Where should I volunteer?

[diamondmeadows, BSN, RN]

Hello everyone!

I am a May 2009 grad, and I still have not landed my first job. Of course, I have been applying like mad. I had a baby in May 2010 :redbeathe and now that she's almost four months old I really want to get out of the house and do something to help others even if I'm not getting paid. My hope is that I can enrich my life with some community service and possibly boost my resume in the meantime.

With that in mind, where should I volunteer? I would like to start by volunteering with only one agency because I don't want to fill up my schedule so much that I would have to renege on any commitments if I were to land a job (which almost sounds like a magical fantasy at this point.) There are lots of agencies in my area that offer volunteer positions that are somewhat related to health care (crisis centers, etc.) as well as one or two clinics where I may be able to actually do some nursing-related work. On the other hand, I could try to volunteer at the large hospital in my city (doing the usual hospital volunteer stuff) where I would love to work with the hope that it would make me a more attractive applicant for RN positions.

Any advice? Thanks in advice!

[Orange Tree]

I would opt for the actual nursing work if you're still trying to land a job. If that's not possible....maybe something that might be relevant to your dream job? I once wished to do volunteer work at a homeless shelter because I wanted to be a psych nurse. The shelter I wished to work at housed a large percentage of individuals with psychiatric problems.

[frogkicker]

The American Red Cross is a great start. I stopped teaching 5yrs ago to be a sahm so I completely understand how isolating it can be. Since the kids entered school this year, I have decided to embark on a new career next fall...Nursing.

While looking into CNA training I stumbled upon the Red Cross. I thought volunteering might be a great way to do what I love (helping others) and meeting new faces. You can choose specific areas of volunteering that might interest you. And, with training courses you can get CPR/First Aid certified for free. I have decided to go through their 6wk CNA training. The Red Cross sponsors and assists with events that keeps you pretty busy. The truly need help...even if it is to just help work a tent handing out water and first aid kits for three hours.

Amity House or any women's shelters are always looking for volunteers. You could volunteer to be a child advocate with CASA. Hospice is need of volunteers as well. There are just so many!

Best of luck to you. It truly is a rewarding experience...you will also gain a new appreciation.