Mission nursing abroad

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · Jun 23, 2015

Hello!
I am trying to look into my options after I graduate this year. Ideally I would like to do some work as a paid RN in an underdeveloped country for some time (less than 1 year). Im wondering if anyone has any insight on what programs help you do this or just any helpful information on the topic! I don't know much about this field of nursing and am having trouble finding people who do.
Thanks,
Kristen

I thought the point of mission work was that it was UNpaid...? I'm sure someone will be along with more info :)

kmarlatt0911 · Jun 23, 2015

Maybe mission was the wrong word. As much as I would love to volunteer, I cannot afford to do so for this long straight out of college, so I am looking for something paid

Been there,done that, ASN, RN · Jun 23, 2015

There is a reason you are not finding out "much about this field of nursing", ask yourself why.

Working in underdeveloped countries adds the risk of disease and danger to yourself. Have friends that returned home raped, pregnant and diseased.

allnurses Guide · Jun 23, 2015

Some countries make a business of exporting nurses, ie the Phillipines. So the pay scale isn't going to be very good compared to the US.

As a new grad you should go somewhere with a really good new grad program, and plan to stay a year to pay back the investment. That will make you much more qualified and acceptable to overseas areas, for pay or volunteer. I've been there, seen and worked that, highly recommend getting experience first; especially if you want to work in the US afterwards, you need a base of US level skills.

roser13, ASN, RN · Jun 23, 2015

Some countries make a business of exporting nurses, ie the Phillipines. So the pay scale isn't going to be very good compared to the US.
As a new grad you should go somewhere with a really good new grad program, and plan to stay a year to pay back the investment. That will make you much more qualified and acceptable to overseas areas, for pay or volunteer. I've been there, seen and worked that, highly recommend getting experience first; especially if you want to work in the US afterwards, you need a base of US level skills.

This. As a new grad, you know roughly half of what you need to know to practice in the US, let alone in a foreign country.

verene, MSN · Jun 23, 2015

Most reputable volunteer-abroad nursing programs (Doctors with out Borders, Peace Corps etc) require a minimum of 2-5 years experience as a nurse before you are allowed to volunteer with them. Working in a developing country is a place to challenge already established skills, not to try to learn the basics. Also, this work will not be paid, at least not beyond a basic living stipend, and possibly round-trip air-fair.

Paid work abroad is extremely limited (aside from military, though even that is being cut back), I've occasionally seen posts wanting U.S. trained nurses to work in a U.S. style clinic abroad (primarily Saudi Arabia or Qatar), or to teach in American Universities foreign campuses (e.g. NYU-Abu Dhabi). Min experience 5-10 years and masters level preferred.

Start out getting some U.S. based experience as a new grad -if you still want to work abroad use the time you are here learning to develop your skills and gain experiences that will make you stand out for those opportunities. That way when you apply in a couple of years you'll be a competitive candidate.