Volunteering Questions

[Member 11]

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I'm a rising sophomore in chemical engineering with ZERO volunteering hours at this point in time. I realize that I need some hospital volunteering hours as well as non-medical ECs plus some shadowing hours.
My question is how do I get involved in these activities? What would be the best way to approach the hospital, just calling the main phone with "I would like to volunteer." The same question applies for the other ECs. I have an idea of what I need to do, I'm just not sure how to get my foot in the door. Any suggestions?

 

[yellowjellybean]

Volunteering is easy, think of what you like to do and look on the internet or pre-health postings for opportunities. Most organizations and big hospitals have online applications for volunteering, otherwise just call them and say you would like to volunteer. You might be stuck stocking linens, visiting patients all day if you volunteer at a hospital. I shadowed at a private clinic and got to help with small stuff like sutures and holding gauze to wipe off the blood, etc. Good clinical experience is harder to find, I think. I'm a scribe so you could look into that. Or EMT, CNA, medical assistants, but they all require a certificate/ license but that takes time and money. There are also many medical internships available. You just need to be proactive and look around. Maybe talk to your pre-health advisor to get started.

I should mention that many places will ignore your calls and e-mails, but be persistent and keep trying or look somewhere else!

 

[plumhill]

If you live near a hospital, chances are they have an established hospital volunteering program that's pretty easy to get into. Free clinics are also great avenues for getting health experience and are usually operated by volunteers. Hospitals also hire a good number of unlicensed personnel. Even working in the cafeteria for a few months and then working up the ranks (patient transporter, SCA, etc) would be good. If all else fails, see if you can do some volunteer work at your student health facility.

 

[NickNaylor]

If you live near a hospital, chances are they have an established hospital volunteering program that's pretty easy to get into. Free clinics are also great avenues for getting health experience and are usually operated by volunteers. Hospitals also hire a good number of unlicensed personnel. Even working in the cafeteria for a few months and then working up the ranks (patient transporter, SCA, etc) would be good. If all else fails, see if you can do some volunteer work at your student health facility.

Second this for hospitals - most hospitals will likely have an established volunteer program already. Try getting information about it at the hospital you're interested in volunteering at.

As far as general activities, a great place to start would be your pre-health office and/or any pre-med organizations at your school. Both will likely have contacts for these sorts of things or can point you in the right direction (if they're worth their salt anyway).