Medical Mission Trips

Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN · Mar 12, 2014

I haven't yet, but really want to work with the VOMedical someday...although probably not safe. They go into areas hostile to Christianity and help when people have been injured in church bombings, by mobs, and the like. I have very small kids so probably won't do it for a while...I wouldn't take them with, but still... Anyway, it's one of the main reasons I decided to get into trauma nursing.

I've worked with people who have gone to Ecuador and Haiti and had good experiences. I couldn't tell you what organizations they went with. I'd love to hear an update when you decide though! :)

Iuq82 · Mar 12, 2014

Hi sky_blue....u can email me for info if u would like to do a short medical missionary work?my email add :[email protected]

sky_blue · Mar 12, 2014

One of the reasons why I wanted to actively do mission trips now is because I'm still single (will get marries soon) and do not have kids yet. I think once I have kids, it will be very difficult to be gone for even a week.

I spoke with a Infectious Disease Doctor who goes to numerous mission trips, and he said Honduras and Haiti may be a good place to start out since it's rather safer now that so many people have gone volunteering.

sky_blue · Mar 12, 2014

Hello, are you involved with an organization? If so, which one?

SE_BSN_RN, BSN · Mar 12, 2014

Have you looking into Doctors Without Borders? I went to Peru last year with a local church and I really enjoyed it! I didn't ever go anywhere alone, and never felt unsafe at all. You can also sign up to help in disaster areas with the Red Cross. I'm not familiar with the organizations you listed, though.

sky_blue · Mar 12, 2014

Have you looking into Doctors Without Borders? I went to Peru last year with a local church and I really enjoyed it! I didn't ever go anywhere alone, and never felt unsafe at all. You can also sign up to help in disaster areas with the Red Cross. I'm not familiar with the organizations you listed, though.

I have, but I forgot to add that I am currently looking for short term medical mission trips since I work a full time job at a hospital and I will only be able to go during my vacation times, which is two weeks at max at one vacation time.

kakamegamama · Mar 12, 2014

Sky_blue---Mercy Teams; International Mission Board (look under volunteer opportunities on their website) are good places; Mercy Ships; Baptist Global Response. They are all good companies. As to safety, while many countries may be "safer" than another, no country is really safe, in today's world, and no company/organization can guarantee your safety. I only mention that so that should something happen there is less of a "I thought we were supposed to be safe!" mentality. Also, Amazon Outreach takes teams into villages along the Amazon in Brazil. One thing to keep in mind when you travel...sometimes, travelling into a foreign country as an American already makes you stand out. So, strive to not stand out by your behavior, by letting go of all expectations. You are not in America any more and that knowledge can go a long way in helping you to stay safe. Be aware of your surroundings. Don't go out after dark. Stay where you are supposed to be. All those things can help. Utilize local health care providers goes a long way as well. Nothing is worse than a "no-it-all" western health care provider swooping down on unsuspecting nationals in the name of doing good (sorry, one of my pet peeves :) ). Whatever company/org. you end up going with should do a security orientation as well. Anyway, I wish you luck in finding the right fit for you. My guess is that you won't be the same ever again.....(in a good way).

SE_BSN_RN, BSN · Mar 12, 2014

I have, but I forgot to add that I am currently looking for short term medical mission trips since I work a full time job at a hospital and I will only be able to go during my vacation times, which is two weeks at max at one vacation time.

Oh, yes, I know....I loved Peru so much, I looked into DWB.....6-12 months is a long time! LOL

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN · Mar 12, 2014

thread moved for best response

Iuq82 · Mar 12, 2014

I used to join Chinese Loma Linda Seventh Day Adventist Church. They do it every year in Asia. Maximum 2 weeks which include sightseeing. They will do it in China this year.All are welcome to join;)

plainfieldguy · Apr 13, 2014

I went to Guatemala in Oct 2013 with Refuge International. It was a wonderful experience and the organization is very organized. I felt safe the entire time and even had the opportunity to be an OR nurse for the week. (I worked as a bedside med-surg nurse at the time). I am going back to Guatemala again in Oct 2014 with Ref. Int. and can't wait to see what new experiences are in store. Definitely check them out! They go to 3 sites in Guatemala multiple times per year. The trip to San Raymundo is the best one to start with because it has the most volunteers. The other locations are supposedly a bit 'rougher' in terms of resources and might be a better option for someone with more experience.