volunteering at a local hospital while in nursing school

[nursingstudent_88]

Hello everyone!

I looked at my calendar and this semester has gone by FAST! I only have a few more days of clinical ( i think 4 more) and I dont feel confident at all regarding what a a NURSE should really do. When I'm on the floor,most of the time I make beds,visit patients, talk with them,ask them if they need anything(water,crackers,anything!),vital signs,pass meds lol.I am happy that I have this opportunity to spend time with pts because I know once I start in the "real world" ,I won't be able to do it! But at the same time,i dont feel like I have applied any of the skills we practiced on our 1st semester (IV insertion, etc). So far I have done a wound care dressing, sub q injections ,witnessed glucose test,changing an IV dressing. I WANT TO THEM MYSELF THOUGH! the problem is,theres 10 of us in clinical with only 1 instructor!,can't administer meds without her.Basically if we need to do something to our pts,she has to be there!

ANyways, I signed up to volunteer at CPMC,Davies campus . I am excited! orientation on nov 16th! I said on my application that I am interested in volunteering at nursing units, peds,womens center.First choice: peds/L&D then nursing units!

reasons why I signed up:

1. I want to practice my nursing skills (if possible). I don't know if they would let me do it though, as a volunteer!

2. If they accept me as a volunteer on the peds floor,that would be a dream come true! I loveee lovee working with kids.:redbeathe. :redpinkhe:pI used to work at a preschool and i know the children that I worked with were healthy. I also know that if I become a peds nurse,the children I'D be taking care of are sick.Nonetheless, I would still like to experience working with them! I am also interested in L&D! =)

3. of course,I want to experience,see cool stuff and build up my resume.meet and interact with new people!:nurse::heartbeat

MY QUESTIONS :

ANYBODY KNOW if as volunteers,they would let you do "nursing procedures"?? Also, I know I would be placed on just one floor to volunteer!They would base my placement on the answers I give them on my interview! Did i make the right choice by saying i was interested in peds/l&d and nursing units?

Should I request that they place me on a a med surg floor???I feel that I would learn more of the nursing stuff on this floor.

as you could tell,I have a lot of questions in mind! I would love to make this volunteer a meaningful one:D:)

for people who are volunteering or have experienced volunteering at CPMC, share your stories,suggestions!:redpinkhe:p

[xtxrn, ASN, RN]

You're in your first year? I know it's frustrating to not get to do skills. There will be more opportunities- just keep looking for all you can- and remember you can't get what isn't there :)

As a volunteer, you won't be able to do any nursing procedures. I was a pediatrics volunteer during school, and they generally didn't let volunteers feed the 4-5 pound babies, but since I was in school, and one of the nurses felt comfortable letting me bottle feed a baby who was doing well, I did get to do that; mostly I played with the kids. :) I was assigned to one floor.

Some volunteers work the gift shop, discharging patients, etc. It depends on the facility. :)

I hope it turns out good for you I enjoyed my experience a lot, and was glad to have the chance.

[Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

ANYBODY KNOW if as volunteers,they would let you do "nursing procedures"?? Also, I know I would be placed on just one floor to volunteer!They would base my placement on the answers I give them on my interview! Did i make the right choice by saying i was interested in peds/l&d and nursing units?

Should I request that they place me on a a med surg floor???I feel that I would learn more of the nursing stuff on this floor.

as you could tell,I have a lot of questions in mind! I would love to make this volunteer a meaningful one:D:)

for people who are volunteering or have experienced volunteering at CPMC, share your stories,suggestions!:redpinkhe:p

1. Don't expect to do any nursing procedures because there's a liability issue. You're not a nurse so they won't let you do nursing procedures because if anything went wrong they'd be held liable.

2. Most places will let you pick where you'd like to volunteer...so you could ask because the worse they can tell you is no :)

There are benefits to volunteering (resume building, making contacts, learning stuff, seeing things firsthand) and it can be a lot of fun! However, remember that to the hospital, volunteers are there to help. You'll make the best impression by cheerfully going to whatever unit they need you on and doing whatever is asked of you, even if it's not nursing duties. Because when it comes time to think about networking or even possible job candidates, a cheerful helpful volunteer who works hard is viewed more favorably than someone who's clearly there to "do only nursing procedures" or try to schmooze her way towards a job.

Good luck!

[nursingstudent_88]

thanks for the feedback! keep 'em coming!=)

@xtxrn: yes i am a 1st yr nursing student! lol. that is very cool they let you feed the baby=)

i forgot to mention i used to volunteer on the acute floor,same hospital and i had fun! worked with patients at the recreational room,helped with arts and crafts!