How long does it take after applying to start volunteering?

[virtuoso735]

I didn't realize it would take so long for me to start volunteering after sending off application forms. Some of them require letters of references, all of them require health screenings (understandable), interviews, orientation, training sessions, and so on. I sent off a few forms last week, but I want to start right away since I'm already behind with my hours. 🙁 How competitive are volunteering spots? I'm guessing that they are pretty competitive where I live, since it's densely populated with colleges (and therefore premeds). How long will I have to wait after I mail off the forms, and what are the chances I will be able to volunteer at all if I send off 3 applications to 3 different clinics/hospitals? Should I apply to more?

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[aSagacious]

Depends. At my undergrad institution they only started new volunteers three times per year (at the beginning of each semester). If you applied for a position as soon as they opened (usually one month before the semester started) then it was simply a one month wait. I'm sure different schools/hospitals have varying policies.

 

[Stumpyman]

Depends where you're volunteering. It took me 3 months before actually starting to volunteer at a certain hospital. In others, it can take less than 2 weeks.

 

[patineurMD]

It totally depends on the place you're trying to volunteer. At my hospital it was just a matter of getting past lazy pencil pushers so as long as you were willing to be aggressive about getting paperwork done you were in for a long wait.

Have you thought about volunteering at free clinics? The one where I work has a much faster turnaround time just because we're a lot hungrier for good volunteers. If you're in a rush I'd try looking in the free clinic (or even non-medical) direction.

 

[chemistryguy]

I think the only thing that may take time is getting to orientation and then getting in paperwork for your health records and immunizations and such. You'll need a TB test, so if you dont have one that may take a small amount of time. If you plan ahead and look up the orientation schehdule and have your medical records ready, it should be fairly quick.

 

[Drogo]

You'll be fine, think about it, you have a lot of students and pre-meds volunteering. Many will switch shifts around and some will leave to go back to school, so spots open up, but just be well organized and turn in paperwork as fast as possible. The positions can fill up fast, especially if they're in the emergency center or post-op areas, being most people want as many patient contact hours as possible.

Don't be afraind to ask them about spots with the most patient contact. Trust me you don't want to be stuck doing something more suitable for a high school student.

 

[MrBananaGrabber]

Have you thought about volunteering at free clinics? The one where I work has a much faster turnaround time just because we're a lot hungrier for good volunteers. If you're in a rush I'd try looking in the free clinic (or even non-medical) direction.

I second this. The free clinic I volunteer at only takes 3 days between applying and getting a position.