NP in 3rd world countries? advice pls

[raefactor]

Hi everyone,

I'm currently in school right now getting my BA in Linguistics or else Linguistics/Psychology. Eventually I would like to do medical work in places overseas (I'm in the US) where medical care is limited or non-existent. Sort of like a doctor without borders, except that I don't want to be a doctor. My current plan is to take bio and micro classes now, finish school with my BA, and go the accelerated BSN route, then get either NPC or DrNP. Originally I was considering becoming a PA, but now I think being an NP would be much better for the following reasons:

-It would be easier for me to find work if I didn't have to be directly under the supervision and license of a doctor.*

-I like that you get a different degree every year or so, i.e. RN/BSN, NPC, etc., and also that you can easily expand it with more titles depending on what you need to do. More stability, I think, in getting your RN in one year then moving on, as opposed to two-three years of grad school before anything.

-My personality type is better suited to an accelerated nursing program than PA school.

so questions:

* Can someone please help me find out what the regulations are for nurse practitioners overseas? What kind of certifications would I need to practice there? Can NP's work independently in, say, Sudan? Tibet? I don't even know where to start looking.

Also, what kind of job/degree would be best for me? BSN, then what? MSN? can you go straight from a BSN to NP training? Is FPNP a good idea for that sort of work?

Thanks so much, I appreciate the advice!

-Rachel

[clhRN2b2010]

I too have this in my long term plans. A couple things, I can say. I agree with you that NP is a better choice. The primary reason is that many of the countries you will be looking at do not recognize PA status and if you have to liason with local governments- you will want to have all the credentials you can.

As far as your question as to what different countries look for, the frustrating truth is that they are all very different. You may want to start with what type of organization do you want to work with? Medicine Sans Frontiers or DWB does employ NP's (so I have been told). There are many Non Governmental Organization that you can partner with. The other option is to work with a religious organization or mission group. Also, you may end up partnering with an education institution, doing reserach. I say this because not only do you have to consider education and credentials but you will also need to think about how to get into some of the countries you are talking about and each option has different visa requirements. Sometimes one is more acceptable than others to developing governments.

It sound like you have a lot of research to do yet, but you have quite a bit of time to do this. Talk to as many people as you can who are doing something that you are interested in. Try going on some volunteer missions to get a feel for exactly what kind of work you want to do.

I also want to say I think itis awesome that you have this on your heart. Best wishes in your endeavors!