Outpatient Nurse

Mercy Ships is an international charity that brings hope and healing to the world’s forgotten poor through state-of-the-art hospital ships. Since 1978, our volunteer crew—made up of medical professionals and skilled workers from over 60 nations—has delivered free surgeries and medical care to over 2.8 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa, transforming lives one patient and one port at a time. Join our global team of over 3,000 volunteers and help us change lives daily.

About this role

Working hands-on to deliver outpatient post-operative care to our patients, the Outpatient Nurses work to see that each and every patient receives the care and attention they deserve.

What you will contribute

• Provide wound care, venipuncture/blood draws, education, counseling, and explain medications, nutrition and test results to adult and pediatric patients who have been discharged from the surgical wards

• Coordinate appropriate consults from surgeons or hospital physicians for treatment of medical issues that arise, including routine post-operative checkups

• Document all care and instructions accurately and thoroughly

• Partner with local Day Crew translators to provide culturally sensitive and compassionate care to patients

For This Role, You Will Need

• Registered Nurse with active license in home country; a minimum two years’ experience needed after licensure

• Relevant (>6 months) wound care experience required (post-surgical incisions/wounds, complex dressing changes)

• Recent acute  surgical/medical/emergency room/wound care unit/outpatient department experience of at least two years full-time or three years part-time in the past 5 years AND at the point of application can show working 30 hours or more per week in any of these clinical areas within the past 12 months

• Current Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) or Basic Life Support (BLS) certification with theory test and hands-on skills assessment is required; ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) and PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) optional

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with fluency in English

• An ability to effectively work with others in a cross-cultural environment

• Completion of Mercy Ships On Boarding program for commitments 12 months or more

The experience of a lifetime is calling.

More than 1,200 volunteers from over 60 nations serve with Mercy Ships each year.

At Mercy Ships, we are proud to be recognized around the world for the life-changing surgeries and training we deliver. We could not achieve this without our dedicated community of talented volunteers.

Imagine finishing your shift and stepping onto deck as the sun sets—knowing that today you’ve helped transform the lives of those who need it most. Apply now to start a journey that will reshape the lives of those you serve — and your own.