Has anyone else ever been "fired" from a volunteer position? (rant)

[deleted892885]

Hi everyone, so today I was "fired" from my volunteer position at an urgent care clinic. The only things I was allowed to do was go through voicemails and call to confirm appointments, which would only take about an hour each time I came in. I volunteered in three hour blocks, so I didn't have much to do for the next two hours except occasionally check the phone. Each time, I would ask my supervisor if there is anything for me to do after I was done, and each time he would look around, say no, and tell me to just sit and wait. So I did. Everyone else was busy and running around, etc. so I usually end up on my phone (I take complete fault on that) and/or just looking around, and I would occasionally check for voicemails. So I was kind of shocked when today, I got an email stating for me to never return as a volunteer, and that I was an awful volunteer because I "never did anything" and "just sat there on my phone". Yes, I was on my phone when there was nothing do and I take full responsibility for that since I shouldn't have been on it.

But I had no idea what else I was supposed to do besides sitting there and staring at the wall... And at the same time, how could he tell me I "never did anything" when I would finished up everything directly in front of him??? And on top of that, he was the one who would tell me to sit and wait when I was the one who asked him if there was anything else I could do!!!! On top of that, the volunteer coordinator of the clinic chewed me out! I was completely shocked through this three hour ordeal and my brain kinda went into autopilot mode, I couldn't even get any words out of my mouth and refute the fact that my supervisor lied about me having never done anything. And now I'm just really angry and on the verge of tears lol. I just can't believe he lied about me never doing anything. Anyways, I forced myself to send in a lengthy apology letter, mainly apologizing for using my phone because again that was on me

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[bobjonesbob]

Be mad about it for a day and move on. Sounds like a boring experience and a lame supervisor. I’m sure you can find a more interesting and / or more enjoyable use of your time.

 

[Select All That Apply]

@hhcookie The phone should never be by you in a 3 hour position. There are also almost always things you could be doing to help out, but urgent care clinics are much less conducive towards volunteers being proactive.

My suggestion is that you volunteer somewhere you want to work after graduating. That way the volunteering gives you an inside into the job application process for a gap year job. There are always hospitals looking for good volunteers. Always.

 

[bluepeony]

Hi everyone, so today I was "fired" from my volunteer position at an urgent care clinic. The only things I was allowed to do was go through voicemails and call to confirm appointments, which would only take about an hour each time I came in. I volunteered in three hour blocks, so I didn't have much to do for the next two hours except occasionally check the phone. Each time, I would ask my supervisor if there is anything for me to do after I was done, and each time he would look around, say no, and tell me to just sit and wait. So I did. Everyone else was busy and running around, etc. so I usually end up on my phone (I take complete fault on that) and/or just looking around, and I would occasionally check for voicemails. So I was kind of shocked when today, I got an email stating for me to never return as a volunteer, and that I was an awful volunteer because I "never did anything" and "just sat there on my phone". Yes, I was on my phone when there was nothing do and I take full responsibility for that since I shouldn't have been on it.

But I literally had no idea what else I was supposed to do besides sitting there and staring at the wall! And at the same time, how could he tell me I "never did anything" when I would finished up everything directly in front of him??? And on top of that, he was the one who would tell me to sit and wait when I was the one who asked him if there was anything else I could do!!!! On top of that, the volunteer coordinator of the clinic chewed me out! I was completely shocked through this three hour ordeal and my brain kinda went into autopilot mode, I couldn't even get any words out of my mouth and refute the fact that my supervisor lied about me having never done anything. And now I'm just really angry and on the verge of tears lol. I just...can't believe he lied about me never doing anything. I mean, just why...? Anyways, I forced myself to send in a lengthy apology letter, mainly apologizing for using my phone...

See this as a blessing in disguise and find an opportunity that gives you more patient interaction.

 

[star-lily]

See this as a blessing in disguise and find an opportunity that gives you more patient interaction.

Exactly.

