Volunteer Doctors without Borders

beeker · Mar 1, 2013

I think if you read their website they require some experience? It has been years since I looked, but read it all over.

klone, MSN, RN · Mar 1, 2013

Yes, I think it requires at least two years of relevant work experience.

nurseprnRN, BSN, RN · Mar 1, 2013

The thing that will hinder you is that you didn't read the website closely enough to realize you aren't qualified. They will notice that. "At least two years of relevant experience" leaps off the page, and that means, "as an RN." The time you spent in school or as a CNA does not count for this.

http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/work/field/recruitment.cfm

Hint: Give this dream a rest for a few years, and go back to it when you have some skills and nursing judgment to apply to it. MSF is not in the business of orienting newbies.

mc3, ASN, RN · Mar 2, 2013

Grn Tea,

'Kinda harsh, weren't you? Yes, they didn't read the web site thoroughly but that's no reason to be sarcastic....

mc3:cat:

chrisrn24 · Mar 2, 2013

Grn Tea,
'Kinda harsh, weren't you? Yes, they didn't read the web site thoroughly but that's no reason to be sarcastic....
mc3:cat:

I do agree.

GrnTes I know you're respected on this board and I've seen some great posts of yours but you may want to work on your delivery of your words.

CodeteamB · Mar 2, 2013

They list pediatric experience as an asset for registered nurses. Get your experience under your belt and go for it! Kudos to you for wanting to help out!

KelRN215, BSN, RN · Mar 2, 2013

Hi,
I will graduate in December and I'm interested in volunteering with Doctors without Borders. But I am interested in working in pediatrics. Does that hinder my chances of getting a volunteer position as a nurse since I will specialize in peds? Thanks,
Melissa.

There is a lot of need for people with peds experience doing medical work in developing countries. You need experience in order to join MSF though.

nurseprnRN, BSN, RN · Mar 2, 2013

I do realize that sometimes delivery method preferences exist. However, as my sweet old grandmother used to say, some of us are put on this earth to be examples to others, one way or another. If you like, you can be a nicer person than I am, a more observant person than the OP, or emulate/abjure the methods of anyone else you wish.

Returning to the thread, it is a hard truth that people who screen applicants do not often care about passssionn and dreeeeaamms, but they do want to know that the applicant isn't just putting in apps in by the dozens or hundreds scattershot, without reading the requirements of the actual jobs first.

It is true, therefore, that if you apply for a position with wrong or inappropriate credentials or experience, that will disqualify you. They will notice that. This is how we learn; not just the OP but others will too.

hiddencatRN, BSN, RN · Mar 2, 2013

The thing that will hinder you is that you didn't read the website closely enough to realize you aren't qualified. They will notice that. "At least two years of relevant experience" leaps off the page, and that means, "as an RN." The time you spent in school or as a CNA does not count for this.

http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/work/field/recruitment.cfm

Hint: Give this dream a rest for a few years, and go back to it when you have some skills and nursing judgment to apply to it. MSF is not in the business of orienting newbies.

OP mentions plans to specialize in pediatrics, so perhaps she is planning to get experience prior to applying and just wants to make sure it's the right experience? Nothing in the post states that she intends to apply as a new grad. No worries telling it like you see it, but you're also not reading closely.

Rhi007 · Mar 2, 2013

Grn Tea,
'Kinda harsh, weren't you? Yes, they didn't read the web site thoroughly but that's no reason to be sarcastic....
mc3:cat:

Actually I don't think GrnTea was harsh in the slightest! The fact that the OP didn't read the site properly (if at all) means they are not ready. And I don't think GrnTea was being sarcastic in the slightest either, just telling it like she sees it.

As nurses we're trained in observation......the OP hasn't acquired the skills nor the experience but wants to jump straight into hardcore working conditions in a place like the Congo???

allnurses Guide · Mar 2, 2013

Not everything needs to be sugarcoated and spoon fed.