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The Peace Corps volunteers live and work with people in the poorer areas of the world, helping to improve their communities, promote peace and show the good side of Americans. While living and working in another country, you’ll have the chance to get to know the people, experience their culture and see another environment – often one that is very foreign to most Americans — all on a first hand basis.
Some of the areas in the world served by the Peace Corps include Africa, the Caribbean, Central America, Europe and Asia. The interesting thing about the Peace Corps is that they accept almost anyone who wants to volunteer – even if that person has a chronic health problem like diabetes or heart disease. Seeing to the medical needs of some 7000 volunteers is the business of a Peace Corp Nurse.
A Peace Corp nurse screens volunteers before they are accepted and handles emergencies both in the field and at a facility in Washington D.C. It’s the Peace Corps Nurse’s job to make sure the volunteers stay healthy and able to do their work overseas. When volunteers become sick, they come to the facility, receive treatment and care from a Peace Corps Nurse, then return to service as soon as possible.
In the field, duties include evaluating and setting up health care facilities, diagnosing and treating disease, dispensing vaccinations and dealing with injuries that require hospitalization. Nurses work in clinics or as educators — teaching the local populace about healthy living.
As a Peace Corps nurse with a one year contract , you’ll receive benefits like airfare, storage for your possessions while you are overseas, an allowance of $6,000, dental and medical care, 2 days a month vacation and the experience of living in a country somewhere in the world that really needs your help.
Peace Corps nursing is definitely not for every nurse. But many nurses feel it gives them a chance to work in an area where their expertise is truly needed — and appreciated — and that the experience has enhanced their careers in an eye-opening way.