 

[Moko]

Just be glad that you're allowed to leave this type of environment. However, do reflect on what you can do to prevent these types of situations from happening again in the future. You will continue to deal with these types of personalities (and who knows, maybe the problem was with you--it's always hard to tell in the heat of the moment).

Fortunately, sitting around screening voicemails won't do anything for your app anyways, so no harm done. So reflect and move on. Not all volunteering experiences are created equal. Good luck

 

[openstage]

Is the urgent care a business? Whether it’s perception or reality, a volunteer on their phone is not “a good look.” You may have done nothing wrong, but irritated people who were busy delivering care?

 

[seeinghowitgoes]

Ehh my take having coordinated volunteers for organizations is you’re giving your time for free - if you get the work done and aren’t actively unprofessional (ie on phone in view of patients or disrupting others with phone - doesn’t sound like you did these things) you can do whatever the heck you want and the organization should thank you for doing things they could (maybe even should) be paying people for.

Be thankful you’re gone from a pretty meh experience, find something more meaningful and busy for the future.

 

[allantois]

That urgent care is a fraud

 

[LizzyM]

Find something to do that puts you face-to-face with people who are unable to help themselves. Check out neonatal intensive care (holding babies), children's hospital (playing with lonely sick children, sitting with children as they come out of anesthesia), emergency departments, hospice.

You can also show that you want to help others by volunteering to help those in need in non-clinical settings such as homes for the aged, soup kitchens, food pantries, coaching, mentoring or tutoring kids through Big Brother/Big Sister or similar local programs for at-risk kids, English as a Second Language program for adults. Social determinants of health are an important predictor of poor health outcomes and you can have an impact on health through non-clinical services.

 

[Goro]

Hi everyone, so today I was "fired" from my volunteer position at an urgent care clinic. The only things I was allowed to do was go through voicemails and call to confirm appointments, which would only take about an hour each time I came in. I volunteered in three hour blocks, so I didn't have much to do for the next two hours except occasionally check the phone. Each time, I would ask my supervisor if there is anything for me to do after I was done, and each time he would look around, say no, and tell me to just sit and wait. So I did. Everyone else was busy and running around, etc. so I usually end up on my phone (I take complete fault on that) and/or just looking around, and I would occasionally check for voicemails. So I was kind of shocked when today, I got an email stating for me to never return as a volunteer, and that I was an awful volunteer because I "never did anything" and "just sat there on my phone". Yes, I was on my phone when there was nothing do and I take full responsibility for that since I shouldn't have been on it.

But I literally had no idea what else I was supposed to do besides sitting there and staring at the wall! And at the same time, how could he tell me I "never did anything" when I would finished up everything directly in front of him??? And on top of that, he was the one who would tell me to sit and wait when I was the one who asked him if there was anything else I could do!!!! On top of that, the volunteer coordinator of the clinic chewed me out! I was completely shocked through this three hour ordeal and my brain kinda went into autopilot mode, I couldn't even get any words out of my mouth and refute the fact that my supervisor lied about me having never done anything. And now I'm just really angry and on the verge of tears lol. I just...can't believe he lied about me never doing anything. I mean, just why...? Anyways, I forced myself to send in a lengthy apology letter, mainly apologizing for using my phone...

I'm a firm believer in that there are two sides to every story, but the best thing to do here is to take this as a learning experience, not to get mad, and move on to something better.

As to clinical volunteering ideas, try these:
Not all volunteering needs to be in a hospital. Think hospice, Planned Parenthood, nursing homes, rehab facilities, crisis hotlines, camps for sick children, or clinics.

Some types of volunteer activities are more appealing than others. Volunteering in a nice suburban hospital is all very well and good and all, but doesn't show that you're willing to dig in and get your hands dirty in the same way that working with the developmentally disabled (or homeless, the dying, or Alzheimer’s or mentally ill or elderly or ESL or domestic, rural impoverished) does. The uncomfortable situations are the ones that really demonstrate your altruism and get you 'brownie points'. Plus, they frankly teach you more -- they develop your compassion and humanity in ways comfortable situations can't

 

[FreeGibbs]

If I were you, I'd take it as kind of a blessing lol. That sounds rough, however it looked like it was just a time-sink.

