Peace Corps before nursing school

[Niandra]

Has anyone done Peace Corps before nursing school?

My partner and I applied to as a couple for the Health sector. We interviewed and are waiting to hear. If we don't get in this round, we're planning on reapplying for the next round.

Peace Corps seems like an amazing potential bridge into nursing, though it would push off nursing school another few years. I really like my current job, but I've also been missing the international relations / community building aspects of what I studied undergrad.

Has anyone applied? Know anyone who worked in the Health sector?

[Ramennoodles, BSN]

To be VERY honest with you, the only way the Peace Corps would be ~directly~ beneficial is if you actually got accepted to WORK in the health sector. Otherwise, it might honestly be better to apply after you have your RN, when you would actually have the skills necessary to help.

I am working alongside my husband, who is in the Peace Corps in China right now. Unfortunately, unless you have very specific skills in a certain area (engineering, qualified health professional, environmental science major etc) you are most likely to get placed as an English Teacher.

It would be a fulfilling two years if you are working in an area you like (which may or may not be teaching!) and then subsequently decide to do nursing. I am planning on completing my ABSN next year when my husband gets out, personally. But if you want to work in the health sector, you need qualifications.

[Niandra]

Thanks for your response! We would be working in the Health sector.

This position is similar to what we applied for: Health Extension Volunteer

Are you and your husband teaching English?

I have previous experience as a CNA and currently work as a unit secretary and mental health worker on an adolescent unit at a psychiatric hospital. My partner currently works in a neuroscience research lab as a research assistant, volunteers doing homeless outreach and also a needle exchange for an organization that works to educate IV drug users to reduce infection transmission and train people on administering Narcan.