During the Crimean War, the volunteering spirit of service drew back to Florence Nightingale, who volunteered her time and skills to care for injured soldiers (Karimi & Masoudi Alavi, 2015). Her legacy laid the groundwork for modern nursing, highlighting the importance of compassion, commitment, and service.

One of the most frequent questions I received when I was a student nurse and even now as a registered nurse is, “How do you manage your time, and why did you still find time to volunteer?” My simple answer is that my passion for volunteering drives me and reminds me why I chose nursing. To care, serve, and grow. My way of giving back to the community also shaped me. As a volunteer Emergency Ambulance Officer (EAO) with the Event Health Service under St John Ambulance WA, I supported various public events across Western Australia. This type of medical volunteer role involves providing first aid and emergency medical assistance at public events, for example, the Perth Royal Show, where I treated numerous patients and gained valuable experience in clinical decision-making, teamwork, and patient care.

In light of Australia’s National Volunteer Week, it is an opportunity to acknowledge and promote the contributions of volunteers across various sectors, including health care. This national awareness week highlights volunteers’ essential role in strengthening communities and improving public well-being

Volunteering during undergraduate studies offers students an exceptional awareness of the reality of the healthcare environment (Williamson et al., 2018). Nursing programs and healthcare institutions increasingly recognise the value of volunteer work in shaping future professionals. Across Australia, many universities encourage students to engage in volunteer initiatives as part of their curriculum or through co-curricular development opportunities. These may include mentoring fellow students, joining university guild activities aligned with their interests, or contributing to student-led health and wellness campaigns. Through such engagement, students gain exposure to various healthcare delivery settings by participating in community health outreach programs, providing first aid at public events, and volunteering in aged care facilities. In these environments, students often assist with lifestyle and wellness activities, offer companionship, and support basic care under supervision. These experiences enrich students’ understanding of holistic, patient-centred care and provide opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge in actual situations. Moreover, volunteer involvement fosters the development of practical skills, cultural competence, empathy, and a deeper appreciation for vulnerable populations, ultimately enhancing both personal growth and professional readiness (Dohnalova & Zelenkova, 2024).

1. Enhancement of clinical competence

2. Developing cultural competence and adaptability

3. Building emotional intelligence and strengthening resilience

4. Cultivating professional confidence and shaping nursing identity

5. Enhancing job readiness and career advancement

 

Volunteerism significantly connects academic learning and clinical practice, especially for undergraduate and new graduates. Students build practical skills aligned with their interests and future goals by engaging in areas like emergency response, aged care, health promotion, or advocacy.

University-based nursing societies, student councils, and national organisations like the Australian College of Nursing (ACN) provide platforms for participation through leadership programs such as the Emerging Nurse Leader (ENL) program. Local healthcare facilities welcome student volunteers, offering diverse and practical experiences.

My experience as a Stage 2 ENL has been a significant milestone in my volunteer journey. Being part of this initiative has allowed me to connect with like-minded peers, engage in leadership development activities, and contribute to ACN-led projects that advocate for the nursing profession. It broadened my perspective on how nurses can influence health care beyond the bedside through policy, mentorship, and community leadership.

This experience deepened my understanding of nursing leadership and strengthened my confidence, communication skills, and professional identity. It inspires me to lead purposefully and contribute meaningfully to the future of nursing in Australia.

Healthcare employers value such initiatives. Volunteerism signals commitment, adaptability, and leadership, which are vital in modern nursing. More than a resume booster, it is a journey of growth, compassion, and service that shapes students into capable, community-centred professionals ready to lead.