Meet Lucy

“Lucy loves school. Even when she is not in school, she loves to study.”

According to her mom, Isatu, 14-year-old Lucy spends most of her time learning about science and working toward her dream of becoming a doctor. And when she isn’t studying, she can be found lending a helping hand wherever it’s needed.

“She is a very helpful girl,” shared Lucy’s teacher, Aminata. “If she met you in the stream doing your washing, she would help.”

Her kind heart and helpful disposition are beloved by all around her, making it easy to imagine Lucy thriving in her dream of becoming a doctor. But in recent years, an obstacle threatened her future dreams — and even her life.

Lucy noticed something wrong in 2021 when she began feeling severe pain in one of her teeth. The aching tooth eventually fell out, but the pain remained. Soon, a swelling began that eventually developed into a tumor in her right cheek, likely caused by infection.

“We never went to the hospital. We did not have the money to go,” Isatu shared. “When it began to swell, I got her local herbs, but that did not help.”

Dr. Didier-David Malis, an oral maxillofacial surgeon from Switzerland and Mercy Ships volunteer, described Lucy’s condition as “an aggressive tumor, which could change her appearance… impacting her relationship with others and dysfunction in terms of swallowing and speaking.”

Dr. Malis added that without surgery, the tumor would continue to grow until Lucy could no longer breathe.

Living with a constant fear of what may come is something that no 14-year-old should have to face. But for Lucy, it was just one part of the burden she had been forced to endure. Despite her bright and friendly personality, the pain from the tumor — and the stares that accompanied it — began to weigh on her.

“Lucy is bold, but when the other children started to laugh at her, she became very quiet,” said her mother. “She would get sad when children laughed at her because of the swelling. The teacher had to tell them to stop.”

With no way to afford the surgery required to remove the tumor, her family feared they would remain without hope for healing… but then news arrived that changed Lucy’s future.

Thanks to a partnership, Lucy’s school received assistance from a nonprofit called Educaid. Friends from the group learned of Lucy’s condition and shared about another organization that utilized unique hospital ships to serve children in need.

Lucy and her mother were overjoyed by the news and quickly registered for a prospective surgery. The day they came to the ship, the two arrived early, eagerly awaiting the operation that would change Lucy’s life.

The surgery was extensive — lasting five hours and required a team of four surgeons and scrub nurses — but it was a success!

Soon, Lucy was back in the wards recovering from the operation. Her “bold” spirit reappeared as she made new friends with the other patients on board the ship, playing and dancing with them as they recovered.

“She’s the first person who ever got me up dancing at work because when she wanted you to do something, you did it,” shared Jeri Harper, a pediatric nurse and Mercy Ships volunteer. She became the center of everything that went on in that ward.”

After fully recovering, Lucy left the hospital ship, her body transformed, and her future bright. When she returned home, she was greeted by a cheering crowd. Amazed by her transformation, her uncle couldn’t help but exclaim, “Lucy! Lucy! Is that you?”

“She has changed back to the way she used to be,” one person noted. “She now mixes with people, makes friends, and helps others. She is extending all her good deeds now. She is so wonderful now.”

While she has missed a lot of school, her teacher says she is catching up quickly. And with her newfound confidence, nothing can keep her from pursuing her dream of becoming a doctor.

“I wasn’t feeling good when I had that thing on my face… I was ashamed,” Lucy shared. “Now, after the surgery, I feel good!”

Joining the Crew

In 2022, a Mercy Ships chaplain visited Olumuyiwa’s home country of Nigeria.

“He spoke to me about the amazing things happening on the ship, the lives that are being transformed every day,” Olumuyiwa recalled. As he listened, it struck him. He wanted to be a part of this mission.

“That same very day, I picked up my laptop and applied to come and serve,” he said.

Once he’d climbed the gangway of the Global Mercy, Olumuyiwa’s attention turned toward helping to bring others on board. As a P&C facilitator, he works closely with the ship’s department heads and Mercy Ships’ 16 national offices around the globe.

“The mission of my department is getting and keeping the right people on board,” he said. “That is also my joy that I’m able to serve our crewmembers before they come and also while they are on board.”

Often, Olumuyiwa works to help a potential volunteer navigate the application process, along with the international requirements that go along with living abroad. When that person finally walks up the gangway, it’s a surreal experience.

“It’s good to see the face behind the name,” he said. “These are also people who have left what they used to be much more familiar with to embrace something that is probably foreign to them.”

Olumuyiwa knows these newcomers need support — and that’s when his role is most important.

Set Up for Success

Once these volunteers from all over the world come on board, the P&C team’s work is just beginning.

“When they arrive, there’s also something I am doing to support them to have a wonderful time on board,” Olumuyiwa said.

P&C continues to assist crewmembers as they serve, some for weeks and some for months or even years. Olumuyiwa said this ongoing support is what helps Mercy Ships retain the right people.

