Nurse Practitioners and Global Health

I've run into USA NP's in other countries, mostly working at US embassies or for healthcare organizations. Other countries also have their own NP's. I've also seen lot's of MPH people working at foreign hospitals. FNP would be very valuable as you would need to see all age ranges.

The two roles are kinda different - one prescribes, one doesn't. I'd think about which role do you want to be in. One where you are a healthcare provider, making diagnoses / ordering meds / etc, or one where you're a public health provider, which I'm not sure what they do LOL. You also should consider if your role is recognized in the area you want to go to. I don't think all countries recognize the NP as an HCP, though if you're in a poorly served area that won't be a problem. You just want to be covered legally!

I have been having a similar debate. From what I have gathered, it really depends on what you want your role to be and what kind of organization you want to work for. For MSF and other emergency medical aid organizations, your degree in nursing will be great (need those mandatory 2 years acute care experience though to apply). An NP title will vary with respect to your role in the organization, but you will have that mighty ability to prescribe and diagnose, if you think that is something you'd prefer.
Because you mentioned community health, a BSN will get that for you (most programs include a public health certificate which enables you to work in public health-doy). My goal is to work abroad in a developmental aid sort of role. I want to work with the populations long term to improve things and thus am seeking a public health position now (just out of school) before I venture out and about.
Anywho. Keep researching and keep going back to the root of what you want your work to be like. You'll get there

I am currently pursuing my FNP and intend to work abroad after I graduate. Do you all have any other suggestions about NGOs and other organizations that hire FNPs?

You can try US Embassies if you have a few years experience.

This was brought up in a thread on the CNM forum recently, and I asked ibambamama to share her experiences. Pretty interesting stuff! Discussion about global health starts at reply #7:

http://allnurses.com/certified-nurse...ry-531491.html

ktliz, I just got back from peacecorps, and I recommend it! Its impossible to explain the experience without using cliches but if you're looking at doing international work, its an amazing introduction. I had originally wanted to study MPH, but after speaking with friends working in public health who expressed frustrations of feeling helpless when in the field (surveying ill people without actually being able to clinically assist). does anyone here know of any NP programs which are global/public health friendly? Im looking at doing direct entry cause I want to get school out of the way and get on with it! Or are the direct entry programs so condensed that they don't have space for MPH coursework? Thanks everyone!