where to work to serve most needy/impoverished? if salary not an issue

[CeilingCat]

What advice would you give someone who will graduate soon as a RN, but who wants something a little different than a local hospital?

I'm thinking of something like Doctors Without Borders. Can you give me feedback on that organization? Or suggest other organizations which send RNs into places they're desperately needed?

And is it true there are some impoverished or under-served areas in the US that would really benefit from nurses who don't mind challenging conditions?

Has anyone here done something like this yourself? If so, do you have any advice to share?

[blueheaven]

Many hospitals areas have satellite clinics etc. in inner city neighborhoods. Check your phone book for service organizations in your area and call to find out what services they provide to those areas. Good luck!

[SDSUJackrabbit]

Try the Rose Bud Native American reservation in western South Dakota

[littleneoRN]

It's not exactly what you described, but if you're looking an opportunity to gain a good base in nursing skills but also work with underserved people, you could also consider a county/public type hospital in an inner city that mainly services the underserved. I have a friend who works at a facility like this. Many of her patient's are homeless. Few have insurance. They don't have primary care. Lot's of comorbidities, huge opportunities for patient education, and mixed outcomes with this challenging population. It's paid, although maybe not as well as a "nicer" hospital, so you could pay for room and board, get some solid experience, and also learn the ropes of working with an underserved group. Then from there, you'd have even more skills and knowledge as a nurse if you want to springboard off into a clinic, overseas, etc.

[trixie333, ASN]

For reservation work, try: IHS.gov

I have had many contracts on the Navajo reservation. You will probably enjoy it. Plenty of time for work and school....many nurses out here do both...lots of opportunity to serve those less privileged than yourself. You can apply directly (usually ask for min. 1 yr. commitment) or apply through various travel agencies for for 13 wk. assignments. Housing is frequently offered at a very affordable rate. Lots of learning opportunities as well: you would be surprised at the educational backgrounds of many of the practitioners out here....many, many dedicated people....