Volunteering

After I started my nicu nursing job, I decided to try volunteering. I volunteered at another close hospital in a different field of nursing - an oncology floor. I had to commit to about 4 hours a week with a chosen weekday. Unfortunately at the time, my work schedule wasn't very consistent because I was still on orientation and was committed to my preceptor's schedule. I had to miss a couple weeks of volunteering when I was required to do work that day, but the volunteer site was very accommodating and didn't mind. If you let your volunteer site know ahead of time that you may have to change your day or skip a couple due to work, I don't think it will be a big deal. I personally wouldn't tell a potential employer that you couldn't work a certain day each week because I wouldn't want to hinder any chance of employment, especially these days when it is difficult to find work. I would just wait and see what kind of work schedule you get once you are employed later and it will work itself out. I ended up leaving my volunteer position for a number of reasons - kind of depressing talking to cancer patients, didn't want to be in a hospital on my day off after taking care of my own sick patients, and wanted to meet new people but i was only 23 and the other volunteers i worked with were retirement age. I've thought about volunteering again at a pediatric hospital because I think I relate better to kids. At least I know now that oncology nursing is not for me. Good luck and I think it's wonderful there are people like you wanting to volunteer! :)

It's interesting to me that you are required to volunteer for one year as a minimum. What are they going to do if you leave before that year is up?

Miz Que

It's interesting to me that you are required to volunteer for one year as a minimum. What are they going to do if you leave before that year is up?

Miz Que

Not exactly sure. My boyfriend found it funny how much I have to go through just to VOLUNTEER. I am going to go to the interview and ask questions, it wouldn't start until January so I would have some time to think it all though.

It's interesting to me that you are required to volunteer for one year as a minimum. What are they going to do if you leave before that year is up?

Miz Que

Where I volunteer it's a year commitment as well, though I'm guessing not everyone makes it the full year. After a year you get the chance to sell back some stuff for money. Some of the volunteers that have been there a couple years also have pins that are pretty to mark their service.

I think they ask for the year commitment to weed out some people who may not be up to the job. The volunteer place has to do a background check, interview the volunteer to make sure they aren't crazy and doing this for the wrong reasons, educate the volunteers about HIPAA and what you can and can't do, find the right volunteer job fit for you, plus take time to orient you to the job - all at no cost for the volunteer.

Yes, getting to be a volunteer takes a bit of time and commitment. Interview, orientation, TB test, training, security badge and uniform. I volunteer in patient transportation. I really enjoy it, I get to see all parts of the hospital and all people working in it. I like interacting with the patients and the hospital staff.

I think that when volunteering you can probably change your day of service if you have a conflict with your job. So I would say go for it even if you will change jobs. I think they want a 1 year commitment, especially for a childrens hospital, because of the reasons stated above and because you may be working with children that spend long periods time in the hospital. For that reason, they may want volunteers that will be able to provide consistency in the children's lives. Kids will get attatched and they don't want to get sad when their volunteer quits.

Consider this: when you volunteer, you can put that on your resume. AND if your hospital has a "clinical ladder" that will allow you to apply for a higher position (meaning new nurses start at Clinical Nurse I, novice moves to Clinical Nurse II, experienced moves to Clinical Nurse III and so on without your having to change your job responsibilities), you will be able to list not only your experience, but can also list references. I think it is a very wise move on your part to do this.

Volunteering is just that...giving your time for free. While there is an expectation for you to commit, there is also an expectation that you will not be there EVERY time.

Kudos to you for embarking on this path. I wouldn't worry too much about what the volunteering agency would think if you cannot fulfill a day here and there. They are just happy that you are there at all, believe me. They understand.

Volunteering is a wonderful experience and it really had a positive outcome for me because I did land a job on the floor I was working on. :) Plus all the nurses and techs are happy because they can truly focus on their job of charting, running tests and passing meds rather than running for water, soda, blankets, snacks etc. for them and the 20 family members in the room.

I will say that a 1 year commitment is a really long time. The volunteers at my hospital only have to do 60 hours. The only thing is we can't volunteer and have a paid position on the same floor which stinks a little because I'll have to finish my last 4 hours somewhere else.

Not exactly sure. My boyfriend found it funny how much I have to go through just to VOLUNTEER. I am going to go to the interview and ask questions, it wouldn't start until January so I would have some time to think it all though.

Having been a volunteer for a few years, I know it is expensive to train and keep paperwork for volunteers. That is why the 1 year, to make it worth their while.

I agree with the above poster - tell those at the place you volunteer your exact circumstances. They will understand and accommodate. They are happy to get someone who will be consistent within a set of circumstances.

DC, ED RN

My opinion would be that volunteering can NEVER hurt you. If you had to tell a future employer that there is one day that you are not available, give them the reason, and I am sure they would see it as a good thing. I don't know anyone that would look down on volunteering. I dont think in a hospital you are going to be working everyday anyways. You'll most likely have 12 hour shifts. I think you should take it! Good luck!

Update: I took the volunteer position! I am going to be on an oncology floor and I am very excited. I don't start until February though. Thanks everyone for your input!