“I am grateful for this opportunity to serve at Mercy Ships and hope to create my own NGO someday to empower young Malagasy girls and street kids. I believe that, as a Christian, I should reach out with God’s love to those living on the margins of society.”

Jessica Bency, Translator

Some students learn a new skill in a classrooms, others might visit websites to grow in their education. Jessica Bency’s pursuit of knowledge came from a different place.

Jessica currently works with Mercy Ships as a translator, bridging the gap between volunteer and patient as lives are changed through safe, free surgery on board the Africa Mercy. But her journey to becoming an interpreter was a unique one. Not only did she have the remarkable determination to learn English on her own, without any formal training, but the guide she used to develop this skill was none other than the Bible. 

“My friend invited me to join him for Bible study at their church,” Jessica shared. “I really enjoyed the lessons, but it was so hard for me to follow what was being discussed on days when my friend was unable to attend the meetings. His absence meant that I had to figure out what was being said on my own.”  

In 2017, she met Matilda, a South African missionary who also attended her church — and she had a solution for the language barrier in Jessica’s way. 

“She gave me an English language Bible and suggested a really smart way for me to study it,” Jessica recalls. “Read my Malagasy language Bible alongside the English language one, and that way, I would understand what was being said.”  

The method worked! Jessica continuously grew both spiritually and in her English comprehension. She didn’t know at the time, but God was using her determination to learn English to prepare her for a new opportunity. One that would change lives and transform futures.

“I had learned about Mercy Ships before through social media and really liked the work that they do,” she said. “I had a friend who works on the ship as a crewmember. He encouraged me to apply.” 

When one of our hospital ships arrives in-country for a new field service, it is staffed with hundreds of volunteers. And working alongside those volunteers are our national crew — native speakers of national languages who are familiar with local customs and etiquette. These national crew members team up with Mercy Ships crew across all departments to interpret for patients and their caregivers, as well as healthcare professionals receiving training.  

For Jessica, who works with the communications team on board, the role involves interpreting interviews with the patients whose stories are being documented from pre-operation to post-operation — even visiting them at home to share how their lives have been transformed. Thanks to the efforts of Jessica and other national crew like her, we can share stories that otherwise might not be heard.  

One of Jessica’s favorite parts about being on board is the opportunity she has to practice her English as well as further strengthen her own faith: “The people here are so kind and love the Lord. I have grown in my walk with the Lord while on board!” 

In the ever-changing landscape of healthcare, a career in nursing can take many different forms. From working in an emergency clinic to supporting a private practice to being a volunteer nurse on board the world’s largest civilian hospital ship, the locale may change, but the heart behind the work never does.  

We’ve seen firsthand how nurses are some of the hardest-working people in the medical field. They’re often the first line of hope for hurting people. Their work goes far beyond administering medicine and care. They offer compassion and comfort to their patients when they need it most. Without nurses, healing would be even greater struggle. And our work would be impossible without the dedication of our volunteer nurses on the Africa Mercy and the Global Mercy.

Today nurses are needed now more than ever. The COVID-19 pandemic was extremely hard on the nursing community. It’s left the entire world in a shortage and every medical facility is always in need of more. This has left nurses with a wide variety of career opportunities in almost every part of the world.

With so many opportunities out there, why should someone in nursing consider using their vacation time, take a leave of absence, or completely change their life to volunteer with Mercy Ships?

That’s what we’re here to tell you about.

Why Volunteer as a Nurse 

“What motivates me is job satisfaction. I am satisfied knowing I am doing good for someone. I am part of a team that believes in that person, who needs help and hope. I want to be a part of that. It gives me the feeling that I have served God to help this patient. That makes me happy.” — Heather Wilson (OR Nurse)

Volunteering as a nurse profoundly impacts communities in need. By offering your skills and expertise, you can make a real difference in the lives of those who lack access to desperately needed medical care. Whether you choose to serve in underserved areas locally or abroad, your contribution as a volunteer nurse can help save lives and improve the overall well-being of communities that might never experience the kind of care you can provide.

These are just a few of the numerous benefits of volunteering as a nurse: 

1. Volunteering gives you a chance to use your nursing skills meaningfully outside of your regular work environment. These unique experiences give you valuable insight into diverse healthcare settings and help you learn to adapt to challenging situations.  
2. Volunteering provides an opportunity to broaden your knowledge and skills by working with different patient populations and healthcare professionals. 
3. Volunteering can also lead to personal growth. When faced with challenges and unique environments, you have the chance to develop empathy, compassion, and cultural sensitivity as you interact with individuals from diverse backgrounds. You can build meaningful connections with patients and their families, providing support and care during their most vulnerable moments.
4. You get to share your knowledge with other members of the medical community all over the world. You’ve had training that nurses in other countries don’t have access to. Taking your skills overseas to teach others won’t just change lives in the moment. It will impact countries for generations to come.  

Overall, volunteering as a nurse is a fulfilling experience that could reignite your passion for what you do. Helping hurting people and sharing your knowledge are amazing ways to find even more purpose in your life.

