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Author Volunteer work

soundescape

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  • Joined: Oct 2009
  • Location:
  • Posts: 2

Sun Oct 11, 2009 7:10 pm

Hi everyone

I want to apply for Cert IV Nursing but am concerned I don't have the stomach for nursing. I am thinking perhaps volunteering might be a good idea so that I don't waste time and money only to find that I gag at every smell/situation.

Can anyone point me in the right direction? Is volunteering a common thing? I haven't found any info on the web about hospitals accepting volunteers.

I figure I really have to do this as every time I tell myself that I should give up the idea of nursing because I won't be able to handle it, my heart just won't let me. I can't think of a more selfless yet rewarding job to do in the community. I think every nurse out there is a true angel and I respect and admire the work you all do.

thanks heaps for any assistance.

gogirlgo

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  • Joined: Jan 2009
  • Location: Melbourne
  • Posts: 10

Oct 12, 2009, 10:28 am

Hi,

I was in exactly the same situation when I decided that I wanted to become a nurse. So I did some volunteer work at my local hospital (on a ward, sorting out the flowers in vases, handing out magazines etc) and also through the Red Cross Edcare program, which places volunteers in the emergency department of public hospitals. Fabulous experience, helped me get used to the hospital environment. Also great to have on my resume and may have helped me to get into my nursing degree.

I am now graduating this year, just waiting to hear which hospital I will be doing my graduate year at.

Good luck.

HM

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  • Joined: Sep 2009
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  • Posts: 20

Oct 12, 2009, 11:26 am

Hi Soundescape,

What a coincidence, I'm actually going to a St Johns Ambulance volunteer information tonight! As far as I know, they're always looking for volunteers. You can volunteer to be a first aider (which is what I'm going to do), or you could even do a program where you visit elderly or lonely people. I'm applying for Cert IV in Nursing so I hope that volunteering can give me a bit of an advantage over other applicants.

From what I read on the website, as a first aider you have to attend weekly meetings and they expect you to do one event per month (about five hours of work). I don't know what state you're in, but in Victoria they attend AFL games, concerts and raves (hmmm, dealing with people that have OD'ed...), and on Saturday I saw some at the local market.

It might give you an idea of whether or not you'd enjoy being a nurse, so I think you should definitely give it a go. I think the website also said that first aiders can be on call for emergencies, like bushfires. I'm really excited but also quite nervous about it, but then I think about how rewarding it would be and it makes me even more excited!

Good luck, I hope this was helpful! :)

benn83

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  • Joined: Sep 2009
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  • Posts: 24

Oct 12, 2009, 01:40 pm

Hi Soundescape,

I have been accepted into the Diploma of Nursing at Careers Australia in Brisbane. I had no previous Nursing experience and I had not copleted year 12 but because I had extensive volunteering experience in 2 different hospitals and am currently completing an enabling program through the CQUniversity calles WIST (Women Into Science and Technology) and a few other things I was accepted into the program and I am happy to say that I start January the 11th 2010. The volunteering experience made a huge difference to my application. But the do also really look at your educational qualifications.

Hope this helps.

soundescape

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  • Joined: Oct 2009
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  • Posts: 2

Oct 12, 2009, 05:42 pm

Hi again.

Thanks to you all for the information.

gogirlgo and HM, I will most definitely investigate both the Red Cross and St Johns Ambulance programs.

I've registered for my Vetassess test for this month regardless since applications for 2010 are almost closed at most TAFE colleges.

benn83, congratulations on getting accepted for next year. Sounds like your volunteer experience has really helped you.

I'm most definitely inspired to give it a go.

Schizo

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  • Joined: Jan 2009
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  • Posts: 239

Nov 21, 2009, 06:47 am

Hi Soundescape, there is an alternative nursing not commonly mentioned and that is Psyc nursing or mental health nursing. It does not involve that much gore (occasionally it does) and is a desperately under considered field. Whilst its not so much titrating drips and giving IV pushes....lol there are still the pill pushing, sub cuts and IMs. It is a really interesting field but definately not everyone's cuppa. You might want to consider this as an possibility.

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