Voluteer???

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I am starting the lpn pre-reqs this fall and hopefully get accepted into the lpn program next fall. Should I do volunteering at local hospitals? I just want to be one of the top people going for lpn. I know its based mostly on GPA but I just want the extra umf...

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Specializes in ER/Ortho.

Volunteering can only be good. It can give you extra experience, and be good for those you help. As far as helping you with school I would call the school. Every school is different and they may look at it or they may not.

At the program I am applying to we actually had a man stand up in the information meeting in his scubs and say he has worked at a hospital as something in Xray for 10 years would it help him. They told us all that it didn't matter what you do or did that they only look at the points for the GPA, co req points, and hesi points. So call your school and ask.

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Specializes in Emergency Dept..

I'm finishing up my pre-reqs this Fall. I'm a volunteer on a med/surg floor. Personally, I think it's a good opportunity to see the work environment (the good, the bad, and the ugly!), what nurses do on a daily basis, and network.

I have a BS in Marketing and come from a corporate office environment. Originally, I wanted to get accustomed to being in a hospital (the smell, the different sights, being around nurses, etc.), but it's quite satisfying getting to know the patients and helping them, even in the smallest way.

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onlyfaith- how did you request this enviroment? What are your volunteer duties? Are there other areas of the hospitals volunteers are allowed to work in?

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Specializes in Emergency Dept..
onlyfaith- how did you request this enviroment? What are your volunteer duties? Are there other areas of the hospitals volunteers are allowed to work in?

Check the volunteer program at a local hospital. They hold orientations for anyone interested. I had an informal interview with the volunteer director. Basically, we talked about my interest in nursing and the openings she had. She matched my interests with what was available.The nursing director of the floor I volunteer on actually sent an email to the volunteer director requesting a volunteer the day before my interview. Volunteers can pretty much be assigned to any part of the hospital...from the gift shop to all nursing units, as long as there is a need.

I'm required to work a minimum of four hours a week. In general, my duties include: visiting with patients, escorting patients/visitors, picking up supplies, taking specimens to the lab, picking up meds from pharmacy, delivering fresh water and ice to patients, restocking supply closets in patient rooms, and clerical work.

The nursing director of my floor actually asked me if I was interested in a part-time job last Monday. So it has it's benefits...:up:

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I actually started volunteering about a year and a half ago because the school I was interested in looked at volunteer experience (or actual work exp) and applied that to your total score for NS. I decided to go to a different school that doesn't require anything but your GPA and pre-req courses... and I'm still volunteering there anyway. I love it!

It's been a great experience for me... even though I don't get a lot of patient contact, I still see and hear a lot. I've learned a lot just by observing how the nurses react to certain situations and certain people (and other nurses too). I've witnessed some pretty amazing things and I feel like I'm so much better prepared for NS than if I were to just jump in without any experience at all.

At this point, I'm looking into possibly switching the hospital I'm at and working at a NICU downtown. There is a program where you can hold newborns and infants and help calm them down as the nurses are just too busy... I would absolutely love love love that and it would give me more interaction (with the babies and the families too)

So for me... even though I don't need it for school, I know it has been a great experience and it won't look too bad on my resume once I'm looking for a job either! Take care!!! and good luck!!!

Jen

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Can you volunteer in the evenings? I'm a SAHM to 4 kids and there is no way I could afford child care just to work for free!

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Specializes in Emergency Dept..
It's been a great experience for me... even though I don't get a lot of patient contact, I still see and hear a lot. I've learned a lot just by observing how the nurses react to certain situations and certain people (and other nurses too). I've witnessed some pretty amazing things and I feel like I'm so much better prepared for NS than if I were to just jump in without any experience at all.

what duties do you have as a volunteer at your hospital?

Can you volunteer in the evenings? I'm a SAHM to 4 kids and there is no way I could afford child care just to work for free!

check with the hospital you're interested in. volunteers at my hospital can only work hours between 8am-4pm. good luck!

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