To add to being fired from a volunteer position. I was once kicked out of a psychiatry lab owned by a very strict and anal PI, after 1 week during the summer. I had to leave early 20mins to walk to a physics exam, and I was told to meet the PI for an important meeting the day after. I was told that I didn't show enough resolve since I left early in the first week.

Blessing in disguise. I found a great biochem lab later that fall with a very supportive PI that would end up being my senior thesis advisor.

 

[MyOdyssey]

Hi everyone, so today I was "fired" from my volunteer position at an urgent care clinic. The only things I was allowed to do was go through voicemails and call to confirm appointments, which would only take about an hour each time I came in. I volunteered in three hour blocks, so I didn't have much to do for the next two hours except occasionally check the phone. Each time, I would ask my supervisor if there is anything for me to do after I was done, and each time he would look around, say no, and tell me to just sit and wait. So I did. Everyone else was busy and running around, etc. so I usually end up on my phone (I take complete fault on that) and/or just looking around, and I would occasionally check for voicemails. So I was kind of shocked when today, I got an email stating for me to never return as a volunteer, and that I was an awful volunteer because I "never did anything" and "just sat there on my phone". Yes, I was on my phone when there was nothing do and I take full responsibility for that since I shouldn't have been on it.

But I literally had no idea what else I was supposed to do besides sitting there and staring at the wall! And at the same time, how could he tell me I "never did anything" when I would finished up everything directly in front of him??? And on top of that, he was the one who would tell me to sit and wait when I was the one who asked him if there was anything else I could do!!!! On top of that, the volunteer coordinator of the clinic chewed me out! I was completely shocked through this three hour ordeal and my brain kinda went into autopilot mode, I couldn't even get any words out of my mouth and refute the fact that my supervisor lied about me having never done anything. And now I'm just really angry and on the verge of tears lol. I just...can't believe he lied about me never doing anything. I mean, just why...? Anyways, I forced myself to send in a lengthy apology letter, mainly apologizing for using my phone...

Find someplace that's busier and more active to volunteer. You'll get more to do.

Try the public hospital(s) in your metropolitan area. Those are always somewhat understaffed and they see patients from all walks of life. It'd be a great volunteering experience for you. Make sure to get a volunteering assignment at the hospital that allows for daily face to face interactions with patients and little downtime.

 

[DNAJB6]

Hi everyone, so today I was "fired" from my volunteer position at an urgent care clinic. The only things I was allowed to do was go through voicemails and call to confirm appointments, which would only take about an hour each time I came in. I volunteered in three hour blocks, so I didn't have much to do for the next two hours except occasionally check the phone. Each time, I would ask my supervisor if there is anything for me to do after I was done, and each time he would look around, say no, and tell me to just sit and wait. So I did. Everyone else was busy and running around, etc. so I usually end up on my phone (I take complete fault on that) and/or just looking around, and I would occasionally check for voicemails. So I was kind of shocked when today, I got an email stating for me to never return as a volunteer, and that I was an awful volunteer because I "never did anything" and "just sat there on my phone". Yes, I was on my phone when there was nothing do and I take full responsibility for that since I shouldn't have been on it.

But I literally had no idea what else I was supposed to do besides sitting there and staring at the wall! And at the same time, how could he tell me I "never did anything" when I would finished up everything directly in front of him??? And on top of that, he was the one who would tell me to sit and wait when I was the one who asked him if there was anything else I could do!!!! On top of that, the volunteer coordinator of the clinic chewed me out! I was completely shocked through this three hour ordeal and my brain kinda went into autopilot mode, I couldn't even get any words out of my mouth and refute the fact that my supervisor lied about me having never done anything. And now I'm just really angry and on the verge of tears lol. I just...can't believe he lied about me never doing anything. I mean, just why...? Anyways, I forced myself to send in a lengthy apology letter, mainly apologizing for using my phone...

