Missionary work after graduation?

Published

I graduate school this coming December (ADN). I've looked into applying to the Peace Core, but I know they prefer a bachelors degree and I don't know if I'm ready for a 2 year commitment. So I looked into Doctors Without Borders but they'd require much more experience than I've had!

Has anyone done work with an organization that they could recommend? I know that I can't take too much time off after getting my license, but I'd like to do this before getting a career and making the commitment to a job.I'm hoping to find a month or two long program to start.

I'd also just like this discussion to be open for experiences that people have had doing any of this if they have, I think it's so wonderful!

(and if this is being discussed somewhere else just let me know, thanks :) )

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in school/home health/behavioral/prison.

I went through Ascend Alliance:

http://www.ascendalliance.org/

We went to Peru, specifically to Lima and Cuzco. I really felt accomplished and very confident when we came back to the U.S. At the time I was in my last semester of the LPN program and we went with many established doctors and RNs as well as many dental and RN students. We broke off into two groups. Some went to Lima while the rest went into Cuzco. I was part of the Cuzco group...and it was very exhilarating; to say the least. I will say that I believe we do need help right now right here in our own country though and if you can find an organization here in the U.S. you should try to help that way...so many go without in our own backyard. Liability is always an issue that way though...unfortunately.

Anyway..my most memorable experience is when we had a young man, all of maybe 17, come into one of our sites we set up in a local village in Cuzco. He was only needing a simple pair of glasses and didn't know it until after his visit with the doctor. He actually cried when he put the glasses on and could see for the first time in who knows how long..I cried too. What an experience as a nursing student!

I helped with so many different things including teeth extractions, vaccinations, and even with OB doctors ...

it was very fruitful.

This organization goes to Africa and several other places as well...They are great!

I wish you much luck with all your endeavors.:)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Just looking forward to responses...I have always had a heart for missions :-)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I would be interested in finding out about this too. I'm graduating in May and if I can't find a job during the summer I would really love to go to a Spanish-speaking country for a while to try and become fluent while doing some sort of medical work...would this be considered "experience" as an RN? If anyone knows about this or knows of any good companies to go through PM me please. Thanks!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in MCH,NICU,NNsy,Educ,Village Nursing.

There are evangelical organizations that send medical personnel as well as lay organizations. It depends, I think, on why you want to do this, as to what type of organization you choose. There is SIM, Mercy Ships, Amazon Outreach, and other organizations I cannot mention in a public forum due to security issues. If you are evangelical & interested, you can private message me, with more details of why you are wanting to do this, and perhaps I can help. Also, you might check with the U.S. State Department & see if they have any available places. Some countries have international clinics run by the State Department that may allow volunteer health care workers. Good luck & I wish you all well!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med/Surg, Ortho, ASC.

"I graduate school this coming December (ADN). I've looked into applying to the Peace Core"

Peace Corps.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med-Surg/DOU/Ortho/Onc/Rehab/ER/.
I would be interested in finding out about this too. I'm graduating in May and if I can't find a job during the summer I would really love to go to a Spanish-speaking country for a while to try and become fluent while doing some sort of medical work...would this be considered "experience" as an RN? If anyone knows about this or knows of any good companies to go through PM me please. Thanks!

me too!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency, Telemetry, Transplant.
"I graduate school this coming December (ADN). I've looked into applying to the Peace Core"

Peace Corps.

My thoughts exactly...

Good luck to you and God bless you for the work you want to do.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Here is one link which might interest you http://www.eha-health.org/ . I have worked in one of their hospitals; it was a fruitful experience- both in terms of my learning needs and satisfaction :)

I hope God will lead you to the right place.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I'm truly sorry about the spelling! I promise I'm not that ignorant, I was just rushed at the time that I posted. No excuses, thank you for drawing my attention to it.

I appreciate the responses, well wishes, and direction... I wasn't even sure where to begin and I'm glad that there are other nurses/students on here interested in the same thing. Inspiring :)

kakamegamama- I've looked into going with a local church but the trips they had offered were for just 2 weeks at a time and I think I'm ready for a longer commitment. I'll definitely look into the organizations that you had provided!

Nurselulu67- You're story was touching! I'm glad you had such a wonderful experience!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion