Guest Posting by Joy Edwards, RN.
Thanks to Dr. Robert’s recommendation I created a list of opportunities for us as nurses if we wanted to help impoverished countries as clinical professionals.
Here is a list of organizations along with the requirements.
1. Doctors without borders
https://www.doctorswithoutborders.ca/job-profile/nurses
This is a quick overview of requirements
Doctors Without Borders favors at least 2 years of active commitment, during which time fieldworkers complete 2 to 4 field assignments. A minimum of two years of professional work experience is required. Language skills are a strong asset. The ability to speak French, Spanish, Russian, Arabic or an African language, as well as English, relevant travel or work experience in a developing country or remote parts of Canada.
What I like is Doctors without borders provides coverage for your health, licensure all things needed to travel abroad in terms of immunizations, malpractice insurance and they provide a monthly stipend as well.
2. Nursing volunteer blog has some opportunities listed as well.
Overview of requirements
IVHQ runs volunteer programs year-round, and you can choose to volunteer abroad for durations ranging from 2 weeks to 24 weeks, and this one requires you to pay program fees starting as low as $180 for 1 week.
3. Samaritan’s Purse International Mission
A 501(c)(3) Christian organization offers a variety of missions ranging from healthcare, clean water initiative, feeding projects, construction projects, and sanitation. Nurses are required to submit an online application and letters of recommendation from current and former colleagues.
While this organization is rooted in the Christian faith, it has a strong reputation in the volunteer community. It welcomes individuals of all religious affiliations. Trip locations vary but have included Iraq, Vietnam, Kenya, and Tanzania. Costs also vary based on the length, ranging 2 to 4 weeks, of the trip but can range from $500-$2500.
4. MEDICO
A non-denominational humanitarian organization focuses entirely on the needs of Central America. Trips typically last 7-10 days and are comprised of medical and non-medical volunteers.
These trips tend to be more rustic in accommodations such as back-packer tents and cots. Living conditions are important to consider when determining which mission organization is best suited for you. Trips are typical $1500.
5. Project HOPE
Project HOPE currently has medical projects focusing on infectious disease, chronic disease, health policy, disasters and health crisis, and maternal/neonatal/child health.
Current needs are for Spanish speaking nurses to assist in Puerto Rico, but other openings are available in China, Haiti, Kosovo, and the Dominican Republic. Costs are based strictly on the length of time and location. Volunteer opportunities are sparse for nurses and often fill up very quickly.
This short list is only a small sampling of organizations that conduct medical missions to help serve those in need. Missions range in length of time and price, but there are ones that could potentially fit everyone’s needs.
What I have found is many require out of pocket expense upfront to help. The only one on this list that provides a stipend from what I’ve seen is doctors without borders, and the stipend is 2790 a month which I believe is across the board for all medical professionals.
References
https://nurse.org/articles/get-involved-with-nursing-medical-mission-trips/ accessed February 8,2019
