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, RNs, and non-medical persons (to greet clients and register them).
Out-of-state MDs and RNs must apply for temporary licensure through St. Anna’s for the specific time period you will be here (see below for more information). 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.
How many medical volunteers can work at one time?
Due to limitations of space, we comfortably can only use 1 physician, 1 nurse, and 1 registration person or 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.
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; RNs and MDs must provide a copy of their professional license and DEA number (for MDs); and In-state RNs and MDs must also provide proof of malpractice insurance.
Are there any temporary licensure requirements for out-of-state professionals?
There are forms that must be completed for temporary licensure for RNs, MDs 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 the copies listed above.
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.
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 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. You will be sent an itinerary for your visit the week before your arrival which hopefully will stay the same while you are here.
Currently the RV holds “clinics” as follows:
| Mondays – Thursdays |
:
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10am – 2pm |
| Wednesdays |
:
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5:30pm – 8pm |
| Fridays |
:
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Usually closed |
| Saturdays |
:
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Occasional special events |
We will email you (and your group coordinator if applicable) about a week before your visit with details of your schedule.
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. 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. 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 Mobile Unit parking site or clinic site daily.
Do I need to provide my own housing?
Yes. Unfortunately, St. Anna’s does not have adequate facilities to provide these services.
The Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana’s Episcopal Community Services (ECS) has very limited housing for volunteers; accommodations are modest, usually a cot with a foam mattress, often in dormitory type rooms. You can get more information by contacting the volunteer coordinator Pete Nunnally at pnunnally@ecs.org.
The Victorian House 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.
