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Where to do online volunteering?

Hello I am a high school student. I want to be a clinical nurse. I am currently in 11th grade going to 12th grade and wanting to help to becoming a nurse early to help my parents #nursing #clinical-nursing

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From: You
To: Friend
Subject: Career question for you

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Doc’s Answer

Katelynn, If you consider yourself to be a people person, a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) could definitely be the right move for you. If you’re not quite ready to jump into a 4-year Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing (BSN), but want to enter the nursing field quickly, you can earn a certificates as a: Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA); Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN); or Registered Nurse.

CERTIFIED NURSING ASSISTANT (CNA)

To become a CNA, you must have your high school diploma or GED. You will also have to undergo a physical examination showing that you are physically able to carry out your responsibilities, and you must have up-to-date immunizations. This health care career gets you up close to your patients, and your daily tasks will mostly be focused on providing hands-on care. CNA certification also serves as an excellent stepping stone for other health care-based careers in the future, giving you a way to make money while you are taking advanced classes. CNA courses are offered many places, including community colleges and community education centers, and numerous hospitals and nursing homes offer classes for incoming employees. Classes can take from 4 to 16 weeks. Some facilities allow prospective CNAs to work for them while taking classes

CERTIFICATION – After completing CNA training, you must pass a certification examination, which includes both a written as well as an oral section. The written portion is computerized, and you will answer 50 to 70 questions demonstrating your knowledge of CNA tasks. You will also be asked to demonstrate hands-on skills in five areas. You will find out if you have passed the test on the same day. If you cannot take your certification examination immediately, you may be allowed to work as a CNA for up to four months depending on Californias state laws.

JOB DESCRIPTION – CNAs work in many different areas and in a variety of types of health care organizations. However, they most frequently serve as the eyes, ears and hands of nurses in hospitals and nursing homes. Other places that regularly hire CNAs include clinics, urgent care centers and assisted living facilities. While most CNAs work with geriatric patients, some work with adults of other ages or with pediatric patients.

LICENSED VOCATIONAL NURSE (LVN)

Before deciding on an educational track, aspiring LVNs must decide whether they want a certificate or diploma, which can be obtained quite quickly, or as a associate’s degree, which usually takes one to two years on average to complete. These days, most choose to go the associate’s degree route so that they can advance their careers more easily in the future. You have several options for how you can start your career based on the amount of time you wish to take and on your professional goals for the future. LPN education will include in-depth studies of a variety of medical subjects, including anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, nutrition, adult and pediatric care and human growth and development. Schooling will also include plenty of clinical hours for practicing hands-on skills.

CERTIFICATION – Once you have successfully completed an approved educational track, you will be eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses, called the NCLEX-PN. This computerized test includes from 85 to 205 questions and will automatically adjust question subject matter and the number of questions based on how well you are doing. Each question offers multiple choice answers. Certificate programs are often available through community colleges and even high schools or hospitals. Starting off your health care profession as a Licensed Vocational Nurse gives you a great way to get your feet wet without having to commit to the lengthy amount of schooling that registered nurses must complete.

JOB DESCRIPTION – LVN typically works beneath an RN providing hands-on care to patients while also performing more advanced tasks that CNAs cannot do. They will take vital signs, help with activities of daily living, give medications, do charting and assist doctors and nurses while also communicating regularly with patients’ family members. They may work in nearly any type of health care setting, including hospitals, nursing homes and other skilled nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, urgent care clinics and home health agencies. Some even work for private agencies performing health consultations and providing basic medical care.

REGISTERED NURSE (RN)

A Bachelor of Science degree or associate’s degree is a very fast route, and you may be able to complete it in only 18 months. A bachelor’s degree program typically takes four years and includes more classwork as well as far more clinical hours. Registered nurses are in great demand these days as the rapidly aging U.S. population and the increase in new medical technology create a strong need for knowledgeable health care workers. All RNs must be licensed by the state in which they practice and undergo rigorous training before working with patients.

CERTIFICATION – No matter which educational track you choose, you will need to pass the licensure examination, known as the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses or NCLEX-RN, before beginning work. Before taking the test, you must apply to your state board, which will allow you to take the test after you successfully complete your coursework. This multiple-choice test is totally computer-based and will give you anywhere from 75 to 265 questions depending on well you are doing. You will then pay applicable fees to become a registered nurse in the state in which you desire to practice.

