Work vs. Volunteering

[imyahuckleberry]

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So by the time I apply this June, I will have worked full time as a CNA at a health care/nursing home facility for 6 months (something like 900 hours), but I won't have any medically-related volunteering, though I do have a year or so of the non-medical variety. I was just wondering if anyone thinks that the lack of MEDICAL volunteering is a problem, or if it doesn't matter and experience is experience. I do think I do way more now as an employee than I would as a volunteer, for what it's worth. Thanks.

 

[Catalystik]

You can acquire the needed clinical experience through a job, volunteer position, or even via clinical research. If you get it through a job, then nonmedical volunteering is fine, but you do need the community service in some way, which you fortunately have. I'd consider having only six months of clinical experience to be on the light side, no matter the number of hours. Is there anything on your application that says you had an interest in medicine a year ago or longer?

 

[imyahuckleberry]

Hmm. Not really. I mean, I started the CNA class in September, and I got 40 hours or so in October, so there's that. So you're saying it would have been better to have spent a year working 4 hours a week pushing wheelchairs at a hospital? That sucks.

 

[J ROD]

Hmm. Not really. I mean, I started the CNA class in September, and I got 40 hours or so in October, so there's that. So you're saying it would have been better to have spent a year working 4 hours a week pushing wheelchairs at a hospital? That sucks.

No, quality is better than quanity....

the clinical experience is better if you can talk about things you learned on it...besides pushing a wheelchair.

I know my experiences made my interview much better....

 

[Catalystik]

I started the CNA class in September, and I got 40 hours or so in October, so there's that.

So you're saying it would have been better to have spent a year working 4 hours a week pushing wheelchairs at a hospital? That sucks.

I'm saying that adcomms want to see some evidence that going into medicine isn't an impulsive decision and that you tested the fitness of the career for you over a prolonged period of time. You probably got some clinical experience during the classwork too, so that helps as well.

 

[devilpup]

Work > Volunteer.

Volunteering will not pay for application fees.

 

[Forthegood]

Shadow a few specialties (each for a week or longer, and don't do 4 different types of surgeons for example) for exposure. Volunteer wherever you want, if you want. Your CNA job is good experience.

I would do something outside of medicine. Builds character, and it will make you a more interesting person. In 2 years, you will wish you had done more "non-medical" activities.