Volunteer in the USA

  • Being a volunteerwork in the USA

In these times of recession and unemployement, it is for new immigrants not really easy to get a job. That  happened and still happens to me also since I entered the country. About 4 times a week I apply to job openings. Unfortunately my experience is that you don’t even get a note back from these companies informing you that their choice was not you. Because we have been quite busy in and around the house, I did not get bored and have had busy days. But, I want to socialize with other people, and I want to contribute finiancially to this household, and I believe it will be great for my English language skills.
So, because I haven’t heard back from companies directly or from recruitment agencies, I made an appointment with the Director of Auxiliary of the local St. John’s Medical Center. I first had to fill in lots of forms and with these forms, my resume, 25 Dollars for the uniform jacket, 15 Dollars fee and my identification, I went to the hospital. The interview was interesting, and she would love to have me work at the surgery waiting room and the info desk in the main hall. I had to get a TB scratch, and after that was fine, I was scheduled first to work at the info desk.  My oh my, was that fun! The colleagues who trained me are 83 and about 70. Both look and act at least 15 years younger. We have had 2 days of big fun. Their sense of humor is so ad hoc, and the way they made me feel welcome was heartwarming. Then I was scheduled for the surgery waiting room, and this was a disappointment! I did not like it at all, but they needed me there the most. After 2 days of training, I was capable of doing it on my own, which was a lot more interesting. And now, after 2 months, I have to say I like it. The nurses and the other volunteers are so kind, and it is indeed wonderful to do something “useful” . The family members of the patients are very nervous, and it is always nice to make their time in the waiting room a bit less stressful. For every 12 hours you work, you get a ticket for a free lunch in the cafeteria.

That I am now a volunteer does not mean I am not reacting on job openings. I keep my hopes high that I will find that great, challenging part-time job nearby!!

Here in the States, Volunteer work is big. It is amazing how many nice jobs here are filled by volunteers. For most of these jobs, you would get paid in the Netherlands. Everywhere you come to hospitals, libraries, National Parks, Eldery houses, you name it, there are volunteers doing most of the jobs. Without this unbelievable mentality of the Americans, this country would be in big trouble. I do have to say that volunteers are very much appreciated. Many of the volunteers are retired men and women. In the hospital where I work, lots of my colleagues are in their late seventies and early eighties. And that is so much fun! These people love to share their life experiences with you, and they have a great sense of humor! So, it is absolutely good to be a volunteer in this country.

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