I agree with the others to move on to another volunteer opportunity. I would, however, reply to the original email and explain the situation to prevent burning any bridges. Be careful not to come off as making excuses or becoming overly defensive. You never know when you may need one of those people in the future. I wouldn't use them as a reference though (obviously).

 

[deleted892885]

@hhcookie The phone should never be by you in a 3 hour position. There are also almost always things you could be doing to help out, but urgent care clinics are much less conducive towards volunteers being proactive.

My suggestion is that you volunteer somewhere you want to work after graduating. That way the volunteering gives you an inside into the job application process for a gap year job. There are always hospitals looking for good volunteers. Always.

Is the urgent care a business? Whether it’s perception or reality, a volunteer on their phone is not “a good look.” You may have done nothing wrong, but irritated people who were busy delivering care?

I'm a firm believer in that there are two sides to every story, but the best thing to do here is to take this as a learning experience, not to get mad, and move on to something better.

As to clinical volunteering ideas, try these:
Not all volunteering needs to be in a hospital. Think hospice, Planned Parenthood, nursing homes, rehab facilities, crisis hotlines, camps for sick children, or clinics.

Some types of volunteer activities are more appealing than others. Volunteering in a nice suburban hospital is all very well and good and all, but doesn't show that you're willing to dig in and get your hands dirty in the same way that working with the developmentally disabled (or homeless, the dying, or Alzheimer’s or mentally ill or elderly or ESL or domestic, rural impoverished) does. The uncomfortable situations are the ones that really demonstrate your altruism and get you 'brownie points'. Plus, they frankly teach you more -- they develop your compassion and humanity in ways comfortable situations can't

yes I was on my phone after I finished my duties (which I assume was the immediate ground for dismissal), stupid of me I know and I take full responsibility for that being the reason I was dismissed, but I didn't think he would go as far as to say that I was an awful volunteer that never did anything, that was my main issue...but yes I will use this as a learning experience

Also, thanks for the advice everyone!!!

 

[deleted892885]

I agree with the others to move on to another volunteer opportunity. I would, however, reply to the original email and explain the situation to prevent burning any bridges. Be careful not to come off as making excuses or becoming overly defensive. You never know when you may need one of those people in the future. I wouldn't use them as a reference though (obviously).

Yes I sent in a lengthy apology letter the other day, I got an email back thanking me for my apology and wishing me luck in the future, although this was from a different supervisor, not the one that I was volunteering under...so I'm going to assume no bridges were burned with the clinic itself but I'm not sure about that supervisor unfortunately

 

[Osteosaur]

Sorry it happened. It could be the wrong person saw you, or you were getting in the way. I would not take it personally.

Most volunteer positions are boring and sometimes there is just not a lot for you to do. Sometimes these positions are also about finding little ways to help out, or being there to handle minutia. If you really feel like your stuck you can always say "I find I have a lot of downtime. Is there anything else I can do or organize? Or do you just need me on call?" Just to get a sense of the expectations.

You just need to sit there looking ready and perky, or check your phone in a bathroom or break area. Even if its inefficient sitting hunched over your phone in any scenario simply isn't a good look. Were you stationed in a public or private area?

 

[Select All That Apply]

@hhcookie You don't get it, but you will with time.

 

[ChymeofPassion]

You sent an apology letter after getting burned and embarrassed like that??

 

[On_The_Way_Up]

Hi everyone, so today I was "fired" from my volunteer position at an urgent care clinic. The only things I was allowed to do was go through voicemails and call to confirm appointments, which would only take about an hour each time I came in. I volunteered in three hour blocks, so I didn't have much to do for the next two hours except occasionally check the phone. Each time, I would ask my supervisor if there is anything for me to do after I was done, and each time he would look around, say no, and tell me to just sit and wait. So I did. Everyone else was busy and running around, etc. so I usually end up on my phone (I take complete fault on that) and/or just looking around, and I would occasionally check for voicemails. So I was kind of shocked when today, I got an email stating for me to never return as a volunteer, and that I was an awful volunteer because I "never did anything" and "just sat there on my phone". Yes, I was on my phone when there was nothing do and I take full responsibility for that since I shouldn't have been on it.

