Student Volunteers
Volunteering at the School of Nursing serves a vital purpose: it strengthens the learning environment for future nurses while fostering a spirit of service, compassion, and community engagement. Volunteers play an essential role in supporting the school’s mission to prepare skilled, empathetic, and culturally competent healthcare professionals.
Program Goals:
- 1. Support High‑Quality Nursing Education
- Contribute to a learning environment that helps students build confidence and competence.
- Assist with simulations, labs, student services or classroom activities to enhance hands‑on learning.
- 2. Model Professionalism and Compassion
- Demonstrate the values central to nursing—empathy, respect, teamwork, and service.
- Help students practice communication and interpersonal skills in a supportive setting.
- 3. Strengthen the School’s Community
- Build meaningful connections between volunteers, faculty, students, and the broader community.
- Promote a culture of collaboration and shared responsibility for student success.
- 4. Enhance Realistic Learning Experiences
- Participate as a standardized patient or scenario partner to help students apply clinical reasoning.
- Provide constructive feedback that supports student growth.
- 5. Support Faculty and Program Operations
- Assist with events, administrative tasks, or outreach efforts to help the program run smoothly.
- Free up faculty time so they can focus more deeply on teaching and mentoring.
- 6. Contribute to Better Healthcare Outcomes
- Play a role in preparing future nurses who will care for diverse individuals and communities.
How Can You Contribute?
Student Ambassador versus Volunteer
Ambassadors are leaders — trained, trusted, and visible representatives of GW Nursing who embody the school’s values. Volunteers are helpers — providing short-term support that helps events and programs run smoothly.
Ambassadors are required to attend up to four events per semester and give one weekday tour. This includes:
- Open House
- Admitted Students Day
- Orientation
- One Information Session
- Ambassadors are required to complete a certain number of prospective phone calls once a semester
- Organize Student Socials
- Ambassadors are required to provide social media content through videos, pictures, and/or a student highlight at least once a semester
- Ambassadors are required to lead the food pantry at least twice a semester
| Category | Student Ambassador | Volunteer |
| Commitment Level | Ongoing, structured commitment (typically a semester or academic year). | Occasional, event-specific participation. |
| Selection Process | Competitive or selective application process (GPA, statement, interview). | Open sign-up; minimal eligibility requirements. |
| Training & Expectations | Receives formal training to represent the school; expected to uphold certain standards and attend meetings. | Limited or event-specific instructions; no formal training or long-term obligations. |
| Representation | Acts as an official representative of the school — serves as a face of the program for prospective and current students. | Assists with logistics, setup, or student engagement in a supportive capacity. |
| Scope of Work | Recruitment, panels, social media content, outreach, peer mentoring, and student service events. | One-time help at events like open houses, orientations, or resource fairs. |
| Recognition & Incentives | May receive scholarships, stipends, or leadership skills. | Usually receives appreciation or small tokens of thanks. |
| Impact | Plays an active role in shaping the student experience and influencing admissions outcomes. | Provides valuable support but without the representational responsibilities. |