Medical Missions

Parakeet · Jul 8, 2015

I have looked into VOM medical, overseas nursing, Mercy Ships. One I am highly interested in is Agape Unlimited, which is a Baptist ministry in Russia; they bring medical help as well as the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the people in Siberia. I have no idea what I am going to do yet. :) Hope you can find something!

chorses4evr · Jul 8, 2015

I'm interested in more info about this too...are there any that accept nursing students??

adventure_rn, MSN, NP · Jul 9, 2015

Have you guys heard of Mercy Ships?

I've heard good things about Mercy Ships through people who have gone as ancillary staff (i.e. not medical professionals); they seemed to really enjoy it. If the religious doctrine sits well with you, it seems like a safe, effective way to provide medical care in Africa.

They primarily hire RNs for OR, PACU, and ICU.

Purple_roses · Jul 9, 2015

I've heard good things about Mercy Ships through people who have gone as ancillary staff (i.e. not medical professionals); they seemed to really enjoy it. If the religious doctrine sits well with you, it seems like a safe, effective way to provide medical care in Africa.
They primarily hire RNs for OR, PACU, and ICU.

That is actually something I was concerned about for myself. I'm not a very religious person myself, though I absolutely don't mind others participating. I read through some testimonials of RNs who volunteered for it and she described the patients singing and dancing during their church service, and I think that would be a beautiful site to see, even if I don't fully participate. I would feel uncomfortable though if I, for instance, had to lead the singing or something like that.

adventure_rn, MSN, NP · Jul 9, 2015

That is actually something I was concerned about for myself. I'm not a very religious person myself, though I absolutely don't mind others participating. I read through some testimonials of RNs who volunteered for it and she described the patients singing and dancing during their church service, and I think that would be a beautiful site to see, even if I don't fully participate. I would feel uncomfortable though if I, for instance, had to lead the singing or something like that.

Thanks for that thoughtful response. I considered working as ancillary staff on Mercy Ships before I began nursing school, and I think the application explicitly said that you do not have to be a Christian to participate (you only have to be open to the fact that people will be worshiping around you). I doubt that they'd push anyone to lead a worship service if they felt uncomfortable. Again, please take my word with a grain of salt since I haven't actually participated, but I think it might be a good fit. All the best, and safe (future) travels!

Purple_roses · Jul 9, 2015

Thanks for that thoughtful response. I considered working as ancillary staff on Mercy Ships before I began nursing school, and I think the application explicitly said that you do not have to be a Christian to participate (you only have to be open to the fact that people will be worshiping around you). I doubt that they'd push anyone to lead a worship service if they felt uncomfortable. Again, please take my word with a grain of salt since I haven't actually participated, but I think it might be a good fit. All the best, and safe (future) travels!

Thank you! I wont be done with my nursing program until 2017, so this sort of thing is a ways away, but at least I have some time to research.

Parakeet · Jul 11, 2015

I won't be done with my program until next spring. :/ Until then, I will keep watching and praying. Unfortunately, I am already finding opportunities barred, because I will 'only be an LPN'. Oh well, I still have two semesters to go! Many things can change in that amount of time.