The Importance of Volunteering as a Nurse: Personal, Professional, and Organizational Growth

The Importance of Volunteering as a Nurse: Personal, Professional, and Organizational Growth

Graze Bautista, MSN, RN, CPAN, CAPA
ABPANC President

Volunteering within national professional certification programs or professional nursing organizations offers nurses numerous benefits, ranging from personal fulfillment to professional development. It not only enhances career prospects but also fosters personal growth, emotional well-being, and a sense of purpose. For nurses, particularly those working within specialized fields like perianesthesia, volunteering within professional programs and organizations can offer unique opportunities to refine knowledge and skills, expand networks, and give back to the profession.

One major advantage of volunteering is the opportunity to connect with others, both personally and professionally. Volunteering helps build strong social networks and fosters meaningful relationships. Segal and Robinson (2023) highlight that such connections improve mental health, reduce stress, and promote a sense of community. For nurses, these networks can be crucial for career advancement, as they offer access to new perspectives, mentorship, and opportunities for collaboration.

Additionally, volunteering allows nurses to enhance their professional competencies. As emphasized by Enos (2024), volunteering in professional organizations provides hands-on experience that hones skills like leadership, communication, and project management. These skills are transferable to nursing practice and are valuable in advancing a nurse’s career. Volunteering with professional certification programs like the American Board of Perianesthesia Nursing Certification (ABPANC) provides nurses with the chance to contribute to the certification process, ensuring that they stay up-to-date with the latest developments in their field while honing essential skills.

ABPANC offers a variety of volunteer opportunities that can significantly contribute to a nurse’s professional development. Nurses can participate in committees such as the Certification Division, where they review and maintain the certification exams for CPAN® and CAPA® nurses. Serving as a volunteer in the Exam Review Committee or as an Item Writer allows nurses to directly impact the development of certification materials, ensuring they reflect current, relevant perianesthesia nursing practices. Additionally, the Education Division allows nurses to assist in creating resources for CPAN® and CAPA® exam candidates, further expanding their expertise while offering valuable support to the next generation of certified perianesthesia nurses (ABPANC, n.d.).

Carlson (2016) also highlights that volunteerism can enhance a nurse’s resume, providing valuable experience for those early in their careers. For example, volunteering with ABPANC can help nurses build their resumes, acquire new skills, and gain credibility within their professional community. These experiences not only improve the nurse’s professional profile but also offer the opportunity for leadership development and networking with other healthcare professionals across the country and even worldwide.

As we reflect on the numerous benefits of volunteering, it’s important to acknowledge the incredible impact of those who already dedicate their time and expertise to ABPANC. On behalf of the entire Board of Directors and staff of ABPANC, I would like to extend our deepest gratitude to our current volunteers serving under the Governance, Certification, Education Divisions, and the Marketing and Awards Committee. Your unwavering dedication, commitment, and knowledge are a true testament to your passion for giving back to the perianesthesia specialty. The hours and expertise you contribute are essential to ABPANC’s strength and progress. You are the unsung heroes behind our success, and we are incredibly grateful for your continued support.

We hope to continue expanding our pool of volunteers, and I encourage all certified perianesthesia nurses to consider giving back to the profession by volunteering with ABPANC. The rewards are far greater than the camaraderie, contact hours and recognition you may receive—there is an unmatched sense of fulfillment in knowing you are contributing to the growth and advancement of your specialty.

In conclusion, volunteering is an essential aspect of nursing that benefits both the individual nurse and the broader healthcare community. For nurses looking to advance their careers, increase their skill set, or make meaningful contributions to the nursing profession, opportunities like those offered by ABPANC are invaluable. Through volunteering, nurses gain knowledge, build connections, and enhance their ability to deliver exceptional care while enriching their own personal and professional growth.

 

References
American Board of Perianesthesia Nursing Certification. (n.d.). ABPANC volunteer opportunities. https://www.cpancapa.org/volunteer

Carlson, K. (2016, June 28). What’s so great about volunteering? Nurse.com. https://www.nurse.com/blog/whats-so-great-about-volunteering

Enos, B. (2024, June 13). The role of volunteering in professional development. South Carolina Nurses Association. https://www.myamericannurse.com/the-role-of-volunteering-in-professional-development

Segal, J., & Robinson, L. (2023, February 27). Volunteering and its surprising benefits. HelpGuide. https://www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-living/volunteering-and-its-surprising-benefits.htm