Anesthesia Provider
Medical
Min 2 Weeks
Please carefully read the role description below to verify that you meet the requirements. The apply button can be found at the bottom of this page.
Driven to provide hope & healing.
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 Anesthesia Provider provides anesthetic care (without the supervision of another medical doctor) to patients undergoing surgical and diagnostic procedures as well as occasionally manage patients in the Intensive Care Unit.
Requirements
Each role with Mercy Ships calls for a unique blend of experience, skills, and qualifications. The info below outlines what’s needed to serve effectively in this position—to meet operational standards and to help you thrive as part of the team.
What You Will Contribute
Pre-operative patient assessment
Culturally appropriate explanation of anesthesia to the patient
Preparation and checking of drugs, monitoring and all anesthetic equipment
Administration of general anesthesia
Maintain clear anesthetic records on each patient
Participate in Anesthetist on-call schedule
What You Will Need
Consultant of Board Certified Anesthesiologist, Registrar level anesthesia provider or Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
Minimum of 5 years’ experience (including anesthesia training) is desirable
Must be actively practicing Anesthesia within the past 2 years
Advanced Cardiac Life Support certification or Pediatric Advanced Life Support certification required
Fluency in English
Flexibility and sensitivity to language and cultural diversity
Proficiency in spinal anesthesia, ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia, pediatric anesthesia, difficult airway management of patients in intensive care is desirable
Special Guidance for CRNAs:
Mercy Ships is a remote environment where supervision by a physician anesthesiologist cannot be guaranteed at all times. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists wishing to work as an Anesthesia Provider must understand and agree to work in this situation and be able to take full responsibility for their actions.
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)’s must be prepared to work without medical supervision, including on call responsibilities. These responsibilities may include caring for infants and patients with difficult airways in the operating room, as well as caring for critically ill patients in the ICU.
CRNA’s serving for the first time are expected to apply for an Anesthetic Assistant position in order to assess their comfort and skill level before being accepted to serve as an Anesthesia Provider.
About the team
You’ll be part of the Medical Team, a close-knit group of dedicated medical professionals working together to bring hope and healing through surgical and medical care.
Frequently asked questions.
We are so excited that you are interested in learning more about serving with us. These are the most common questions we receive for this department.
SCAM ALERT: Please be aware of recruitment scams. Mercy Ships will never charge any fees as a part of the recruitment process. For more info click here.
Click here for a list of medical requirements to serve, including required immunizations.
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.
Faith-Led Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion
Mercy Ships is a faith-based organization welcoming volunteers from diverse backgrounds and experiences who are committed to our mission and values. All qualified applicants will receive consideration.
Beware of Imposters: Confirm All Volunteer Communications
Volunteer opportunities and invitations to serve will always come directly from Mercy Ships’ official volunteer engagement teams. Never provide personal information to anyone without confirming their connection to Mercy Ships.