But I literally had no idea what else I was supposed to do besides sitting there and staring at the wall! And at the same time, how could he tell me I "never did anything" when I would finished up everything directly in front of him??? And on top of that, he was the one who would tell me to sit and wait when I was the one who asked him if there was anything else I could do!!!! On top of that, the volunteer coordinator of the clinic chewed me out! I was completely shocked through this three hour ordeal and my brain kinda went into autopilot mode, I couldn't even get any words out of my mouth and refute the fact that my supervisor lied about me having never done anything. And now I'm just really angry and on the verge of tears lol. I just...can't believe he lied about me never doing anything. I mean, just why...? Anyways, I forced myself to send in a lengthy apology letter, mainly apologizing for using my phone...

when I first started volunteering years ago I started out in the ICU. Aside from a couple of errands there was nothing for me to do. I felt like I was just taking up space and bothering people when I asked them is there anything else I can do. After 6 shifts I transferred over to the emergency department. So glad I did. I was always busy and there was always something to do. And the things I did were important. Just move on. Not sure why some places even take volunteers if they don’t even have you do anything. Honestly it was definitely the worst/most frustrating premed experience of mine.

 

[deleted892885]

You sent an apology letter after getting burned and embarrassed like that??

Well yes I felt that I needed to because in general I don't like being on really bad terms with anyone, and also I sort of had to. I've found that a lot of volunteer applications ask if you have ever been involuntarily discharged from a position, paid or volunteer, so I feel like if I didn't say anything and the clinic I was volunteering at is contacted (which I feel like it will be as explained below), I would probably end up in a much worse position

thanks to my luck the volunteer coordinator for the clinic is the same coordinator for a large hospital that I previously volunteered at for about 2 years. I volunteered within a nursing unit and found it to be very enjoyable, and I was always on my feet and learning and had no issues/problems with anyone. The only reason I stopped was because I no longer able to fit into their volunteer schedule, and to me at the time, the only other option involved this clinic, which I now sort of regret getting involved with

 

[landy1130]

Hey @hhcookie I'll just throw my story and 2 cents in here just for some perspective.

A few years ago I was basically "declined" from a volunteer position. Why you ask?

I had a ton of experience volunteering in hospice and just moved to a new location. I was excited to get started back up at a new org and felt like I found a great one. I had an onsite interview with the awesome inpatient hospice coordinator and she was like "You'd be a perfect fit and its great to have some younger men volunteering in hospice here as it's quite uncommon!". So far so good! Next I'm told I have to attend an orientation, but it's 12 hours on a Saturday. I wasn't particularly jazzed about that as I was working constantly and I valued my weekend time. I just felt it was inefficient, especially with some experience already. Welp I showed up and it was no-joke a 400 slide PPT, with maybe 1-2 videos sprinkled. It was brutal. Also I should note I was the only one under 50 there (maybe 20-30 individuals). Anyway, they asked for anonymous feedback and I verbatim called the presentation "boring" and the orientation "unproductive", thinking they would appreciate critical feedback. Turns out they didn't appreciate that and I got a call from the presenter personally "declining" me as a volunteer. I was so disappointed and frustrated in myself because I could/should have been more professional and the presenter was basically taking this personal slight out on me even though the feedback was "anonymous".

In the end I realized that, yes I made a mistake with my language and should have been smarter, but remember overall volunteering is for "you" in the sense that you should enjoy the experience and be engaged in the cause. It's different than a career or a job where you are providing a service for $$. If you are on your phone/bored then find something you actually care about. I ended up joining a different org and have had an incredible experience. Hope this offered some perspective and best of luck!

 

[Select All That Apply]

@hhcookie I wasn't aware that you had a successful experience in another volunteer setting. I'm sorry for being condescending. I'm interested to find out what you decide to do moving forward. I think if you have accrued a certain amount of hours that you should consider working per diem or part time within the hospital. You seem like you are someone who would be stimulated by having direct patient care interaction rather than volunteering within an office capacity. I know that many applicants couple paid direct patient care experience with volunteering in something they are passionate for like a specific cause or a homeless shelter. Schedules tend to be flexible when it comes to working as a CNA as turnover tends to be high when it comes to nursing units. Best of luck to you.

