The opportunity to spend a week outdoors sounds exciting to Thom. It also sounds a little daunting. He’s been asked to volunteer as the nurse at a program for at-risk youth.
Thom's helped out at the youth center before, but being the only nurse at the outdoor program is different; he’s never done anything like this, and wonders if he’s ready.
What's different about volunteering as a nurse in non-traditional settings?
Practice settings like a recreation centre, medical tent, or summer camp may mean you're working autonomously. You may not have the resources and supports you're used to having when working in a traditional health care organization.
You still need to meet all the Standards of Practice and comply with relevant
legislation, regulations, and standards of practice for your nursing designation. Remember, you need to have a practicing registration to be able to volunteer as a nurse.
What should Thom consider before deciding?
Thom reviews the role expectations and organizational policies to make sure he will be working within his scope of practice. He considers the competencies needed for the position, assesses his practice, and identifies any learning needs. He discusses questions or concerns with his potential supervisor.