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Volunteering your time and nursing knowledge not only helps you meet the active practice requirements needed to maintain your nursing license, but also gives back to your local communities.
The Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission defines “active practice” as engagement in paid, unpaid or volunteer activity performing acts requiring a nursing license. Active practice is not limited to the provision of direct patient care; the Commission recognizes that nurses use their nursing knowledge in a variety of positions and roles.
Below are just a few of many opportunities within the nursing profession to provide volunteer services throughout Washington state.
The Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) is a national network of volunteers, organized locally to improve the health and safety of their communities. MRC volunteers include medical and public health professionals, as well as other community members without health care backgrounds. MRC units engage these volunteers to strengthen public health, improve emergency response capabilities and build community resiliency. They prepare for and respond to natural disasters, such as wildfires, hurricanes, tornados, blizzards and floods, as well as other emergencies affecting public health, such as disease outbreaks. They frequently contribute to community health activities that promote healthy habits.
To volunteer with your local MRC, visit https://mrc.hhs.gov/FindMRC to locate the unit nearest you.
Access to health care continues to be a challenge for many Washingtonians. Hundreds of thousands of patients don’t have access to affordable health care, and many are served exclusively through the work of free and charitable clinics. Washington Healthcare Access Alliance supports the free and charitable health care organizations that provide care for people left out of the current system.
To join the more than 2,500 charitable clinic volunteers across Washington state who are providing much-needed health care to underserved patients, visit https://www.wahealthcareaccessalliance.org.
Seattle/King County Clinic brings together health care and nonprofit organizations, civic agencies, private businesses and volunteers from across Washington state to produce a giant free health clinic at Seattle Center. The four-day, volunteer-driven clinic provides a full range of free dental, vision and medical care to underserved and vulnerable populations in the region.
Visit https://seattlecenter.org/skcclinic/ for more information on how you can volunteer.
Feb 1, 2021
To help deliver vaccines across the state, nurses must register as an Emergency Volunteer Health Practitioner in the Washington State Emergency Registry of Volunteers (WAserv) at WAserv.org.
Oct 29, 2020
DOH is continuing to look for medical practitioners and caregivers who are willing to support health care and long term care facilities in the event of a surge this fall related to COVID-19.
Mar 16, 2020
While an emergency proclamation from the Governor is in effect, a volunteer health practitioner licensed in another state may practice in Washington if they are in good standing in all states of licensure and are registered in the volunteer health practitioner system.
Feb 20, 2019
Bloodworks NW is a non-profit, regional blood-donation and research organization that utilizes trained nurses to help with post-donation reactions at high schools and colleges.
Jul 18, 2018
The Washington Healthcare Access Alliance is hosting their 13th annual Washington Free and Charitable Care Conference this fall from Sept. 12-14 in Spokane, Washington.
Jun 7, 2018
Volunteer and join more than 100 partner organizations to offer free dental, vision and medical care to underserved and vulnerable populations.
Aug 31, 2017
Our thoughts are with the people affected by Hurricane Harvey. We especially recognize the dedication and efforts of the registered nurses providing care in the disaster zone under catastrophic circumstances.
Aug 28, 2017
Nurses who wish to volunteer in Texas for Hurricane Harvey relief can register through the Texas Department of State Health Services’ Texas Disaster Volunteer Registry. The registry has set up a “2017 Hurricane Harvey” option under the “organization” category. The American Red Cross is seeking health and mental health professionals…