Volunteer Information
What type of volunteers can work?
How many medical volunteers can work at one time?
How do I sign up to volunteer?
Are there any temporary licensure requirements?
What about malpractice insurance?
What will my schedule be like?
What do I wear?
Do I need to bring medical supplies?
Do I need to provide my own transportation?
Do I need to provide my own housing?
What about meals?
What type of volunteers can work?
The Mobile Unit can use Louisiana licensed general practice MDs and Nurse Practitioners, RNs, LPNs, and people with no medical background. Out-of-state MDs, RNs, LPNs, and APRNs can work as trained screeners only (can not practice medicine or utilize their license) unless licensed in the state of Louisiana. Temporary licensure is no longer available through the state.
Non-medical volunteers can greet clients and register them, or, if interested, be trained to conduct screenings and education. Spanish and Vietnamese Interpreters are sometimes needed as well. We could also use office workers, fundraising coordinators, and people to conduct outreach and publicity about our program and locations.
How many volunteers can work at one time?
Due to limitations of space, we comfortably can only use 1 physician, 1 nurse/screener, and 1 registration person per outing. For this reason, we ask anyone who wishes to volunteer to “sign-up” ahead of time and assure there is a need that hasn’t already been filled for the time you want.
How do I sign up to volunteer?
Email is the best way to get in touch with Diana to start the process (diana@stannanola.org) – please put “Volunteering on Med Unit” in your subject line. We can also be reached by phone (504-947-2121). The forms found on this website in the section titled Volunteer Forms will need to be completed, but please assure the time you wish to volunteer is available before doing so.
All Volunteers must provide a copy of their driver’s license and health insurance card.
LA licensed RNs must also provide proof of malpractice insurance to cover volunteer work.
LA licensed MDs must also provide DEA number, proof of malpractice insurance to cover volunteer work, and complete the credentialing application.
Out-of-State RNs and MDs must provide validation information for their professional license.
Are there any temporary licensure requirements for out-of-state professionals?
No. The temporary licensure availability was (and still is) only available when the area is declared “in a disaster”.
What about malpractice insurance?
At this time, in-state doctors and RNs must provide proof of their own medical liability (malpractice) insurance that covers them away from their normal workplace.
What will my schedule be like?
Change and flexibility are key components to our program. We have a schedule that we try to adhere to, but changes occur due to weather, maintenance issues, new or changed locations, etc.
For local volunteers, we will work with you to best accommodate both your availability and our scheduling needs.
If you are from out-of-town, you will be sent an itinerary for your visit the week before your arrival which hopefully will stay the same while you are here.
What do I wear?
No uniforms are needed. Casual, decent clothing suitable for the weather is in order; scrubs are fine. Lab coat is optional. Remember that you represent St. Anna’s Church as well as your church or organization — please no revealing clothing, short skirts/shorts, or torn clothing. Shoes with closed toes and heels are strongly suggested for safety climbing in/out of the Unit.
Do I need to bring medical supplies?
There are no supplies you must bring with you, unless you’d like to bring your own stethoscope. If you or your church/group wish to collect and bring supplies for the unit there is a list in the section titled How You Can Help.
Do I need to provide my own transportation?
Yes.
Local volunteers may need to meet the Unit at its overnight parking spot (currently in New Orleans East), to be the second person while driving. (Our policy is to have two people on the Unit, the driver and one other to assist with visibility while driving and parking). Otherwise, you will be asked to meet at the clinic location site.
If you are not driving to New Orleans, please be prepared to rent a vehicle or use taxi service (which may get expensive and may not be timely). If you are one of a group of people, please make sure your group coordinator understands your need for a vehicle or the ability of someone to bring you and pick you up at different locations and times than the rest of the group.
Do I need to provide my own housing?
Yes. We do have bunkhouse-style housing available for groups of up to 12 people at the Dodwell House, our Community Center being renovated about two blocks from the church. If you have interest in using this site, please email volunteers@stannanola.org for availability and information – be sure to tell them you are working with SAMM.
Depending on the season, you may well find other excellent accommodations and reasonable prices in the French Quarter or adjacent neighborhoods. I’ve personally stayed at the Hotel St. Pierre - 911 Burgundy St, New Orleans, LA 70116 Phone: (504) 524-4401.
What about meals?
Meals are “on-your-own”. You may bring a bag lunch or snack with you, if you will be out during lunch-time with little or no time to get something to eat and in some areas, nowhere to get food. We don’t stop for lunch; rather grab it as we can. We only ask you to pickup your trash and remove all food/beverages from the Unit daily.
