Ward Nurse (Pediatric)

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 inpatient surgical care to our patients, the Ward Nurses work around the clock to see that each and every patient receives the care and attention they deserve.

What you will contribute

• Administer holistic patient care to assigned patients and expect to care for both children and adults on a mulit-bed open ward

• Employ recent surgical experience in providing pre- and post-operative care to patients receiving maxillofacial, reconstructive plastic, general, pediatric, women’s health or orthopedic surgery (Experience in one of these surgical specialties preferred)

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

• Coordinate patient care with the specialty Team Leaders, Charge Nurses, Hospitalist Physicians and Surgeons

For This Role, You Will Need

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

• Recent acute pediatric inpatient surgical/medical/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 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; PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) preferred and ACLS (Advanced Cardiac 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

• Successful completion of Mercy Ships On Boarding program will be required for commitments of 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.