I am a recent graduate from a Medical Administration Assistant program w/o any medical front office experience, and have decided the best way for me to accrue much needed front office skills is for me to volunteer at my local trauma center (Harborview Medical Center)...Also what better way to get acquainted with the medical practice at a volunteer pace of speed...I even got the chance to baby sit. I know that baby sitting has little to nothing to do with front desk - but hey, let's not forget that babies are customers too.
The only downside to this particular application process-Hospital volunteering- is that it is VERY competitive. Many times, Interviews, orientations, reviews of availability, tests, and lots of paperwork is required. This is especially for the bigger, newer hospitals such as the one I am applied to.
I been wanting to volunteer in a hospital for the longest, I think I'm actually going to start. I really want the experience to help me figure out what I want to do but I for sure want to be in a hospital.
How do you get over nerves before a shift? I have my first volunteering shift today (I did a job shadowing last week) and I am so nervous because I am a very anxious person. It's really exciting but talking to patients and/or their family members is nearly terrifying. I have always wanted to be a surgeon because I want to help people on a deep physical level but I have never ever been a confident person, especially talking to strangers.
I mean it's good to meet new people and gain new skills along the way, my purpose is to meet new people and make new friends, the reason is a long story. But anyway it's a good way to start getting into the health care field.
I'm a volunteer at my local VA Hospital. I help out in our Hospice as well as extended care. MSG Jim Volstad US Army Retired VA Volunteer Audie Murphy VAMC
Hey (: I'm in the same boat right now as you were. I'm a prenursing student who may want to be a PA, and I am starting to volunteer at a nursing unit at Stanford to see what I really want to do. I'm excited but nervous at the same time. Are you still set to be a nurse or did you change your mind to be a PA instead? :D
+andiee248 Hello! I somehow missed your comment and I apologize! I am currently 158 days away from graduating nursing school (but who is counting ;)) I love the care that nurses give their patients, they can make or break a hospital stay. But you cannot go wrong with going to PA school either!