“From day one, Mercy Ships set me up for success,” he said. “I’ve been equipped with tools, technologies, and training that have allowed me to be able to implement (P&C) best practices.”

By extension, Olumuyiwa said, his team does the same for the rest of the crew.

“If you sign up to serve with this organization, you are being set up for success,” he said. “Not only that, you are going to be a part of something that is bigger than yourself.”

‘Experience the World in One Spot’

Living on board a hospital ship, surrounded by people from diverse cultures and backgrounds, is bound to be life-changing.

“Every day, I get to be exposed to opportunities to communicate cross-culturally,” said Olumuyiwa. “That means when I speak to people, I have to do more listening. I have to show more empathy.”

When Olumuyiwa hears an unfamiliar viewpoint, he’s learned to think about it in a new light.

“Those views are not wrong,” he said. “They’re just different.”

Olumuyiwa feels that his time on board the Global Mercy has broadened his mind and given him the gift of travel — even when the ship remains docked.

“You get to experience the world in one spot,” he said. “I may not have been to many parts of the world, but on this Global Mercy, I think I’ve been there already.”

From the languages he learns to the foods he tries, Olumuyiwa gets to explore not just his host nation but dozens of other nations as well. In turn, he shares his home country of Nigeria with others.

“It’s a brave and also a bold choice to live in this kind of environment,” he said.

The People & Culture Department has a critical need for more volunteers to help staff the Global Mercy and her sister ship, the Africa Mercy. In 2025, Mercy Ships will have two ships in active field services simultaneously which means more volunteers than ever are needed to serve — and P&C’s recruitment and retention efforts are a vital component of the mission.

“We cannot do this without people. We need people to run with a vision. We need people to pursue the vision,” Olumuyiwa said. “There is a part for you to play.”

Are you ready to find your place on board like Olumuyiwa? Do you want to use your experience to change lives? Mercy Ships has a variety of openings available. Learn more about all current opportunities and take the first steps in this next chapter today.

The post appeared first on Mercy Ships.

2024-08-15

Hospital ship returns to Sierra Leone

All Stories, Press Releases August 15, 2024

Life-changing surgeries and medical training begin soon

Freetown, Sierra Leone – August 15, 2024: The world’s largest civilian hospital ship, the Global Mercy, was welcomed back to Freetown yesterday in a partnership between international charity Mercy Ships and the Government of Sierra Leone to deliver more than 1,400 life-transforming surgeries and continued training opportunities for Sierra Leonean healthcare workers.

The Global Mercy departed the country in June after spending the previous ten months performing 1,979 life-changing surgeries for 1,728 patients and training 145 healthcare professionals on board in that time.

The ship’s return followed an invitation from President Julius Maada Bio for Mercy Ships to extend their stay to continue supporting the delivery of safe surgery and training in Sierra Leone.

In his address last week, President Bio highlighted his commitment to affordable and quality healthcare for all Sierra Leoneans, aiming for Universal Health Coverage, and affirmed the partnership with Mercy Ships, which began in 1992.   

In collaboration with the Ministry of Health, the charity selected patients in 12 locations across the country for the upcoming field service and supports ongoing training for staff at Connaught Hospital and students at the University of Sierra Leone, in line with Sierra Leone’s strategic healthcare plan. 

The ship’s return, after a brief annual maintenance period in Tenerife to fulfill maritime law, was celebrated as the Global Mercy docked. 

The Minister of Health, Dr. Austin Demby welcomed the ship for the second time expressing his excitement about the possibilities of free surgeries for people in desperate need. 

He said: “I’m extremely happy that Mercy Ships honored the President’s call to stay longer to provide life-changing surgeries and train our healthcare professionals. In the next ten months, the ship will perform over 1,400 free surgeries and will continue on-ship training for 130 healthcare workers. As Minister of Health, I am excited about this possibility and very proud of the partnership with Mercy Ships.”

Dr. Sandra Lako, Mercy Ships Country Director for Sierra Leone, said: “We are delighted that the Global Mercy has returned to Sierra Leone. With the strong partnerships formed, we will build upon the existing impact and momentum to support government plans towards the sustainable development of the surgical care system.”

The ship, its volunteers, and the Sierra Leonean national crew will now prepare the hospital on board the ship to deliver the next phase of free surgeries for surgical programs, including maxillofacial/head and neck, general, pediatric orthopedic, pediatric general, reconstructive plastic, and ophthalmic.

For more information about Mercy Ships, contact:

Laura Rebouché

U.S. National Media Relations Director

Mercy Ships

[email protected]

www.mercyships.org/press-media-inquiries

Sophie Barnett

Mercy Ships International PR Manager

[email protected]

2024-08-29

A Nurses’ Calling

August 29, 2024

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:

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.
Volunteering provides an opportunity to broaden your knowledge and skills by working with different patient populations and healthcare professionals.
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.
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.

To apply as a nurse volunteer with Mercy Ships, you’ll need to start here: Volunteer Opportunities (mercyships.org).

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.

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.
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.
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.