JOB DESCRIPTION – Of the nearly 3 million RNs currently working in the United States, well over half of them work in hospitals where they can work in nearly any unit, including pediatrics, oncology, critical care, medical/surgical and more. However, numerous RNs also work in clinics or serve as unit managers in skilled nursing facilities or home health care agencies. Still others work as school nurses or are employed by private businesses to help with insurance claims or provide general medical care for employees. Many RNs work directly under doctors, providing direct supervision to other health care employees, including CNAs and LPNs. While providing a great deal of hands-on care to patients, they also spend much time providing patient education, charting, creating care plans, working with advanced medical equipment and performing and analyzing diagnostic tests.

WORK YOUR WAY THROUGH SCHOOL

If you can manage your time wisely, jockey for a position as a student nurse at a hospital or clinic. You may be able to secure a position at a magnet hospital as an assistant or in patient care. If you like the work you’re doing, there could be advancement opportunities if you decide to stay on post-grad.

NETWORKING – Is crucial to any career, and the medical field is no exception. Whether you keep in touch with your best friend’s mom or join organizations, do what you can to make a good impression and ask lots of questions. It maybe tough to get in at the new state-of-the art clinic, but consider garnering experience by working somewhere like a group home, hospice or an elder care facility.

GET A MENTOR – Mentorship programs are a great way to foster your professional career. There’s a good chance you already know someone who could help you realize your career goals. Perhaps one of your instructors, or even the pediatrician you went to as a kid, could be a helpful resource. This person will share advice, and may put in a good word for you down the line.

INTERNSHIPS – Explore the opportunities your school offers for internships. Often interns are on the short list for hire, since they know the ins and outs of the facility already. You may not be jazzed about the idea of working for free, but you could discover a specialization you’re passionate about.

Hope this was Helpful Katelynn

Doc recommends the following next steps:

American Red Cross Volunteer Opportunities • https://www.redcross.org/volunteer/become-a-volunteer.html
HowStuffWorks • https://money.howstuffworks.com/economics/volunteer/opportunities/volunteer-nursing1.htm
Title – Answering call for volunteer nurses aides • https://www.loc.gov/item/2017696519/
Thank you comment icon Thank You Julia. “If our hopes of building a better and safer world are to become more than wishful thinking, we will need the engagement of volunteers more than ever.” — Kofi Annan Doc Frick
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Matthew’s Answer

You can find your community Red Cross or other association to find some volunteer partner and than ask them. Or you can share your knowledge via video and post it online. There has not much people well know nursing care information.
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Jason’s Answer

Hi Katelynn,

I am not sure if my answer really fits you request, if you are looking for online volunteer, careervillage and missing map are two of them
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Riley’s Answer

I'm not sure if you are looking to volunteer online in the medical field or not, but if you are just looking to get your community service hours up before graduating high school then I have a good option for you. Career Village actually offers community service hours for answering questions; considering your age I'm not sure what topics you would be qualified to answer questions about but if you have any skills or hobbies you might be able to earn some hours by giving people advice.
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Petrol’s Answer

Hi KatelynnB.
I love your wishes which is being a clinic nurse. Your are so brave and caring.
Thank you comment icon Hi Petrol, this is a very kind note but it does not directly answer the student's question. Any suggestions for places to volunteer would be appreciated! Gurpreet Lally, Admin
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Gina’s Answer

There are many online opportunities where you can volunteer time. (And this site is one of them!) You may look at opportunites throughout your community if organizations have websites. Or google virtual volunteering in your area. Good luck!
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Jemima A.’s Answer

Hello Katelynn,

Volunteering is a good choice to be of impact to your community and world at large.
Surf the Internet for online volunteering opportunities ..Careervillage.org is also a nice platform
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Blake’s Answer

Hey Katelynn,

There are many online avenues to volunteer, this site being one of them, depending on what you're interested in.

Thanks!
Blake
Thank you comment icon You're right, there are tons of ways to volunteer! Do you have any suggestions on where this student could begin their search? Gurpreet Lally, Admin
Thank you comment icon Hey Gurpreet, United Nations Volunteers is a great place. Blake H.
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