Is hospice volunteering considered clinical?

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.

Vince411

Full Member
7+ Year Member
Joined
May 12, 2014
Messages
62
Reaction score
15
as a non-trad, I'm having difficulties finding "clinical" volunteering oppoprtunities. A local hospital has volunteer positions for doing things like greeting people or delivering mail, but I'm sure these don't count as "clinical" experiences. I was thinking about volunteering at a local hospice---there they have you do bedside vistis with patients and spend time with patients so they're not alone. Does anyone know if this would count as "clinical" experience?

Members don't see this ad.
 
YES!!!!

I have a high regard for people who do hospice work. Takes a special person.

as a non-trad, I'm having difficulties finding "clinical" volunteering oppoprtunities. A local hospital has volunteer positions for doing things like greeting people or delivering mail, but I'm sure these don't count as "clinical" experiences. I was thinking about volunteering at a local hospice---there they have you do bedside vistis with patients and spend time with patients so they're not alone. Does anyone know if this would count as "clinical" experience?
 
Members don't see this ad :)
@Goro that makes me 🙂 working in the ICU gave me a heart for hospice. Volunteering for hospice has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life.

@Vince411 one great thing about volunteering with hospice (at least the organization I volunteer for) is being assigned to a patient. The schedule is extremely flexbile since the family and I coordinate our calendars. I have a few different "hats" as a volunteer. Respite, spiritual and vigil. I interact with patients and their caregivers a lot as a bedside nurse but hospice volunteering gave me an opportunity to see a different side of healthcare and develop deeper interactions than I've ever had with a patient/family during a 12-hour shift (probably doesn't help most of my patients are intubated). The caregivers and patients are also genuinely grateful for your service.
 
@Vince411
I volunteered for a hospice service for a about a year and a half before going to grad school. I can honestly say it was one of the best experiences of my life. As a nontrad it really solidified to my decision to change careers. Hell, I tell all of my friends who aren't even interested in medicine to do it. It completely changed my outlook on life in a way that has made me less-scared to start medical school this year at 31.

I was the only male volunteer at my service, so was constantly assigned to WWII vets. Lots of these guys loved to share stories. Sometimes I was put in very uncomfortable situations, I laughed, I cried, but was fortunate enough to get a glimpse into the lives of some very great men.
 
Top