Travel nurse or Missionary nurse??

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Sep 9, 2013

Hmm - based on my own knowledge, I would say that the choice may depend on whether you have to earn an income or not. Colleagues who were engaged in "missionary" work did not receive any salary. In fact, they usually have to take time off (LOA) from their paid job to engage in this work. The only exceptions that I have encountered are some nurses who work for faith-based organizations - their employers continued to pay salaries while they were engaged in a 3 month medical mission (post-disaster relief).

AZ_LPN_8_26_13 · Sep 10, 2013

I have not done any of this, but have researched it and prayerfully considered it. It is my understanding that you basically have to "pay your own way" if you decide to do missionary nursing overseas

AZ_LPN_8_26_13 · Sep 10, 2013

Also, traveling nurses (there have been some where I work) seem to be well versed in all categories. Missionary and disaster nursing overseas, from what I've read, the big demand is for nurses with surgical experience who can work in concert with doctors who perform surgeries. And you may be working in poor and remote areas without reliable electricity, and may have to do things like sterilize glass bottle IV's and tubing for re-use, store needles in alcohol for re-use and periodically sharpen them, etc. Domestic travel nurses still work with all the latest equipment etc

jdmaire · Sep 13, 2013

Both options are going to require you to get some experience after graduation. From what I understand the Peace Corps does pay you a small stipend at the end and Doctors Without Borders pays you small amount. Regardless you are going to have to pick a specialty and work in it for a while first.

AZ_LPN_8_26_13 · Sep 13, 2013

Both options are going to require you to get some experience after graduation. From what I understand the Peace Corps does pay you a small stipend at the end and Doctors Without Borders pays you small amount. Regardless you are going to have to pick a specialty and work in it for a while first.

I've looked into Doctors Without Borders and yes I think they pay you a small stipend - you would still have to save up some money. And you are correct - you have to have a specialty that they happen to need. Right now they appear to need surgical nurses with surgical experience

jennycRN · Sep 14, 2013

I worked for Doctors without Borders for 3 years and I was paid a stipend. They will pay all of your expenses in the field, travel, living expenses, health care, etc. The stipend helped me save a little money for in between missions and I felt that it was pretty generous. Yes, they do require at least three years nursing experience... I had experience working with HIV which I believe was what helped. Knowing French also helps.

AZ LPN is right that you will be working in conditions without as many resources as you are accustomed, but if there are still people out there sharpening and reusing needles, I haven't heard about it. Ethically,you should not offer a service if you cannot do so safely. First do no harm! I would think that the risks of transmitting HIV would far outweigh the benefits of giving injections.

Incidentally, I was also a peace corps volunteer (before I became a nurse). It was a great experience but I wouldn't recommend it to a nurse because peace corps does not have your nursing license recognized by the host country, and therefore you won't be able to practice to the full extent of your capabilities as a nurse. It tends to be a more limited role of community and public health promotion and education.