another volunteering vs. working question

[Law2Med83]

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Hey guys,

I've been trying to get more experience in a hospital setting and while looking online, I saw that for some of the same volunteering positions, the hospital offers paid positions.

What could be some advantages/disadvantages of doing either or? A normal person would take the paying position, am I right or ... ? 😕

 

[NewmansOwn]

Hey guys,

I've been trying to get more experience in a hospital setting and while looking online, I saw that for some of the same volunteering positions, the hospital offers paid positions.

What could be some advantages/disadvantages of doing either or? A normal person would take the paying position, am I right or ... ? 😕

Not to answer your question with a question, but do you have some source of income besides your proposed volunteering? If not, why wouldn't you take the job? A medically-related job can actually be better (as it is often more involved) than volunteer work, as long as you do or have some history of volunteer work in the past to show your altruistic side.

 

[Law2Med83]

I've worked 4+ years at a dental office, but stopped working in August 2006 bc I went to law school.

I have bunch of volunteering activities + 2- 1+year internships (1 with an infectious disease specialist, and with in an ER clinic).

I don't work right now, just studying for mcats/dats. I could use the money which is why I'm going after the paid position; I just don't want it to be looked down upon (if that makes sense?).

Also, I'm thinking of volunteering as an EMT and finding a research position--but does it matter if it's only 1-2 days a week?

 

[NewmansOwn]

I've worked 4+ years at a dental office, but stopped working in August 2006 bc I went to law school.

I have bunch of volunteering activities + 2- 1+year internships (1 with an infectious disease specialist, and with in an ER clinic).

I don't work right now, just studying for mcats/dats. I could use the money which is why I'm going after the paid position; I just don't want it to be looked down upon (if that makes sense?).

Also, I'm thinking of volunteering as an EMT and finding a research position--but does it matter if it's only 1-2 days a week?

Take the paid position. It is not looked down upon, I assure you. It will allow you a depth of inclusion that you would not otherwise be afforded.

If you have a full-time job, I would recommend only volunteering 1-2 nights per week. EMT work is tiring, especially if they (as they did for me) require you to pull firefighter duty as well.

You are certified as an EMT, right?

 

[Law2Med83]

Take the paid position. It is not looked down upon, I assure you. It will allow you a depth of inclusion that you would not otherwise be afforded.

If you have a full-time job, I would recommend only volunteering 1-2 nights per week. EMT work is tiring, especially if they (as they did for me) require you to pull firefighter duty as well.

You are certified as an EMT, right?

No, not yet. My town's looking for volunteer EMT's, I suppose I'll go inquire to see what is required to be one. Hmm.

 

[NewmansOwn]

No, not yet. My town's looking for volunteer EMT's, I suppose I'll go inquire to see what is required to be one. Hmm.

Mmm. I wouldn't recommend getting certified whilst studying dutifully for the MCAT. The class is 6 months long, a couple nights a week, with a few 12-hour ER shifts thrown in for practical clinical experience. It's not hard, per se, for an intelligent person, but it requires dedication and a serious time commitment.