Will volunteering help me get into an accel. program

[mahkev2000]

Hi,

I am a student just finishing up my first bachelors and I intend to apply to an accelerated nursing program at NYU. I am wondering if I should start volunteering at a hospital to get accustomed to the setting and have something to put on the application for the school of nursing that would help emphasize my interest. Would this look good on the application? Would it help me get into the program?

[jakeMIKY]

I all depends on if the program you intend on applying to uses subjective data such as community involvement. My accelerated program is based strictly on a points system where direct patient care awards a couple extra points but only for a paid position. Certainly any exposure you get in your future work environment well surely help you gain perspective and tackle the challenges of an accelerated program with more confidence.

If you have the time, do it!

[birdgardner]

I volunteer as an EMT and was accepted at the three programs I applied to. But the real value of volunteering, whatever form you do it in, is to see if you actually like being around sick people and taking care of them, before you invest all the time and money in another degree.

[snortzmom]

I think more importantly it is crucial that you spend time shadowing in different nursing roles. I volunteered 150 hrs, then worked in a hospital for a year before getting accepted into an accelerated program. The person who will interview you wants to make sure that you know what you want to do.. So yes, I think volunteering and/or working in a hospital is a fantastic idea.