Volunteer as CNA?

[aymar]

I am going to be working a full-time job next year, so I am not looking to get a full time position as a CNA. I would simply like to volunteer nights/weekends using the certification. I've found virtually nothing online about doing this, however. My local hospital does not accept volunteers in positions where you have to hold a certification. Have any of you been able to volunteer as a CNA? If so, how did you find the position? Any luck with hospitals, or just nursing homes?

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[minnie94]

I am going to be working a full-time job next year, so I am not looking to get a full time position as a CNA. I would simply like to volunteer nights/weekends using the certification. I've found virtually nothing online about doing this, however. My local hospital does not accept volunteers in positions where you have to hold a certification. Have any of you been able to volunteer as a CNA? If so, how did you find the position? Any luck with hospitals, or just nursing homes?

I worked at a nursing home and they had no problem with me just working every other weekend during the semester. Nursing homes are always looking for weekend workers, so even if you can't volunteer they may have only weekend job openings

 

[iBro]

I am going to be working a full-time job next year, so I am not looking to get a full time position as a CNA. I would simply like to volunteer nights/weekends using the certification. I've found virtually nothing online about doing this, however. My local hospital does not accept volunteers in positions where you have to hold a certification. Have any of you been able to volunteer as a CNA? If so, how did you find the position? Any luck with hospitals, or just nursing homes?

Have you worked as CNA? I've worked as a hospital based CNA for years, it's not an easy job. For the peanuts they pay you, you are essentially volunteering your time anyway. Most places will be flexible, especially if you can work nights (real nights not "nights" as in anytime after 5pm.)

 

[bunchesonothing]

If you're a volunteer, even if you have a CNA, you might be limited to what you can do.

 

[aymar]

Have you worked as CNA? I've worked as a hospital based CNA for years, it's not an easy job. For the peanuts they pay you, you are essentially volunteering your time anyway. Most places will be flexible, especially if you can work nights (real nights not "nights" as in anytime after 5pm.)

No, I haven't worked as a CNA nor do I have the certification yet. My first choice (state school) puts a very big emphasis on clinical experience. I was recently advised by a representative at said school that volunteering or working as a CNA would be viewed very highly. I can't afford to work solely as a CNA during my gap year, which is why I am working full time in another field.

 

[LizzyM]

If you can stand it, you could work Friday and Saturday overnights (11 pm - 7 am) and have still have Sunday to recover before going back to your day job on Monday. One of my relatives did that in an nursing home while in the process of changing careers ("day job" was a full time academic program). Nursing homes are desperate for help. They would rather pay you and have you covered as an employee than have you as a volunteer... Seems crazy but makes sense administratively.

 

[WingedOx]

If you're going to put up with being a CNA, get paid.

 

[Easonred57]

I couldn't find a volunteer position. I work Sundays as a "per diem" CNA. 🙂

 

[Doctor Dream]

I am going to be working a full-time job next year, so I am not looking to get a full time position as a CNA. I would simply like to volunteer nights/weekends using the certification. I've found virtually nothing online about doing this, however. My local hospital does not accept volunteers in positions where you have to hold a certification. Have any of you been able to volunteer as a CNA? If so, how did you find the position? Any luck with hospitals, or just nursing homes?

There are many CNA jobs you can find that are "occasional" status. You just say when youre available and theyll schedule you if they need you. No benefits or anything but if you've got a different full time job it'd make sense to look for one of those positions. Volunteering as a CNA just seems a little silly IMO.

 

[907Med]

No, I haven't worked as a CNA nor do I have the certification yet. My first choice (state school) puts a very big emphasis on clinical experience. I was recently advised by a representative at said school that volunteering or working as a CNA would be viewed very highly. I can't afford to work solely as a CNA during my gap year, which is why I am working full time in another field.

If you have no problem volunteering and you still have to get a certification you might be interested in obtaining your EMT-B or EMT-1 depending on your state. A lot of departments are volunteer and you get good clinical experience and you can do a lot more than a CNA can.