Finding a purpose!!

[jmeng]

Hi all,

I have been a nurse for 3 years. I love what I do. I have started in tele(1 year), started travelling as a tele, surgical step-down (1 year), then switched to ER. I love all. I learn fast. And enjoy different environment. However, I have been thinking lately how I can be satisfied of being a nurse. I want to give and feel I am really helping. Not that I don't feel that way right now, but I want to give more. I want to nurse those who are really in need....like travel to Africa or asia. I don't want to volunteer, i have student loan to pay. no children, no family yet. International travel agencies...thought of them, but really don't want to be stranded out in the blue if i get cancelled for some reason...so UN jobs sound interesting....

But don't know anyone who has worked for united nations. Is it easy to get a job in UN, what are the requirements...what are your experiences like....is it really rewarding? does it pay good?

please advice

[Ms.Kamille]

A UN job sounds VERY interesting. Sorry I have know info for you but thanks for the idea. I'm a student right now thinking through all the possibillities after graduation.

[Jules A, MSN]

Personally I'd consider doing some sort of work here in the US serving the underserved. There is a great need right here. I work in pediatric psych in a facility that largely cares for children with little or no parental support. Just helping them feel cared for, respected and safe makes me feel like I'm doing something worthwhile. Good luck finding your niche.

[sunray12]

Personally I'd consider doing some sort of work here in the US serving the underserved. There is a great need right here. I work in pediatric psych in a facility that largely cares for children with little or no parental support. Just helping them feel cared for, respected and safe makes me feel like I'm doing something worthwhile. Good luck finding your niche.

I agree with this. You don't need to leave ur home country to find a purpose.

To answer your question yes overall it is very hard/extremely competitive to get a UN job. Knowing someone at the UN would probably help a lot. I doubt whether health care jobs are any exception to this. It doesn't hurt to go to their website and keep an eye on their job openings if you're interested.

You could also join the peace corps - which does not pay much but I think there is a tuition benefit for service and you'd have the experience of living and working in another culture if that's what you desire. Or you could find an ngo that does medical missions (there are 100s of thousands), sign up on a volunteer basis and take the occasional "working vacation" in other countries.

[jam2007]

I also believe that you may not have to travel...in my area there are homeless shelters that hire nurses..there are also people with addiction issues, psych issues, HIV..etc. that are underserved and really need help. There may be social service agencies that hire nurses in your area (I know they do where I am) Also some hospitals cater to those less fortunate. You may be able to find something locally with a little research.