2 answers
Ruth
Student
Douglas, Arizona
1
Question
Updated
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What is the best way to gain realistic experience if I want to work as a nurse in 3rd world countries?
It is my ultimate goal to join Doctors without borders or a similar idea, but I would like to be best prepared for work with little to no assets.
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2 answers
Jing Wang
Business Support
49
Answers
Dalian, Liaoning, China
Updated
Jing’s Answer
Hi Ruth,
Thank you for your question. MSF is a career which is quite admirable and well-respected. While you are a student today, it's a long journey for you to achieve your dream.
First, you need to get foundational knowledge and obtain necessary valid nursing license in the US, so the first step is to focus on completing your degree and passing the NCLEX ( equivalent exam).
Second, build up your clinical experience, since MSF requires at least 2-3 years of full-time clinical experience after licensing. To build up realistic skills, you can work in settings that mimic field conditions. And volunteer is another good path, before going abroad, volunteer with organizations that serve refugee populations, homeless communities, or disaster relief efforts in the US, which will help you practice cross-cultural communication and working in challenging conditions without leaving home.
Third, get certified in critical care and field medicine is very important, such as Basic Life Support, Pediatric Advanced Life Support, Advanced Trauma Life Support etc., these certifications are highly valued by MSF.
In addition, it's better to learn basic French or Spanish, because as you know MSF operates in many French-speaking and Spanish-speaking countries.
Best wishes to you and good luck
Thank you for your question. MSF is a career which is quite admirable and well-respected. While you are a student today, it's a long journey for you to achieve your dream.
First, you need to get foundational knowledge and obtain necessary valid nursing license in the US, so the first step is to focus on completing your degree and passing the NCLEX ( equivalent exam).
Second, build up your clinical experience, since MSF requires at least 2-3 years of full-time clinical experience after licensing. To build up realistic skills, you can work in settings that mimic field conditions. And volunteer is another good path, before going abroad, volunteer with organizations that serve refugee populations, homeless communities, or disaster relief efforts in the US, which will help you practice cross-cultural communication and working in challenging conditions without leaving home.
Third, get certified in critical care and field medicine is very important, such as Basic Life Support, Pediatric Advanced Life Support, Advanced Trauma Life Support etc., these certifications are highly valued by MSF.
In addition, it's better to learn basic French or Spanish, because as you know MSF operates in many French-speaking and Spanish-speaking countries.
Best wishes to you and good luck
Josh Taylor
19
Answers
Cleveland, Ohio
Updated
Josh’s Answer
Going beyond the education requirements and certifications, research what the conditions and circumstances are like in the countries you are targeting. Do they have limited supplies but the top-of-the-line technology? Do they have plentiful supply but old and antiquated technology? Technology here isn't always an electronic device. It could simply be the tools they use - they re-use an ear curette by simply wiping it of vs re-sterilizing it. Or they have plenty of disposable ones. Once you have an understanding, how can you replicate this?
Volunteering at organizations who rely on donations, skeleton staffing crews, volunteer workforce, in times of crisis can add valuable experience. While taking the coursework to build your education and certification, these opportunities will allow you build up hands-on experiences.
Best wishes!
Volunteering at organizations who rely on donations, skeleton staffing crews, volunteer workforce, in times of crisis can add valuable experience. While taking the coursework to build your education and certification, these opportunities will allow you build up hands-on experiences.
Best wishes!