hospital volunteer work

[blike]

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I'm in the process of checking out hospitals to volunteer at. I've heard that volunteering at a VA hospital is a better experience than a regular hospital. Is there any truth to this? Has anyone volunteered at a VA hospital?

 

[mohody]

At the local hospital all they would let you do if you were a volunteer was deliver flowers or escort people around. At this hospital they would even allow the volunteers wear gloves. At the VA hospital I volunteered at I was allowed to take weights, blood pressures, and chart information about the patients. I believe it would be better if you volunteer at the VA hospital instead of a private you would get more experience.

 

[Forensic Chick]

Hey Blike,

I went to multiple hospitals looking to volunteer, and they allowed NO PATIENT CONTACT whatsoever. Not even wheeling them around or delivering flowers. So, instead of giving up my desire to work in a hospital, I took an EMT course, which has given me the opportunity to work in an ER (and get paid) as well as wander around the other departments and ask a lot of questions. You deal with direct patient contact, which I'm sure you want to do, and it's a win-win situation.

Good luck!

 

[blike]

Thanks, I was considering EMT, but I won't be able to take the course till next summer (between sophomore and junior year). I almost took it this fall, but I'm digging myself out of a freshman ditch I dug with my grades, so I didn't want to risk anything. I need something to hold me over until I can get to that class
I appreciate your input.

 

[SoCal]

Volunteer any where...and take the EMT course. Not only is it great experience, but it is a very rewarding job. The pay is far from good, but going to work happy is worth it.
-San Diego County EMT...good luck