 

[deleted892885]

@hhcookie I wasn't aware that you had a successful experience in another volunteer setting. I'm sorry for being condescending. I'm interested to find out what you decide to do moving forward. I think if you have accrued a certain amount of hours that you should consider working per diem or part time within the hospital. You seem like you are someone who would be stimulated by having direct patient care interaction rather than volunteering within an office capacity. I know that many applicants couple paid direct patient care experience with volunteering in something they are passionate for like a specific cause or a homeless shelter. Schedules tend to be flexible when it comes to working as a CNA as turnover tends to be high when it comes to nursing units. Best of luck to you.

That's alright! I know it sort of sounded like this was my first volunteering experience but thankfully its not, or I would have been more put off than I already feel lol 🤔 I've made plans to volunteer at a hospice and am planning on an MA certification which I'm working towards. the only thing I'm worried about is that since this experience was very recent, if it comes up or is mentioned through the volunteer coordinator to other places I want to volunteer at, I'm really worried it'll have a very negative impact and I won't be able to volunteer, plus I'm not really sure how I should respond :/ and maybe I'm just being really paranoid, but you never know what connections people have

 

[deleted480308]

Hi everyone, so today I was "fired" from my volunteer position at an urgent care clinic. The only things I was allowed to do was go through voicemails and call to confirm appointments, which would only take about an hour each time I came in. I volunteered in three hour blocks, so I didn't have much to do for the next two hours except occasionally check the phone. Each time, I would ask my supervisor if there is anything for me to do after I was done, and each time he would look around, say no, and tell me to just sit and wait. So I did. Everyone else was busy and running around, etc. so I usually end up on my phone (I take complete fault on that) and/or just looking around, and I would occasionally check for voicemails. So I was kind of shocked when today, I got an email stating for me to never return as a volunteer, and that I was an awful volunteer because I "never did anything" and "just sat there on my phone". Yes, I was on my phone when there was nothing do and I take full responsibility for that since I shouldn't have been on it.

But I had no idea what else I was supposed to do besides sitting there and staring at the wall... And at the same time, how could he tell me I "never did anything" when I would finished up everything directly in front of him??? And on top of that, he was the one who would tell me to sit and wait when I was the one who asked him if there was anything else I could do!!!! On top of that, the volunteer coordinator of the clinic chewed me out! I was completely shocked through this three hour ordeal and my brain kinda went into autopilot mode, I couldn't even get any words out of my mouth and refute the fact that my supervisor lied about me having never done anything. And now I'm just really angry and on the verge of tears lol. I just can't believe he lied about me never doing anything. Anyways, I forced myself to send in a lengthy apology letter, mainly apologizing for using my phone because again that was on me

You keep saying you accept “full responsibility”. Sometimes that means you get fired when you do the wrong thing. You did and you got fired. Don’t be mad, just be better next time.

This does not matter in the long run

 

[Shunsui]

Just don’t forget that what you’re doing is literally free labor... you should find a a hospital where the people in charge/volunteers appreciate you spending your time there.


Sent from my iPhone using SDN

 

[Lampy]

As to clinical volunteering ideas, try these:
Not all volunteering needs to be in a hospital. Think hospice, Planned Parenthood, nursing homes, rehab facilities, crisis hotlines, camps for sick children, or clinics.

Some types of volunteer activities are more appealing than others. Volunteering in a nice suburban hospital is all very well and good and all, but doesn't show that you're willing to dig in and get your hands dirty in the same way that working with the developmentally disabled (or homeless, the dying, or Alzheimer’s or mentally ill or elderly or ESL or domestic, rural impoverished) does. The uncomfortable situations are the ones that really demonstrate your altruism and get you 'brownie points'. Plus, they frankly teach you more -- they develop your compassion and humanity in ways comfortable situations can't

Hey! Sorry to bring back a sorta dead thread, but I have seen mixed results about if working in a nursing home as a home health aide counts as clinical experience.

