Questions about volunteering at a hospital?

[oregonian19]

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Hello, I’m a recent college grad and about to embark on my 1-2 gap years and I want some opinions about hospital volunteering.

So I’m trying to choose between two nearby hospitals: hospital A is more rural and mostly focused towards ER and birth/delivery; hospital B is more suburban and appears to be a more traditional hospital. Both are part of different regional healthcare organizations.

My first question is related to hospital A, the rural one. In high school, I volunteered at this hospital for 300 hours (2012-2014). If I resume volunteering at this hospital, could I technically tack those 300 hours on and extend the timeline? Like “500 hours from 2012-2019”?

Without getting into specifics, which hospital is more likely to look better for applications? Rural may look good in its own right, but the suburban one is probably more well regarded?

Let me know what y’all think and feel free to ask any clarifying questions!
Thanks!

P.S.
This would not be my only clinical experiences, I have ~215 hours unrelated to either of these hospitals.

 

[oregonian19]

Bump.

Also just let me know if I’m being pedantic and it doesn’t matter at all! Lol

 

[deleted943850]

Bump.

Also just let me know if I’m being pedantic and it doesn’t matter at all! Lol

My first question is related to hospital A, the rural one. In high school, I volunteered at this hospital for 300 hours (2012-2014). If I resume volunteering at this hospital, could I technically tack those 300 hours on and extend the timeline? Like “500 hours from 2012-2019”?
1) Yes
Without getting into specifics, which hospital is more likely to look better for applications? Rural may look good in its own right, but the suburban one is probably more well regarded?
2) No, do whatever you feel drawn to

 

[Drakozord X]

"look better for applications" = no no no. The reason you want to volunteer at a specific place is because a) the location is more convenient and b) you believe that you can make contributions and provide for patients in that hospital and c) you will be volunteering in a department that you're interested in.

No one cares where you volunteered. You could be volunteering in some random hole in the wall and as long as you are and can show that you are passionate about what you were doing for someone else/providing your best service, it'll "look better for applications."

 

[getdown]

Bump.

Also just let me know if I’m being pedantic and it doesn’t matter at all! Lol

you're being pedantic, it doesn't matter at all.

 

[oregonian19]

I figured I was being overly concerned.

And you are right, Drakozord X, it should be more about what I’m interested in and what my role will be, less of “what is better.” Probably worthwhile to contact both and see what both have to offer.

 

[aldol16]

Doesn't matter at all. You can take those hours on like that. After all, it is kind of a longitudinal experience. Volunteer at whichever one you find more interesting.

 

[puahate]

None of this matters. Just get the experience and hours

 

[curbsideconsult]

I know you're not supposed to include high school activities (maybe Eagle scout type stuff is ok) so that makes me think you also shouldn't add high school hours even though you may be resuming your post at the same location.

Like others have said, it's not where you do the volunteering, it's what you do (generally speaking). Make sure your volunteering will consist of meaningful patient contact and not just working the gift shop or greeting visitors. Go with the place that will let you do more.