Is a Humanitarian Project in Your Future or Past?

[EyesForward]

I have always wanted to be part of a humanitarian team, and it just occurred to me I will have the skills to do it after I finish nursing school! Do any of you aspire to give in this manner? I have never even looked into the possibilities, but I think a credible organization devoted to children would be right for me. Do you have any ideas or suggestions, revelations, experiences, or thoughts on the subject you'd like to present, to either encourage this thinking? I am not a religious person, and would not be doing it for any other reason than compassionate humanitarianism. I am a phlebotomist, hoping to make the Jan. cut for an RN program. Gosh, maybe I'm qualified already?

[PJMommy]

It's funny you bring this up because my sister and I were discussing this again this morning. We've both considered it but have family members who are mortified that we would ever go overseas to those war-torn areas where they "kill Americans". Did you see ER on Thursday night? That is what sparked our discussion again.

I'm the mommy of four so it isn't very realistic that I would do this in the near future. However, one of the churches we attend has a ministry group that goes to Mexico once a year for about 7-10 days -- because there is a doctor in the group, it has turned into more of a medical than religious trip. I may do this with them one of these years. Barring that, my poor dear husband is walking around in shock today since I told him I was joining Doctors Without Borders after the kids are all graduated from high school.

[EyesForward]

Please, what is Doctors Without Borders? (I'm afraid to ask!) :)

[PJMommy]

One of the many medical volunteer organizations. Their website is at:

http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/

Another great site is the International Medical Volunteers Association. They have listings for volunteers from DWB as well as many, many other organizations. Their website is:

http://www.imva.org/

[stressgal, RN]

For those of you interested in helping others by volunteering don't forget about the Red Cross. It is a wonderful organization that helps in so many ways.

You can help with health and safety education, blood services, and in emergency services. It's an organization that utilizes all sorts of volunteers, and has a group of volunteer nurses that assist during disasters. The average time you are away from home is 2 to 4 weeks on an assignment, and you can also volunteer for international trips. One of the projects they are currently working on is the Measles innituative with the World Health Organization.

The time to contact your local chapter is prior to a disaster, not during, so you can take the appropriate training and be prepared.

More can be found at http://www.redcross.org includiing links to your local chapter.

Just an organization near and dear to my heart, one of many inspirations leading me to nursing.