Career advise for overseas nursing in developing countries

Saifudin · Oct 7, 2008

Hello,

I am a nurse, NP and DON in a mental health faciltiy in Saudi Arabia for the past 13 years. I spent 2 years in Bangladesh back in 1992-1994 and one year I was able to be involved in some relief work and primary care in village orphanages.

My advice is definitely get experience before going overseas. As an 'old school' meaning diploma grad, I believe in at least one year in med-surg before specializing. After that consider critical care, and I believe the ER nursing is valuable because you may deal with urgent/emergent issues overseas.

In my time in Bangladesh I went to the refugee camps for the Rohyinga, Burmese Muslims that were pushed out of Burma by the ruling junta. The camp I spent time with had 10,000 people. Common problems area diarrheal diseases, malaria, nutritional and skin problems and then the general chronic medical problems. Basic hygiene, clean water and sanitation, etc., are issues that we dealt with.

Also, a level of maturity is important. Depending on where you go life may become quite difficult and things you may be quite difficult at times so the ability to be very patient is important. Have you ever slept under mosquiti netting with no AC in extremes of humidity with all kinds of critters under foot? This is not meant to discourage but to inform.

Study well where and what you would be doing. I think it is great to give of oneself in a selfless manner. But, you want to give the most you can and grow positively from the experience.

Go for it after careful study and consideration and get a strong foundation. You will be more valuable and if you return to stateside practice you will need to 'get back into the game' and that primary nursing experience and foundation will be important.

If you have any more questions, please feel free to ask.

Saifudin