<p>So I've spent the last six months trying to volunteer for UCSD Medical Center and I've yet to be guaranteed an orientation date. I also called the VA Hospital sometime early September and they told me the next orientation would be in November and I should call back sometime in October. Well, I call today and the first thing they say is the orientation is TODAY, and the next one won't be until December :( </p>
<p>Are there any other hospitals, hospices or health-related facilities nearby that I can devote my time to? I've already set aside my hours in anticipation of volunteering at the hospital for Fall and I don't want them go to waste...any other suggestions for volunteering or finding jobs are also appreciated :) thank you!</p>
<p>If you are a freshman, don’t necessarily worry about getting a spot right away. Try getting a job on port triton. It doesn’t need to be related to health if you can’t find one. Any job is better than none.</p>
<p>I’m a sophomore and I’m a research assistant at a lab, so it’s true that I at least having something to do xD I think it’d be nice to start volunteering though…especially since I still don’t feel busy. Thanks for the advice though - maybe I’ll look on port triton for a second job…</p>
<p>I also applied to be a volunteer at the med center, and havent gotten an email yet either 
but they said they will tell us by oct 12th, so i guess we still have 4 days of hope</p>
<p>Try volunteering at Scripps Green Hospital or Scripps Memorial.</p>
<p>Both are fairly close to UCSD.</p>
<p>Has anyone participated in the CCE program at Palomar Med Center in Escondido?
The application and training process is rigorous and not everyone is accepted. It is a commitment and a commute. But if you are interested in a career in health care you will find out what working with patients is really like and you can take on increased responsibility over time. </p>
<p>Here is what the web site says:
The Clinical Career Extender (CCE) volunteer internship provides hands-on hospital experience to high school and college-level students who are interested in pursuing careers in healthcare. CCE interns will serve alongside hospital staff, assisting with patient care, administration and support services. CCE interns provide direct patient care under the direction of appropriate hospital staff, which includes assistance in the provision of a safe, comfortable and confidential environment.</p>
<p>I do wonder: Do most hospitals use paid workers to do these tasks provided by the CCE volunteers?</p>
<p>@fastpitchmom</p>
<p>Some of my friends are in the CCE program. A couple have dropped out. It’s pretty popular at UCSD, however it tends to be more for people aiming to go into nursing or PA work because it is a LONG LONG LONG LONG commute (very long) and sometimes you have to go in at an insane hour (as in leaving the campus at 5-6am). You rotate through the sections of the hospital and are essentially a nurse. You have to complete 4 hours a week, or make it up the next week (8hours). </p>
<p>I personally interviewed there, but did not want to go once I saw what it entailed. It’s not fun and games. You WILL be sometimes cleaning up feces and vomit and they are not going to shield you because you are going to try to be a physician.</p>
<p>(By the way if you are the mom, I don’t think you should be making any decisions for your child because it’s theirs to make, but that is not for this thread)</p>
<p>Oh, this program would not have gotten my vote because of the details you list. It was discovered and brought to my attention by the student. However I am impressed; I work in a hospital and our volunteers are allowed to do almost nothing.</p>