Which Volunteering Positions?

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Besides nursing homes and hospitals, what are some other volunteer positions that would look good to the admission committee?

Thank you!

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I don't know what would "look good", but I was thinking the Red Cross might be a good place to start. Also in my area, there is an organization called "Mission of Mercy" that provides free medical care to low income families that is always in need of volunteers. Perhaps there is something like that near you.

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Specializes in IMCU.

Hospice

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American Cancer Society, Make a Wish foundation

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I think what looks "good" is volunteer service dates that are not obvious to just put on an application. Like continual volunteer service for a couple years. In other words, it is senior year and applications are going out so volunteering increases for a month. Don't get me the wrong way, volunteering is always a great sacrifice that is appreciated but you are turning in a nursing app. that says volunteer at (facility) dates: 7/10/2010-present and they are looking at your application a couple weeks later. Do you really think that will stand out? Will it do a service for people and help you familiarize with a medical setting? Yes indeed, but I personally don't think it will make a difference at this point on your application....looks too obvious to me. If you continued to volunteer at hospice or wherever throughout nursing school then I think it will benefit you when you are interviewing for positions.

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racquetmom makes a good point. Volunteering for a short time right before applying looks pretty obvious as to why one was volunteering.

Many places around me ask for a 4-6 month commitment. A few ask for 1 year.

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racquetmom makes a good point. Volunteering for a short time right before applying looks pretty obvious as to why one was volunteering.

Many places around me ask for a 4-6 month commitment. A few ask for 1 year.

Oh, I know lol. This was the case when applying to private schools in high school too; admission committees would ask you during the interviews how long you did it, what you learned from it, and why you basically did it. I've heard from many friends who were asked why they did a certain position for only 2 weeks, and then "quit". However, they've always gotten away with it by lying (claiming that it was only a 2 week program, that it got discontinued, etc.). I am not trying to say that lying is the way to go, but people definitely do go to extreme lengths to make their application the best that it can be, even if it requires fudging here and there.

I've volunteered at a convalescent home, tutored at all levels of the education system (besides college, so elementary, jr. high, and high school), the homeless shelter, and volunteering events for the clubs that I'm participating in, and all relatively long-term. I hope it's enough, and I've done them all because I genuinely do care about helping others (as cliche as that may sound!)

Thanks for your replies! :)

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Oh, I know lol. This was the case when applying to private schools in high school too; admission committees would ask you during the interviews how long you did it, what you learned from it, and why you basically did it. I've heard from many friends who were asked why they did a certain position for only 2 weeks, and then "quit". However, they've always gotten away with it by lying (claiming that it was only a 2 week program, that it got discontinued, etc.). I am not trying to say that lying is the way to go, but people definitely do go to extreme lengths to make their application the best that it can be, even if it requires fudging here and there.

I've volunteered at a convalescent home, tutored at all levels of the education system (besides college, so elementary, jr. high, and high school), the homeless shelter, and volunteering events for the clubs that I'm participating in, and all relatively long-term. I hope it's enough, and I've done them all because I genuinely do care about helping others (as cliche as that may sound!)

Thanks for your replies! :)

That's never a good idea as they can check and if found out you will be fried. As happy2learn pointed out typically 4-6 months to even a year because it takes time to be trained which costs money so two week volunteering I think also would be a redflag. That would cause more grief, aggravation to get someone up to speed and then they are done and start over with the process again. Facilities typically don't do that for the reasons I mentioned above. The competition is tight so whose to say they won't call and check on volunteer service.

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I would never lie about volunteering. I volunteer at a top ranked hospital and I would never want to have them against me. I want them to write recommendations for me.

It does take money to train and I think people forget that. They even pay parking (@ $8 per day, 2 days per week for me), and give me $8 each shift for a meal.

I would honestly keep the volunteering you have. You have a good amount as it is, it seems. There is a chance if you volunteer for 2 weeks and lie about it that someone will eventually find out. Wouldn't you rather have those people recommend you than worry about them telling on you?

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