I'm trying to start my gap year job the semester before I graduate so I can talk about it my application, and I am most interested in working with the elderly/ people with intellectual/developmental disabilities. In my area, I have been mostly coming up with caretaker jobs either at a patient's home or in a group home setting (the duties are usually helping with Daily activities such as bathing or taking medication, you are also supposed to provide companionship to everyone you are helping). I was wondering if you or anyone else could offer insight into whether these kinds of jobs could be classified as clinical experience (also whether factors like it being in a group home vs private home would affect this).

 

[LizzyM]

Hey! Sorry to bring back a sorta dead thread, but I have seen mixed results about if working in a nursing home as a home health aide counts as clinical experience.

I'm trying to start my gap year job the semester before I graduate so I can talk about it my application, and I am most interested in working with the elderly/ people with intellectual/developmental disabilities. In my area, I have been mostly coming up with caretaker jobs either at a patient's home or in a group home setting (the duties are usually helping with Daily activities such as bathing or taking medication, you are also supposed to provide companionship to everyone you are helping). I was wondering if you or anyone else could offer insight into whether these kinds of jobs could be classified as clinical experience (also whether factors like it being in a group home vs private home would affect this).

Are these patients? No, in all likelihood they are called residents or clients. Are you do things that would require a license? No, in all likelihood you are doing tasks that a family member without any training could do. Would you consider watching and helping a small child with activities of daily living to be clinical service? If so, you could count babysitting and nannying as clinical. So, it is a good job and helps people who can't help themselves and it will help you learn more about the care and daily life of people with disabilities but it is not clinical. That isn't to say that it wouldn't have a positive impact on your application but it certainly can't be the centerpiece of clinical experience on your application.

 

[Lampy]

Thank you for your speedy reply! I have an interview at one such place and I was wondering if I could receive specific feedback.

Are these patients? No, in all likelihood they are called residents or clients.

They have only been referred to as seniors, so I think you're right here.

Are you do things that would require a license? No, in all likelihood you are doing tasks that a family member without any training could do.

These are the listed responsibilities so far, and they did say changing adult diapers would be a normal activity, which I think in another thread was counted as clinical hours.

That isn't to say that it wouldn't have a positive impact on your application but it certainly can't be the centerpiece of clinical experience on your application.

I completely agree it shouldn't be the centerpiece for my clinical hours! I don't know if this affects classifying this activity or not but by the time I apply I should have 200-250 hours doing HIV testing/ counseling in the community (targeting LGBTQ+ and homeless populations) and another 250 as a hospital volunteer where I did some cool stuff working with Hospice but overall that was pretty average.

I'm just applying to gap year jobs now and wanted a perspective on what clinical experiences could be (medical assistant/ scribing jobs aren't really available in my area without certification plus I just think I would enjoy working with people in need more. Thank you again for your comment, it was very, very helpful in figuring out how to go about thinking if something is/ is not clinical!

 

[Lampy]

These are the listed responsibilities so far, and they did say changing adult diapers would be a normal activity, which I think in another thread was counted as clinical hours.

Strongly disagree in this instance. If you need clinical experience, hands on care of the elderly and disabled is good experience. Any adult* who has a wound, a catheter or is incapable of wiping their own behind qualifies as a patient in my book when you are providing the care required due to the wound, catheter or incontinence.

Where I come down on nursing homes not being clinical is when you are playing the violin, calling bingo numbers or having a chat as a friendly visitor. That is non-clinical volunteering that is highly regarded but not clinical. Serving as a nursing assistant, patient care technician, or whatever title one has to provide intimate care is certainly clinical.

*I say adult because changing a baby's diapers is not clinical care.

I found it! I do recognize that doing catheter care is very different than what I believe I will be doing, but I believe I will be wiping behinds haha.

 

[LizzyM]

Your gap year job doesn't have to be clinical. It can be in this gray zone and still be a very valuable experience that will get you some traction with the adcoms. Don't worry about a paid experience like this being one thing or another.