Volunteer/Observation Hours

[gadget86]

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Hey all!

I am trying to get started on my observation hours but most of the places I've called aren't allowing any observation at this time. Can anyone recommend types of places they have tried in the past? I am trying to get at least 2 or 3 different settings. I've just been cold calling but if anyone has some other recommendations I would greatly appreciate it!

 

[prodigiousflame]

I would just keep calling places until you find someone who'll admit you. Usually it's easy to get into a peds setting..schools/outpatient clinics. Another idea is to target a non profit setting and say you'd be willing to volunteer. I'm volunteering at an adult daycare that's funded by the regional center and they don't like to spend very much money--so I'm helping out with duties that would usually be given to employees. Have you tried nursing homes? I would think that would be another setting that would let you observe. One of the harder settings is definitely inpatient/hospital--more hoops to jump through and a waiting list. However I haven't necessarily had a hard time with any other setting--so keep trying.

 

[BHSUStudent]

Try a small, private clinic. That's how I got 100+ hours. The co-owner of the clinic was the OT there, and she let me have as many hours as I wanted. It was more laid back compared to the hospitals and SNF.

 

[prodigiousflame]

There are many areas to volunteer at:

Pediatrics- school based, clinic based, hospital based

Mental health- community settings, in-patient acute, outpatient

Physical Disabilities- acute/in-patient/out-patient

Hippotherapy- using horses with therapy

Lifestyle Redesign (unfortunately, only at USC- really great!)

Skilled Nursing Facilities- home care

Geriatrics- Retirement homes, Veteran's hospitals

 

[RedHeadOT]

I had the easiest time getting hours at a nursing home. They were really laid back and let me observe whenever and for however long I needed. Schools can be another good place to observe, but you might need to try a few different districts because they don't always respond quickly. The hospitals near me are hard to observe in and I think that is often the case. HTH

 

[Dreamstoo]

There are many areas to volunteer at:

Pediatrics- school based, clinic based, hospital based

Mental health- community settings, in-patient acute, outpatient

Physical Disabilities- acute/in-patient/out-patient

Hippotherapy- using horses with therapy

Lifestyle Redesign (unfortunately, only at USC- really great!)

Skilled Nursing Facilities- home care

Geriatrics- Retirement homes, Veteran's hospitals

I have a friend who volunteers at a children's hospital. By far her favorite EC

 

[beestrng]

I called but didnt work out. Only walk ins seemed effective. I walked into 6 places, 2 places let me observe them.