Nurse

Requirements

• 21 years or older
• Minimum of 13-month commitment
• Enjoys working with kids.
• Proficient in spoken Spanish/ or Creole (for Haiti)
• Degree in Nursing science; work experience required
• Patience and dedication for the kids
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team, but can also take initiative and work independently.
• Flexible
• Organizational and time-management skills to plan and maintain patient schedule, as well as documentation and reports.

Overview

The on-site (or “internal”) clinic serves the children, staff and volunteers of NPH. Each home has a different arrangement with a local community doctor or a permanent clinician. In the event that a doctor is not on the premises, the nurses are the primary medical caregiver for any accidents or providing medications. Our clinics are open 24 hours a day to serve the needs of the children at all times. In the event of a serious accident or emergency the children are transported to the nearest hospital for treatment.

Children come to the clinic for various reasons including medications, illnesses, injuries and general check-ups. The nurse is essential in insuring that all of the daily tasks that occur in the clinic are organized and executed. Often nurses work in the evenings and on weekends to guarantee 24/7 healthcare available on-site.

When new children arrive at NPH, they stay in the clinic for an assessment that includes health exams, and treatments as they slowly integrate into the home. The nurses accompany the children through their first days in the home. In addition, in many of our homes we have children with chronic conditions and they take regular medicine. The on-site nurse distributes this permanent medication.

Nurses also often work in educational programs within the clinic and throughout the home as well.

Volunteers in this role need to be patient, open-minded and flexible.

Other Responsibilities

Each volunteer chooses an hogar (group of children of the same age living together) at the beginning of their year. Each home’s Volunteer Coordinator will communicate the expectations for hogar time. Usually, it is six days a week, 6 to 8 p.m., but this might vary per home. This has been described as the most fulfilling part of volunteering, the bond and relationships formed with their hogar of children.

Volunteers have every other weekend off, as well as up to 22 days of vacation time after four months of service. Vacation must be arranged according to the specific home’s policies.

NPH Volunteers must be at least 21 years old and commit for a year.  All NPH volunteers receive room and board, access to medical care, and a modest monthly stipend. NPH USA pays for health insurance (up to $500/year). Volunteers are responsible for paying their transportation to and from the country where they will serve, as well as any pre-trip expenses like vaccines and language school (if needed).

For more information, please write to the Director of International Engagement, Dr. Jennifer Foster, at jafoster@nphusa.org.