Ward Nurse Educator

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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
With so many volunteers coming and going, it is the Ward Nurse Educator who is there to provide orientation and support to incoming Ward and dockside Nurses, so that Mercy Ships can effectively and safely care for patients pre- and post-surgery. With a heart for loving and serving others, the Ward Nurse Educator eases the transition and encourages the success of the Nurses onboard.
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
Provide clinical support, as well as mentorship, to Ward staff, encouraging healthy team dynamics, morale, relationships and spiritual growth
Facilitate the orientation program for all Ward and dockside Nurses
Demonstrate cultural sensitivity while partnering with and teaching a multinational medical staff
Plan and facilitate weekly ‘Medical In-Services’ for Crew
Provide research and advice for up-to-date methods of best practice in ward policies and procedures and increase skill levels of our Nurses during their service on board
This role is split 50/50 between completing educator duties and working rotating shifts on the Wards (including evenings/weekends)
What You Will Need
Successful completion of Mercy Ships On Boarding program
Mercy Ships Alumni required
Registered Nurse with active license in home country; a minimum three years’ experience needed after licensure
Recent acute inpatient surgical/medical/Emergency Room/ICU 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 one of these clinical areas within the past 12 months
Current Basic Life Support certification is required; ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) and PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) optional
Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English
Proficiency with computers and Microsoft Office Suite
Teaching or educator experience preferred
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.