Nurses without pay: the spirit of compassion and service

hi there myfourteen... I was a volunteer nurse myself the past years when i was starting out on my nursing career... unfortunately, that's how it works on some countries... I was doing the volunteer work for about 5 months until i was offered a contractual job int he hospital which I had to renew every few months or so... until i finally got a regular post... The time i was doing the volunuteer work..i didnt really feel that bad... Yes, I wanted to be paid.. and i felt somehow like on the losing end since I have to spend money everyday too (gas, food)... but I gained a lot of experience..and confidence in myself.......

From what country are you? I have a sister who is also a Nurse she already passed the local and foreign exam and yet she have a hard time to apply for work like in European and American countries. She already had 2 years experience but my aunt require her to take Ielts and that is why she have to stop to work. Their is truth in what you are saying, because of the influx of Nursing graduates, second courser and those who already pass. The competition is very high. In your cases you opt to volunteer because you need to have something to write on your resume, which better than no references at all. You are lucky to have the positive disposition of working although you get nothing. It is really a hard work and feel a little downgrade if your skills are being belittled. But, you have no choice but to volunteer as I know itself in my city. Some volunteer in public hospital as prequisite of the hospital before you are given a permanent chance to work. Then, some even pays the hospital if they are going to volunteer for on the job training which really puzzled me as the main requirement before they could gives you the certification. I appreciate your kindness for offering your free services and appreciate the emotional gain rather than the financial gain which many falls to realize.