Volunteer Nursing

Overview

Volunteer Nurses (RN and LPN) complete the same tasks as any other nurse but are not normally reimbursed for their work. Volunteer nursing covers a wide range of nursing experiences. Many nurses are very active volunteers. In addition to helping others, volunteering looks great on a nurse's resume. Many job markets are tight. Some are very tight and volunteering is one way to gain marketable experience while still helping out. It also can provide a more flexible schedule than traditional employment.

Qualities

The most important quality for volunteer nurses is caring and compassion. Other qualities:

Experience in a wide variety of settings

The more nursing experience that you possess, the more choices you will have when you decide to volunteer. ICU or ER might be a requirement for some volunteer experiences. It is important that the volunteer is ready and able to hit the ground running. This is especially true for international mission trips where there might not be any training provided.

Ability to be non-judgmental

This is especially important when dealing with a culture or ethnicity that is different from your own. For Americans who live in an insulated environment, this can be particularly challenging. You will see, hear, and smell radically different things from your own experience.

Adaptability

Volunteer nurses possess the ability to see a situation and jump right in and participate. Jobs as volunteers can change and develop into other types of jobs quickly. Being adaptable is a big plus. Being flexible with little to no training makes you a very valued volunteer.

Types of Volunteer Opportunities

• Peace Corps
• Community Fire and/or EMS
• Medical Missions (mission trips)
• Church
• Professional organizations
• Lobbying
• Natural Disasters (hurricanes, floods, wildfires)
• Red Cross

Work Environment

Out of all the nursing specialties, volunteer nursing probably gives the most variety. There are many different places one can volunteer. Sometimes it might be a daylong assignment or a trip overseas for an extended length of time. Nurses can work in such varied places as:

• Hospitals
• Clinics
• Cruise ships
• Homes
• Churches
• Medical missions abroad
• Public schools
• Community facilities
• Military bases

Medical Missions

Many nurses enter into short-term medical volunteer opportunities abroad, providing valuable care in under-resourced clinics and hospitals. These trips are organized for nations that have crucial needs for basic healthcare services. For example, these may include countries in Africa, South America, and Central America.

The nurse must allow for time off months in advance as preparing for these trips takes a lot of preparatory time. Currently employed Nurses who are interested in Medical Missions often find that their employers have policies that address time off for volunteer missions. Most will use PTO. Some hospitals allow for time off every year or two and others will offer properly documented paid vacation. 

Medical Missions Opportunities

Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing - list of international volunteer opportunities

Samaritan's Purse - non-denominational evangelical Christian organization providing spiritual and physical aid to hurting people around the world

Remote Area Medical (RAM) - non-profit provider of free pop-up clinics

Baptist Medical Missions International (BMMI) - humanitarian/benevolent arm of Baptist Missionary Association of America (BMA Missions) providing humanitarian aid or assistance for many nations of the world where care is needed because of economic, geographic or disaster reasons

What to Include on Your Resume (not all-inclusive)

When creating a resume, the Volunteer Nurse should point out their excellent clinical skills and highlight the ability to work in stressful environments utilizing quick decision-making strategies. Include also that you:

• Perform initial assessment
• Patient education
• Review of research
• Develop and carry out plans of care
• Administer medication
• Perform lab tests
• Perform administrative duties
• Monitor vital signs
• Provide emotional and spiritual support

Salary

The salary offered for most volunteer positions is the good feeling you get inside. However, some do offer a stipend for living and/or room/board. Another non-tangible reward is the new friendships you will develop and treasure. It is also a great way to network with other health professionals with similar interests. Networking can bring you immeasurable rewards in the way of new job opportunities, new volunteer opportunities and will certainly expand your views.

Another intangible reward is the ability to impact nursing in the future. By being politically active, you are paying it forward to the new nurses and to the people who haven't even considered becoming nurses. With healthcare costs rising and insurance coverage unsure for many Americans, it is important that we as nurses be politically active.