What Does a Volunteer Nurse Do?

---

Something bad always seems to be happening somewhere, so no wonder we need volunteers to help us get through difficult times. There are many of us who have volunteered our time whether at the local school for children, or a field trip, or maybe even being a witness to an auto accident. Sometimes just cutting an elderly neighbor’s lawn is a wonderful act of charity. There is a certain sense of accomplishment that a person gets when volunteering time and effort. When you see how grateful the person is to you, it’s a rewarding and beneficial feeling. A volunteer nurse gives his or her time for Peach Corps, disasters, overseas missions, hospitals such as children, cancer or military hospitals and free clinics.

Who Volunteers?

In the nursing and medical field, many times a retired healthcare professional will volunteer and provide medical expertise. The demand for nurses and helpers is high with the vast population becoming older and with so many retiring within the medical field. It does matter who you are or what your background is. There are always places that need volunteer help.

Volunteer nurses can be retired healthcare workers, or nurses who have just graduated, or nurses getting ready to graduate who are looking for experience. A “foot in the door” goes a long way, and charity looks good on a resume. Others may want to travel overseas, as they have a passion for helping those who truly needs it. They might opt to join the Peace Corps. Others just want to help and stay busy and it does not matter if they get paid or not. They truly love what they do.

According to Nurse Together, there are many ways and reasons to volunteer. A stronger sense of “self,” spreading positive vibes, teaching young ones and feeling like you are making a difference in this world we live in are among some of the best benefits. A volunteer nurse can assist with feeding, lifting, fetching supplies, helping with patients, take temperatures and help where they are needed. They may work as a shadow nurse to assist other nurses and this helps relieve stress.

Places to Volunteer

There are always facilities that need volunteers for nursing or assisted living work. The American Red Cross, local schools, Hospice care, parishes, homeless shelters and food kitchens are great locations to look into. In addition, teaching high school health classes, volunteering to teach community organizations like the YMCA, boys and girls clubs, boy and girl scouts and ideal situations in which you can help. There are also abuse victim groups, Alcoholics Anonymous and the list goes on.

If you are retired, a student or just want to help whomever is requesting assistance; you can check the web, or your local paper or go directly to the facility and inquire. The opportunities are endless and the help is always appreciated. The experience, exposure and knowledge gained will last a lifetime and the rewards will make you feel better than ever before. Seeing the passion and gratitude from those who need your help will touch your heart.