Summer Jobs in Hospitals for High School Students

Has anyone worked at a hospital over the summer as a high school student? I'm curious about the types of positions available and whether they're paid or volunteer. Any advice on securing one of these positions?

There are a few ways high school students can potentially gain hospital experience over the summer. Although your specific opportunities might vary depending on the hospital, here are a few options:

1. Volunteering: While this isn't a paid position, volunteering is a common way for high school students to get involved in a hospital setting. You might be assisting with basic tasks or providing companionship to patients.

2. Internships or work-study programs: These can be more competitive and may have specific prerequisites, such as a minimum GPA or some prerequisite coursework. These provide a more in-depth experience than volunteering and often involve shadowing professionals or helping out in a specific department.

3. Paid Positions: These are less common for high school students in a hospital setting. However, some hospitals might offer entry-level positions like dietary aide or housekeeping jobs, which pay and provide experience in the healthcare environment.

For securing one of these positions, it's generally best to start early. Contact local hospitals and ask about their programs. If they have internships, find out when the application window is and what they require. For volunteer positions, they might have an orientation or training session you need to attend.

Don't forget to tap into your network as well. If you know anyone who works at a hospital, they might be able to provide insight or help you find an opportunity. Remember, experiences like these are valuable not just for the potential career exploration they offer, but also for the transferable skills (like communication, empathy, and problem-solving) they can help you develop.