Ward Manager

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

The Ward Manager leads the Ward staff and other medical services and provides professional and spiritual support to ensure that high-quality patient care is provided for surgical patients from admission through to discharge.

The Ward Manager is responsible for all aspects of the department, which include the Wards, Intensive Care Unit, Outpatients, Admissions, Rehab, Dietician/Infant Feeding and Ward Admin Assistants.

What you will contribute

• Oversee the daily activities of the Wards, Admissions, Outpatients and Rehabilitation areas

• Encourage healthy team dynamics, morale and relationships in all Ward departments

• Develop, implement, and maintain an organizational structure that is compliant with regulatory standards and provide safe, effective and efficient care to patients

• Supervise the Ward Nurse Educators in preparation of orientation and continuing education materials for all nursing staff

• Review potential applicants for staffing each department

• Work with Hospital staff and external departments regarding health/safety of crew and patients

• Participate in the design of the surgical schedule in regards to Ward staffing

• Oversees the development of comprehensive safety, quality, and performance improvement goals

• Provides oversight for patient safety and quality management decisions

For This Role, You Will Need

• Successful completion of Mercy Ships On Boarding program

• Mercy Ships Alumni required

• Registered Nurse with active license in home country

• Minimum five years’ experience following licensure

• Current Basic Life Support Required; ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support ) & PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) optional

• Leadership/management experience preferred

• Recent acute inpatient surgical, medical, and Emergency Room 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 an acute inpatient surgical, medical, or Emergency Room setting within the past 12 months

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.