As a travel nurse, you may find yourself with downtime between job placements. You can put your skills to good use during this time by helping others through volunteer work. Becoming a volunteer can help you open new doors within your career, and feel good about giving back to the community.

Working as a volunteer nurse has several on and off-the-job benefits. Consider the following:

• Gain extra experience. Perhaps you're seeking placement in a particular nursing discipline, but you need more experience than you currently have. Volunteering within that discipline can help you strengthen your resume. You can gain relevant experience within your desired discipline.
• Try something new. If you're looking for a change, consider volunteering for a nursing function you'd like to learn more about. Note that volunteers often must qualify for the position for which they'd like to volunteer; however, some volunteer opportunities do offer training programs.
• Enhance your nursing skills. Practice makes perfect! Whether a paid or volunteer placement, hands-on nursing exposure will help you build your portfolio of experience.
• Feel good about your contribution. Nurses help the sick and weak by providing much-needed care. Volunteering your time, knowledge and nursing skills is a way to contribute to society. Let a sense of charity and goodwill fuel your outlook on life!

Where to volunteer

Now that you've decided you'd like to volunteer, your next step is finding a volunteer position. Many hospitals, clinics and other facilities utilize voluntary staff. By simply contacting a facility, you can inquire about open volunteer positions. Relief organizations also seek the efforts of volunteers, especially during times of natural disaster. Other organizations, such as the American Red Cross or Hospice, frequently recruit volunteer nursing staff. If you're interested in international volunteer work, Doctors Without Borders may be the volunteer opportunity for you.

Possible requirements

Though you can volunteer at any point in your nursing career, some volunteer positions may require certain qualifications. Depending on the volunteer work you choose, you may need to provide proof of your nursing degree, license to practice, and related nursing experience. Occasionally, you'll need managerial experience or training in infectious disease prevention. Many organizations will provide their volunteers with training, depending on the volunteer position.

Are you ready to volunteer?

Keep your recruiter up to date with your voluntary work, so he or she can consider your experience when choosing travel-nursing assignments that are the best fit for you.

Looking for a travel nurse position?

As a respected leader in the staffing industry for travel nursing, Health Providers Choice will work with you for placement that meets your needs and specifications. Contact us today to speak with a recruiter!