Charitable health organizations that employ nurses provide much-needed healthcare services to people in various locations. These dedicated healthcare professionals are not limited to working for non-profit organizations, but for those who choose to do so, this can be a very rewarding experience.
Three Charitable Health Organizations that Employ Nurses
Here are some examples of organizations that employ nurses as part of their staff:
American Red Cross
Nursing has been a part of the services offered by the American Red Cross since 1909. Both paid and volunteer opportunities are offered, and more than 30,000 nurses are currently involved with the American Red Cross.
As a nurse employed by the American Red Cross, you may be involved in the following types of activities:
- Teaching courses in topics such as first aid, CPR, babysitting, child care
- Working at a first aid station
- Providing disaster relief
- Participating in health fairs
- Volunteering at a military hospital
Doctors Without Borders
Doctors Without Borders (Médecins Sans Frontières) is an international humanitarian organization that was established in 1971. People living in nearly 60 countries have been helped by the dedicated people associated with DWB/MSB. They help local populations affected by any of the following circumstances:
- War
- Natural disaster
- Famine
- Malnutrition
- Epidemics
The organization was recognized for its efforts in treating people impartially without regard to politics, religion, or military involvement when it was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1999.
Here are some examples of the duties nurses working for Doctors Without Borders are asked to fulfill:
- Providing primary health care
- Operating feeding centers
- Planning and implementing vaccination programs
- Setting up and managing health posts
- Organizing mother and child health programs
- Training and managing local nurses
UNICEF
UNICEF, the United Nations Children's Fund, works in 190 countries worldwide to improve living conditions for children. From helping them get the best possible start in life to educating people about preventing HIV/AIDS and promoting education for girls, this organization helps to improve the lives of youngsters.
Internships and volunteer opportunities are available for people pursuing a course of study that relates to UNICEF's mission. If you are fluent in English and a second language (Chinese, Russian, Arabic, Spanish, French) and interested in working for a worthwhile organization, this may be the right opportunity for you.
Reasons to Work for a Charitable Health Organization
Working for one of the charitable organizations that employs nurses will give you the chance to provide patient care in a variety of settings. If you are the type of person who got into nursing because you want to care for other people and are not put off by the idea of working in a situation that may lack some modern conveniences, then do consider signing on with a charitable organization.
Not all charitable organizations that employ nurses work on a national or international scale. Need is not confined to people who live in other parts of the world. Don't ignore local charitable organizations when you are looking for nursing work. Opportunities for trained caregivers exist in all locations.
It will be an interesting experience, whether you work with a group helping people who have been affected by a natural disaster for a short time or you decide to work for one of these organizations on a permanent basis. Nursing is all about caring for people's needs and your patients will appreciate the fact that you are there, no matter what location they happen to call home.
