Will volunteering get me a job?

NurseCubanitaRN2b, BSN, RN · Jan 29, 2011

When you volunteer you're not providing direct patient care. You're doing other things that non licensed people can do. That's wheeling patients to their cars after discharge. Passing out magazines, greeting people at the front door, helping out at the information desk. You would be treated as a new hire as in having to do orientation, fingerprinting, background checks etc, but you really wont have that much contact with the nursing staff regularly. Good Luck

amzyRN · Jan 29, 2011

Sounds like it's not the best idea.

Thanks

smiley33 · Jan 29, 2011

Hi! What about volunteering with your local EMS?? They are health care professionals....they go to hospitals...you might meet someone.....food for thought

**NickiLaughs, ADN, BSN, RN** · Jan 29, 2011

I think it would be better to network any connections you may already have from nursing school. If you are still in school for a while, how about trying to get a CNA position? Any medical experience would be good. What would she volunteer to do with EMS? I doubt they'd have her out on the runs to the hospital. Seems like it would be more of a liability than anything.

NurseCubanitaRN2b, BSN, RN · Jan 30, 2011

If you're not currently a nurse, then you're better off applying directly for a position that pays. The reason being is that you can have direct contact with people. Volunteers are so limited on what they can do and what they're allowed to do. If you're not currently a nurse then start off by doing the CNA course and apply for a CNA position there. You can also do Phlebotomy, EKG, Monitor Tech positions that will allow you to have direct patient care contact. That's the best way to do it. Good Luck

RNalh80 · Jan 30, 2011

I have no doubts that I was able to get my "dream job" because I volunteered (for about 4 months). I was able to connect with a NICU mgr and volunteer in the unit. It gave me an opportunity to connect with RN's, management and support staff on a regular basis.

It was humbling at first being asked, "Are you in nursing school?" or "Are you trying to get into nursing school?" . I swallowed my pride and was proud to say that no, I am in fact a new grad nurse doing what ever I could to get my foot in the door at their hospital. I worked hard and I let people know what I wanted. We all know nurses like to talk!! So I did what ever I could to make sure they were saying good things about me.

And after being out the the hospital setting for 2'ish months post graduation getting back into the hospital volunteering re-ignited my passion and reminded me why I worked so hard in school. So yes I would suggest it!!!!!

Best of luck!!

Gem0607 · Feb 1, 2011

I'm glad you made this thread. I am going back forth in my head on whether I should volunteer at this local hospital or not. I asked the head volunteer if RNs who volunteer ever get a job with the facility. She said no none of my volunteers have. She also, told me that they have been laying off their regular staff. That statement right there has made me not want to do it. I can't act as an RN so what type of experience would I actually be gaining? Of course maybe networking but I will be doing it on the weekends so no one will really be there. I'm so frustrated.

st4rl4dy · Feb 1, 2011

I started volunteering for the same reason, and i just started so i hope it works out. The thing that really helped was, i will do it while i job search, hopefully it helps me network and if nothing else i get to say this is what i did with the time gap while i job searched.