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Finding Volunteer Jobs Healthcare



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shnitzel




 
 
    
 

Post Tue, Mar 22 2011, 8:46 pm
How do people find volunteer jobs in healthcare? I really need to find something ASAP but the hospital closest to me has a very lengthy application process. I don't feel comfortable asking most of the doctors I know and the one I would ask's husband does our taxes for free so I really don't want to impose. I need a lot of hours and I need patient contact and googling isn't helping me find anything particularly useful. Grrr. I really need ideas. I am in Manhattan if anyone knows anything around here.
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MaBelleVie




 
 
    
 

Post Tue, Mar 22 2011, 8:53 pm
can you be more specific in terms of what kind of setting/field you are looking for? I may have some ideas. . .
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cbsmommy




 
 
    
 

Post Tue, Mar 22 2011, 9:04 pm
I've been working as a volunteer for a year now in order to fulfill requirements for grad school.

I'd avoid speaking with your friends who are doctors. That's because (in my experience) doctors aren't always able to 'slip' in volunteers because most hospitals have a COMPLETELY separate department for volunteer resources (complete with their own directors) and b/c doctors don't usually 'get' volunteers as subordinates. Volunteers usually report to nurses, child life specialists, a coordinator, the head teacher/speech therapist/PT/OT, or to the receptionist.

When I first started I filled out a TON of applications.

At one children's hospital, I filled out a request for application in Jan, got an application mailed to me in Feb, and heard back about scheduling interviews in March.

Another hospital told me point blank over the phone (during Jan) that they were not accepting any more winter/spring applicants, and they were going to be filling up their summer program in March, contact them then.

Another children's hospital I had contacted told me over the phone that they were not currently accepting volunteers, call back in a month. A month later I called back. Two months later after an interview, 2 tb tests spaced a week apart, an orientation, and a tour of the facility, I was working as a volunteer.

It's not a fast process because:
1) The hospital has to have an opening in the department you are interested in
2) The hospital has to background check all employees
3) You have to pass a health screen (prove all your immunizations, including flu shot, and then 2 clean tb tests)

What type of volunteer are you interested in working as? A child life volunteer? A infant care volunteer? School? Adult care? Greeter? If its to work with children and you are already in school, I'd contact your advisor and see if he/she can help speed the process along. If its for prereqs for school, see if something like volunteering for Chai Lifeline, volunteering at a nursing home, or volunteering for hospice can qualify.

Meanwhile, google hospitals that have the department you need (not all hospitals have a children's dept, not all hospitals cover transplants, some hospitals only want morning/evening/weekend volunteers, see what 'fits) and then CALL. Get your name onto a waiting list if nothing else.

Good luck!
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shnitzel




 
 
    
 

Post Tue, Mar 22 2011, 9:10 pm
I am applying to PA school (physician's assistant) so I don't need anything specific and I am open to any sort of healthcare experience. It does need to involve working with patients so volunteer work that involves filing is not helpful.
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Fabulous




 
 
    
 

Post Tue, Mar 22 2011, 9:17 pm
can you just start calling doctor offices in your area and ask if you can volunteer there.
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MaBelleVie




 
 
    
 

Post Tue, Mar 22 2011, 9:58 pm
Did you try contacting rehab centers?
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happyone




 
 
    
 

Post Tue, Mar 22 2011, 10:07 pm
What's your location?
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SingALong




 
 
    
 

Post Tue, Mar 22 2011, 10:09 pm
I also had a hard time finding a volunteer job when I was applying to OT school. I found hospitals to be the hardest.

I think rehab centers are a good choice, but they may have restrictions on you having physical contact with patients due to insurance policies.

A doctors office may allow u to volunteer there.

Would volunteering on a local first aid squad work?

Ask friends who are already in PA school in your area where they volunteered for ideas.
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amother


 

Post Wed, Mar 23 2011, 9:25 pm
I would think a smaller nursing home might be more accessible and accommodating. I volunteered one summer doing friendly visiting to Nursing home patients. it was really easy to get in and very rewarding (and it encouraged me to go into the field of geriatric social work--I eventually got a job at that same facility!)
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JAWSCIENCE




 
 
    
 

Post Thu, Mar 24 2011, 4:00 pm
If you live in manhattan there are a lot of hospitals around you. If the closest one has an application process that is too long for you just try another. They are usually very happy with free labor. It is also really common to ask your local Dr. to shadow them for a little bit.

There are also some really good summer programs for medical exposure like NXU HCOP, ut the deadlines on those have all ready passed, so maybe for next year.

You can also call various organizations that you have seen in the hospitals. Their process might be quicker and thus transition you into a position faster. But be aware - most programs in a hospital require some sort of application. They need to be sure you are serious because they get a lot of people who flake out after a week and they need to be sure you are a sane person who is safe to be around the patients. I am not sure what you are considering too long, so I cannot comment on the length of the one you are talking about but a lot of hospitals and healthcare facilities require you to have a PPD and a minimum two month commitment for instance, before you can be there in any sort of official capacity.
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MeadowsLane




 
 
    
 

Post Thu, Mar 24 2011, 8:11 pm
I'm a PA. When I applied to school I volunteered at a doctors office. My parents friend owned the practice and let me volunteer with the MDs. If you have physicians whom you know socially I would definitely ask. You will probably also need to shadow a PA for your application and should start looking to get that experience as well. If you have PA friends, ask them! As far as hospitals, most volunteer departments have a lengthy process... you can pm me if you have questions.
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BusyBeeMommy




 
 
    
 

Post Thu, Mar 24 2011, 8:17 pm
I wonder if the Bikur Cholim would be a good contact for you with setting you up in a volunteer position, they have many hospital connections. I know my DH volunteered through them when he was in nursing school. If you want a number to contact let me know I'll get it from DH.
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