in mind this hospital is currently rated the second best hospital in the us (just below johns hopkins) and over 400 people applied to the position (30 new grads were hired).

i am especially grateful because i currently only have my associates and a lot of people have been saying that most hospitals only hire bsn nurses (not true).

good luck :)

toucheturtle · Aug 25, 2011

RNinWhite-

Are you at UWMC? I'm hoping to work there or Children's after graduation. I'm going to try to volunteer at both during school.

SNIXRN · Aug 26, 2011

No, I work for Mayo Clinic. However, I am anticipating moving to Washington sometime next year (once I'm not considered a new grad).

Not_A_Hat_Person, RN · Aug 26, 2011

I volunteered at a hospital ER for 2 years; before, during, and after my nursing program. It didn't help me get a job.

happypedsRN · Aug 26, 2011

It helps to at least have some medical contact besides NS. I volunteered in a hospital for over a year and didn't get an Interview, lamely they only took bsns even though I was working on it. But.... I know it helped me to get an even better job in the end. I say go for it you can learn a lot evenas a volunteer

MTRN13 · Aug 26, 2011

I volunteered at my hospital that took me on as a new grad for 4 months twice a week, six hours each of those days. I did not get hired in the department I volunteered in, but another floor. I know I would have not gotten the job otherwise. I would highly recommend volunteering while you are in nursing school once a week. Work hard, and stay away from the gossip. I networked with all the right people. I got to know the CNO who ultimately got me my job interview. Only a few of my classmates and I got a job right out of nursing school in a hospital. Most went to SNF's or home health.

Blossom Girl · Aug 26, 2011

I have also been curious about this. What did you do as a volunteer?