The on-site area of responsibility of nurses during a mission is very different from working in Europe. In many locations, the basic nursing activities for patients will be taken over by relatives and local personnel. The bulk of the international aid effort is therefore responsibility, above all else, for the education and further training of local staff and assistants. Further tasks during a mission are the carrying out of vaccination programs, mother-child advisory service, hospital organization, hygiene measures, management of drug stocks, organization of food centers, data collection, management of personnel, and contact with local authorities. Surgical nurses have their own fields of emphasis.

Special Requirements:

• Nursing degree and two years of practical experience after attainment of diploma
• Training in tropical medicine or other additional knowledge (Public Health, Epidemiology, Nutrition, Tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS etc.)
• At least 6 to 12 months of availability for a mission
• Good understanding and fluency in English; 
  Knowledge of other languages - in particular French - is an asset.

On mission, surgical nurses often have to work with the most basic technical equipment and under difficult conditions. An as wide-ranging practical experience as possible is necessary. Their areas of responsibility range from practical assistance in surgery to organizational duties and training of local surgical staff. It is often their main goal to ensure the minimum standard of hygiene, even with the most simple technical equipment in the operation theatre.

Special Requirements:

• Nursing and surgical nursing degree
• At least two years of practicle experience in the operation theatre
• At least four weeks of availability for a mission