ST. ANNA'S MEDICAL MISSION
Volunteer Information
What type of volunteers can work on the unit?
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 on the unit?
The Mobile Unit needs MDs and Nurse Practitioners in Family Medicine, Geriatrics and Internal Medicine, Psychiatrists, RNs, Social Workers and non-medical persons to greet clients and register them.
Out-of-state LPNs, Nurse Practitioners (except working as RNs) and Psychologists have not been approved for temporary licensure for volunteer work.
Speaking Spanish, although not required, is helpful especially at the Kenner site.
How many medical volunteers can work at one time?
Due to limitations of space, we comfortably can use 1 physician, 1 nurse, 1 registration person and 1 social worker/counselor or spiritual counselor per outing. For this reason, we ask anyone who wishes to volunteer to "sign-up" and assure there is a need that hasn't already been filled for the time you want. Often volunteers work outside.
How do I sign up to volunteer?
Email is the best way to get in touch with Diana to start the process (dmeyers@stanna.nocoxmail.com) - please put "Volunteering on Med Unit" in your subject line. We can also be reached by phone (504-947-2121 ext. 02).
Are there any temporary licensure requirements?
There are forms that must be completed for temporary licensure for RNs, MDs and Social Workers from out-of-town. These forms can be found in the section titled Volunteer Forms. They will need to be completed and returned to St. Anna's at least 2 -3 weeks in advance of your arrival to assure completeness and allow time to get them to the LA-DHH and the appropriate Board for approval. You will also need to include copies of your professional license, driver's license, DEA number (for MDs), health insurance cards, and proof of malpractice insurance (for in-state volunteers).
Once here, the out-of-state MD and RN must go to the LA-DHH (1450 L & A Road, Metairie, LA) between 9am and 3pm, Mon-Fri. with picture ID to verify identity before they can start work; I will provide directions. Social Workers have no similar requirement.
In-state volunteers have information and release forms to complete and return to us with copies of your driver's license, professional license, DEA number (for MDs and Nurse Practitioners), CPR card and proof of malpractice insurance. In-state Nurse Practitioners must have a contract with an MD willing to "supervise" them while working on our Unit.
What about malpractice insurance?
According to Dr. Erin Brewer at the LA-DHH,out-of-state MDs and RNs who follow this process and volunteer their services (not paid), "DHH and volunteer agree that volunteer to the extent allowed by law is an employee of DHH for the limited purposes of indemnification, immunity, and worker's compensation medical (but not weekly disability payments) benefits for any actions that may arise in the course and scope of volunteer's assigned duties." (This statement is on the LA Volunteer Agreement Form you will need to sign.)
We have no such agreement for out-of-town Social Workers. In-state licensed volunteers must maintain their own professional malpractice insurance according to their licensing organization's recommendations.
What will my schedule be like?
Change and flexibility are key components to living and working in New Orleans these days. We currently have a schedule that we try to adhere to, but changes occur due to weather, MD availability, maintenance issues, new or changed locations, etc. You will be sent an itinerary for your visit the week before your arrival which hopefully will stay the same while you are here. You should be prepared to arrive at St. Anna's about one and one-half hours prior to the clinic start time on your first day, then 45 minutes prior to clinic start time each other day.
| Mondays | 8am - 3:30pm |
| Tuesdays | 10am - 2pm |
| Wednesdays | 9am-1pm and (optional) 4pm-6pm and 7pm-9pm |
| Thursdays | 10am - 2pm |
| Fridays | Varies |
We will email you (and your group coordinator if applicable) about a week before your visit with details of your schedule. There may be last minute changes or cancellations due to weather or maintenance issues, although we try to avoid it.
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/organization. Shoes with closed toes and heels are strongly suggested due to debris and safety climbing in/out of the RV.
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. 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. Transportation to the LA-DHH must be arranged as well as to/from the RV (St. Anna's Church) daily.
Do I need to provide my own housing?
Yes. Unfortunately, St. Anna's does not have adequate facilities to ensure your comfort.
The Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana's Office of Disaster Response (ODR) is able to offer housing to volunteers on a first come first serve basis. Accommodations are modest, usually a cot with a foam mattress, often in dormitory type rooms. Most areas have kitchens and shower facilities. You will need to provide your own sheets, towels, etc. You can get more information on our Diocese's website (www.edola.org - look under "Office of Disaster Response") or contact the volunteer coordinator Pete Nunnally at pnunnally@edola.org. If you are coming with a group that will be doing other volunteer work, your group coordinator should be making those arrangements for the entire group.
The Victorian House (www.victorianhousenola.com) is a local B & B near St. Anna's that may provide special weekly discount rates for our out-of-town volunteers except during "special" events. Contact for Benjamin at (504) 251-4124 to make your own arrangements, but be sure to tell them you're working with St. Anna's Episcopal Church's Medical Mission. Also, depending on the season, you may well find other excellent accommodations and reasonable prices in the French Quarter or adjacent neighborhoods.
What about meals?
Meals are "on-your-own". You may bring a bag lunch or snack with you, as you will be out during lunch-time with little or no time to get something to eat and in some areas, no where to get food. We don't stop for lunch; rather grab it as we can. There may be occasions when a food truck will bring around bag lunches.
