Im about to start college in the fall but i wanted to start volunteering at a local hospital of mine. I am a pre nursing major and for nursing school volunteering looks great on your application. But i was wondering if i would be too busy for volunteering. If i did, i would have to do 1 4-hour shift every week for one year. that is about 200 hours. Should i do it or not?
I think it’s a great idea! You should be able to handle it if you budget your time effectively. I’ve found that I’m a little MORE efficient when I have lots on my plate, because it forces me to use my time wisely. Go for it!
@MaineLonghorn I am that way too!! i will send in my application soon, thank you!!! 
I volunteered with a friend in a hospital when we were about 16. Looking back on it, we had a lot of fun! I think we were very giggly - I remember the older nurses frowning at us a lot, ha.
Just some things to think about. Do you have your schedule yet to know what 4 hour block your available or can the shift be done after you get your school schedule? Are you doing work study or a part time job that may make a 4 hour weekly commitment harder? Is the place a bit flexible if you have a very big project/test the next day?
You might check to see if your college (or the premed club) has a volunteer program before you commit to volunteering on your own. You might be able to work as part of a group with your fellow students, which could be more fun.
In my opinion, unless you have a perfect GPA, a minimum of 100 volunteer hours in a health care setting is needed to keep up with the competition when applying to the upper division