Hi there,Has anyone worked as a nurse volunteer in developing country? I am fm hk and have worked in MR rehabilitation center for one year as a Rn since graduation. Looking forward to yr adviceb rgds
Ron N, ADN, BSN, LPN, LVN, RN 11 Posts Has 23 years experience. Mar 4, 2014 Yes.I worked with Doctors Without Borders for six months in Sudan, and another six in India.The biggest factors:LanguageCultural sensitivity/cross-cultural living experienceWork experienceAs far as work experience, I had ER, Peds ER, Military, and inpatient burn. I've always looked for experience that would help me be useful overseas. Not too specialized (all have me useful knowledge/exposure); and technology wasn't available where we were (I.e. informatics won't help land the job where I was). I had previously volunteered in Honduras (2 weeks; not too difficult medically), then Haiti (ER and Pediatrics--awesome experience withProject Medishare)--no overseas experience isn't reassuring.We were there as managers and experts with Drs Without Borders)--so get experience so that you can train others. They also use specialty nurses--Peri-Op nurses are always in demand, and pediatric experience will never hurt.There are a lot of programs out there that provide aid. Best advice is to know what you want (what do you want to do; where do you want to go); then focus on that--while being open to other opportunities.
jennycRN 71 Posts Apr 5, 2014 Agree with PP. Doctors Without Borders is not a good 'volunteer experience' for a new nurse. But if you have the skills and experience it is a good organization to work for. They paid all my travel and living expenses (except for those of the initial interview). They also give you a stipend, health insurance, and pay for you to attend job-specific trainings.I know several nurses who volunteer in developing countries (for example during vacations). Typically they pay their own way or go as part of a church group that fundraises for a short term missions trip.
Ron N, ADN, BSN, LPN, LVN, RN 11 Posts Has 23 years experience. Apr 6, 2014 Agree with jenny regarding Doctors Without Borders.I went to Honduras with a church group (MMI); funds were raised as tax-deductible donations and self-funding (airfare was probably the largest chunk).Haiti was on my own volunteering through Project Medishare--I had to cover my airfare and meals. Great experience, but I had experience with peds/ER before I went. It was a hospital assignment, so there was inpatient as well.When I go to volunteer somewhere, I am going to help people. It is my responsibility to be as well-prepared as possible for roles that I will be expected to perform. Get experience first, and only apply for vital roles when you know you can do it with minimal assistance.
