Volunteering in L&D

BETSRN · Jun 12, 2005

Hi Everyone!!
I am 17 and would like to pursue a career in L&D. Always have. I know some hospitals have volunteers in L&D and OB from reading some previous things on here. I thought this would be a good way to go up there and actually see if it is really what I want to do. What exactly are some of the things volunteers do there? And also, does anyone know if volunteers are ever allowed in the delivery rooms to witness a birth or c-section? Thanks so much, Marissa.

Volunteers are not allowed into births. It would be a breech of confidentiality.Your best bet would be to officially shadow a nurse for a few days and then you might have a chance to be more involved as far as being able to see what goes on. I had two HS students with me just the other day who sepnt the better part of the morning with me observing and helping with basic baby care (I am in an LDRP and happened that mornignt o be assigned to nursery). However, they are officially i a pre-nursing program at one of the local hgh schools.

Have you thought of actually geting your CNA certification? You would then be eligible to work in many areas and it would gove you good experience.

Observing is a great start, but remember, just because you like L&D does not mean you never have to do other types of nursing. You also would have to get all the way through nursing school first. Nursing is so diverse with so many opportunities.

Best of luck.

SmilingBluEyes · Jun 12, 2005

I would try shadowing a nurse like said above. Also volunteer at a hospital, become known by hospital personnel and build a resume that way (yes volunteer work is GREAT for a resume). Check out the local nursing schools/universities and begin talking to counselors about your plans to study nursing. That way, you can pointed in the right directions as to what to do to prepare, what courses to take, etc.

Do NOT be discouraged at all by naysayers. I determined when I had my baby I wanted to be an OB nurse and was given a lot of "you gotta pay your dues" speeches, etc. If this is your goal, dont' deter or move from it. DO everything you can to achieve it by being studious, hardworking and well-known by the hospital personnel where you may one day work.

I would let you shadow me anyday...and help you on your way, if I could. I wish you the best of luck in achieving your dream of being an labor and delivery nurse! Work hard and it will happen.

justavolunteer · Jun 12, 2005

I volunteer on a general pt floor (no intention of being a nurse, I just volunteer). I fill water pitchers for pts. who are not NPO, fill the glove boxes in each room, transport pts. to x-ray, CT, etc. I also wheel out discharged pts., go to the pharmacy to pick non-controlled items that can't be tubed up, bring food trays to pt's who were gone at mealtime or were NPO previously. Furthermore, I run errands for the nurses, get things like tissues, towels, soap, etc., for pts.

In short, there's lot's to do & boy do the nurses appreciate the help. Even if you don't become a nurse, volunteering is rewarding on it's own.

Good luck

RNKitty · Jun 12, 2005

Most hospitals will not allow volunteers to be involved in direct patient care due to liability. The CNA's on our floor get to do a lot of assistance with breastfeeding, baby care, post partum care. When we get busy in L&D, they even will come over and admit a baby after the nurse has done the initial assessment and determined the baby is stable.

I began my career in L&D as a volunteer on the L&D floor at a military hospital, but I already had my RN at the time. The American Red Cross will sponsor RN's to volunteer in military facilities. I did everything from IV's to deliveries. It was 4 months full time volunteering, but I figured it was free school.