Does service = unpaid?

[grapepopsicle]

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If a secondary is asking about one of my "service experiences", can I talk about my CNA job? It's paid, but if anything involves providing a "service", CNA work certainly does.

 

[grapepopsicle]

Just bumping for some opinions.

 

[theamazingbil]

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/archive/index.php/t-854702.html

I'm not really sure, but that thread has some answers on this question.

 

[Gnomo]

If a secondary is asking about one of my "service experiences", can I talk about my CNA job? It's paid, but if anything involves providing a "service", CNA work certainly does.

The line between community service and volunteer work is very fine. If I remember correctly, almost anything can count as community service, including a full-time job (police officer, physician, attorney) or something like AmeriCorps, where you are compensated but are clearly serving the community. Volunteer work is, of course, community service, but it is somewhat narrower in scope. Volunteer work must be unpaid; I think stipends, gas allowances, etc. are allowed.

I suspect "service experience" refers specifically to volunteer work, though I bet AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, etc. would be permitted.

 

[jjesque]

Yes, unpaid (unless the pay was a living stipend). I'm sure there are many other places to discuss your CNA position but IMO this is not an appropriate one.

 

[LizzyM]

This is a tricky question because "service" and "community service" are not the same thing. Would you consider "military service" to be "service" even thought those volunteers are paid? Police and firefighters are called "public servants" although they are paid.

The school might be looking at medicine as a service profession and wishing to consolodate on the secondary all "service" experiences of the application whether it is work-study at the library reserves desk, a job in retail sales or food service, or an unpaid experience as a hospital volunteer.

You might consider any experinece where you might say, "How may I help you?" or where you might hear, "That you for your service." to be what the school is calling "service".

Why not check on the school specific board to see how other applicants are handling this item or how last year's applicants handled it.

 

[grapepopsicle]

Thanks for your help everyone. 👍

Here's the exact wording of the question: "Choose one of your volunteer or service experiences and discuss your role of either leadership or support, and describe how it has contributed to your personal development."

I think because it says "volunteer OR service experiences" the service experience doesn't have to be unpaid or involve a stipend (Americorps, Peace Corps).

 

[LizzyM]

Thanks for your help everyone. 👍

Here's the exact wording of the question: "Choose one of your volunteer or service experiences and discuss your role of either leadership or support, and describe how it has contributed to your personal development."

I think because it says "volunteer OR service experiences" the service experience doesn't have to be unpaid or involve a stipend (Americorps, Peace Corps).

Well, they only want one thing and it is a chance to highlight your leadership and personal development. That it says "volunteer or service" suggests that there is the understanding that not all service is "volunteer" as in "unpaid".