Volunteer Opportunities for Nursing Students that Do Not Involve Working in Hospitals

Although unemployment in America has hit its highest level in decades, there are some areas where demand exceeds the supply of laborers. The health care field is one of these areas. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there will be an increase of more than a half million jobs in nursing by the year 2016. When I lost my job in September 2008, I saw it as an opportunity to change careers and become a nursing student. Since I was switching careers and had no background in health care field, I decided to take advantage of some volunteer opportunities at my local hospital. It is rewarding and very helpful for my studies as a nursing student. I'd recommend this to anybody considering a career as a nurse. While the hospital may seem like the ideal or only place with volunteer opportunities for nursing students, there are other places where you can donate your time and gain valuable experience for your future as a nurse. Here are some alternate suggestions on volunteer opportunities for nursing students and how they can be beneficial to your studies.

Volunteer Opportunities for Nursing Students: Animal Shelters

Just because you'll be working with animals and not humans, that doesn't mean there are no volunteer opportunities for nursing students at your local animal shelter. At an animal shelter, you will learn how to have empathy for living beings and how to be aware of their daily needs, like feeding and cleaning. Since many larger animal shelters also have veterinary services on site, nursing students can learn how to work as a team with other staff and volunteers in the complete care of a living being.

Volunteer Opportunities for Nursing Students: Local Libraries

All nursing students will tell you how important it is to spend several hours a day reading and studying your text books. As a library volunteer, you will become more familiar with where the science and medical books are and how to use internet research data bases. You will also be working in a quiet setting and that will provide many golden opportunities to read your text books and study your notes.

Volunteer Opportunities for Nursing Students: Boy or Girl Scout Troops

Scouting has perfect volunteer opportunities for nursing students interested in pediatric care. While in the company of children, you will learn how to communicate with them and comfort them in times of need. You will also learn first aid, since its required for badges in both boy and girl scouts.

Sources:

http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos083.htm

Personal experience