“We are here to provide life-changing surgeries, hope and healing!” — Molly Dixon (Preop Nurse)

Mercy Ships’ Nurses Keep Us Afloat

If you are a nurse looking to make a difference in the lives of others, volunteering with Mercy Ships could be the rewarding experience you’ve been searching for. We want to take a minute to walk you through our application process and what to expect once you’re on board. 

There, you will find detailed information about the application process and requirements. You can submit your application online by finding the position you’re interested in, filling out the forms, and providing the requested documentation. You can make the process quicker and easier by providing as much relevant information as possible, including your nursing qualifications, experience, and any specialized skills you possess. 

Once your application is submitted, one of our recruiting specialists will review it thoroughly. If you meet the requirements and align with our mission, you may be invited for an interview. 

If you are selected to join our team as a volunteer nurse, you will embark on one the most incredible journeys of your life.

Once you’re on board, you can expect to work alongside a diverse team of healthcare professionals from all over 40 countries. You will have the opportunity to provide medical care and support to patients in need, both on our hospital ship and our land-based medical programs. 

Volunteering as a nurse with Mercy Ships is not just about providing medical care. It’s also about building relationships, fostering hope, and making a difference in the lives of the most vulnerable. If you’re ready to use your nursing skills to transform lives, apply today and join us on this incredible journey. 

Our Volunteer Nursing Roles

“As a PICU nurse on the Africa Mercy, I get to be a part of rebuilding broken hearts with love and laughter and the light of Jesus. This is why I volunteer.” — Meggin Tallman (PICU Nurse)

At Mercy Ships, we offer a variety of volunteer nursing positions that provide you the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those in need. Whether you prefer hospital-based positions or specialized opportunities, we have options that match your skills and interests. 

If you enjoy the fast-paced environment of a hospital, our hospital-based volunteer nursing positions are perfect for you. As a volunteer nurse in our state-of-the-art hospital ships, you will work alongside a dedicated team of medical professionals to provide essential healthcare services to patients who otherwise lack access to medical care. Every day, you’ll have the chance to use everything you’ve learned in different areas, including the operating room, recovery room, and general patient care. 

If you have a specialized area of nursing expertise, we also have volunteer opportunities tailored to your skills. Whether you are an experienced pediatric nurse, a wound care specialist, or have expertise in a specific medical field, we can match you with a role that allows you to utilize your unique skills and knowledge. 

We don’t just need nurses, though. We can’t do the work we do without people from all different professional backgrounds. From administrative roles to technical positions, there are various ways to contribute to our mission of providing life-changing medical care to those in need. Explore our website to learn more about the different volunteer roles available and find the perfect fit for your skills and passion. 

Requirements for Volunteer Nursing 

Volunteering as a nurse with Mercy Ships is a rewarding and impactful way to use your skills to make a difference in the lives of those in need. To ensure the safety and quality of care provided on board our hospital ships, there are a few requirements for volunteer nursing that must be met. 

1. Nursing Certifications and Qualifications: First and foremost, you must hold a valid nursing license in your country of residence and have completed an accredited nursing program. Additional certifications or specializations in areas such as pediatric nursing or intensive care are highly valued. 
2. Background Checks and Health Screenings: As part of our commitment to patient safety, all volunteer nurses are required to undergo background checks and health screenings. This includes providing references, completing a criminal background check, and submitting a comprehensive medical evaluation. These measures ensure that our volunteers are suitable for working in a healthcare environment and capable of providing high-quality care. 
3. Availability and Commitment Expectations: Availability and commitment expectations are also important considerations. Our hospital ships typically operate on a 10-month field service schedule, during which time volunteers are expected to commit to a minimum service period of three months. This allows for continuity of care and ensures that our patients receive the best possible treatment. 

If you meet these requirements and are passionate about using your nursing skills to bring hope and healing to those in need, we invite you to join our team of volunteer nurses. Your expertise and compassion can make a lasting impact on the lives of individuals and communities around the world. 

What Makes Mercy Ships Different? 

“I’ve met really wonderful people around the ship. It’s really something. You feel like you have a real family, so I really love this family.” — lvis Ngwang (preop nurse)

For over 45 years, Mercy Ships has used our hospital ships to bring life-changing and, in many cases, lifesaving medical care to those struggling with treatable and preventable conditions such as cleft lip, bowed legs, cataracts, benign tumors, and more.  

And we continue this mission today through the thousands of volunteers serving on board our two hospital ships, the Global Mercy and the Africa Mercy. Over 1,000 volunteers from more than 50 different nations serve on board our ships annually — a truly international team working and living alongside one another.  

Serving on board one of our ships is similar to living in a small city. You know your neighbors. Friends abound. The dining hall is a great place to eat as a family or with a group of friends. Then there’s the academy where kids and crew members attend school. And community church services are filled with lively and joyous worship.  

Crew are adults. Crew are kids. Families. Singles. Young. Mature. Wise. Learning. All coming together to share a common goal — serving those in need.