Join the Voluntary Army!

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Whilst the paid staff of the NHS carry on with the highly technical business of helping the critically ill get well and ensuring those who are chronically sick do not deteriorate, a voluntary army of healthcare staff fill in alongside.

Healthcare volunteers fill in where the NHS either cannot afford to help, or where the service itself can be carried out more efficiently by other agencies. Think about it. Almost every time you go to a hospital or clinic you encounter volunteers. From the WRVS staffing the visitors' canteen or shop to the fund-raising activities of the Hospital League of Friends, voluntary effort permeates the healthcare system.

And many of the people giving their time and voluntary effort are those who have made a career decision to move into healthcare, and have realised that this is a fantastic way to get good experience on their CV.

This article discusses the value of volunteering as a precursor to entering a wide variety of healthcare professions.