Volunteering

[Elliot.Kane]

I wanted to reach out and see if there were any suggestions for nursing specific volunteer possibilities. What have you found? What did you enjoy about it? Any specific qualifications?

I have some extra time and I wanted to do something rewarding, while also thinking about graduate school applications down the line.

[MedChica]

Red Cross.

That's all I know for Florida. There are no nurse orgs. I've looked everywhere. You really just have to keep your ear to the ground. There are always opportunities at the state level.

Do you work in a state that recvs hurricane activity?

In Texas, there's Operation Lonestar. The state guard, dept of public hlth, and military (guard/reserve units) give free hlthcare services (tooth extractions, physicals, xray, etc...) to the 'border population'. (Texas is a sanctuary state) Its a mass cas exercise, too. After Rita, Texas began to really prepare for disasters. Everyone can go but no one does because they dont advertise and only offer this sort of thing to people on the border.

I was told that other states offer something similar, years back.

I'd also suggest heading to the border of Texas for an RN job. Need is very high. Pay, too. It's been like that for years.

[joseyjo]

I volunteer at at Pregnancy crisis center. Not nursing specific (don't have to have a nursing license) but the skills used (especially the communication/interview skills) are very compatible with nursing. I also volunteer at my local hospital. Again, no nursing degree necessary, but great for building connections and communication skills, getting comfortable in that environment, and learning through observation. Also great on a resume!

[joseyjo]

Do you need to be bilingual to get a job near the border? I am sure it is preferred, but is it required?