Mercy Volunteers in the healthcare field are placed in community clinics and hospitals in the United States and Guyana, South America. Clinical experience is available in nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, health advocacy, and pastoral care. Some positions require a license including nurses, therapists, and medical assistants. Volunteers can also serve in non-clinic roles that are great for a gap year before medical school. Volunteers commit to spiritual growth and simple living in community with other volunteers.
Service Activities
Nurses triage patients, provide ongoing care for hospitalized, administer assessments and medications, and document care in electronic medical records. Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapists provide therapy to build independence and skills in these areas. Health advocates provide hospitality and support to patients through accompaniment to medical appointments, connection to government and local services, support through documentation and administrative processes, and outreach to vulnerable communities. Volunteers providing pastoral care will support patients through spiritual care and connection during challenging health circumstances.
Community Need Addressed
Mercy Volunteers serve as nurses, patient advocates, Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, medical assistants, and clinic support staff for communities that are underinsured or uninsured, have disabilities, or are aging. Volunteers work in hospitals, community clinics, and schools.
Position Outcomes
Patients and clients will receive necessary health care services directly from volunteers or with the support of volunteers.
Benefits
Health coverage, Housing, Living allowance, Stipend, Student loan forbearance
Quarterly retreats are hosted by Mercy Volunteer Corps to provide volunteers with opportunities for reflection, spiritual growth, and shared experiences. Throughout the service, Mercy Volunteer Corps provides volunteers with webinars for personal and professional development.
Skills you will gain
Volunteers will develop skills in patient care, electronic medical record systems, technology, interpersonal relationships, and compassionate care.
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Demonstrate sensitivity and empathy, Listen to and consider others' viewpoints, Maintain open lines of communication with others, Speak clearly, in precise language and in a logical, organized and coherent manner, Turn taking, Write cleary and effectively
Creativity & Problem Solving
Able to identify and define the problem, Capable of generating possible solutions, Communicate the problem to appropriate personnel, Provide relevant expertise, Select and implement well-considered solution
Teamwork
Develop constructive working relationships and maintain them over time, Establish a high degree of trust and credibility with others, Interact professionally and respectfully with supervisors and co-workers, Stay positive and outcome oriented, Use appropriate strategies and solutions for dealing with conflicts and differences to maintain a smooth workflow
Decisions
Accepts responsibility, Anticipate the consequences of decisions, Identify and prioritize the key issues involved to facilitate the decision making process, Involve people appropriately in decisions that may impact them, Quickly respond with a back-up plan if a decision goes amiss
Tools
Carefully consider which tools or technological solutions are appropriate for a given job, Consistently choose the best tool or technological solution for the problem at hand, Operate tools and equipment in accordance with established operating procedures, safety standards, and ethical guidelines, Seek opportunities to improve knowledge of tools and technologies that may assist in streamlining work and improving productivity
Planning
Able to prioritize various competing tasks, Create environment of contribution, Create plan of action, schedule tasks so that work is completed on time, Demonstrate the effective allocation of time and resources efficiently, Drive decision making, Set goals
Service
Be pleasant, courteous, professional and respectful when dealing with internal and external customers or clients, Evaluate customer or client satisfaction, Honor the privilege of being able to work with and for those being served, Provide personalized, prompt, and efficient service to meet the requirements, requests and needs of customers, Recognize the importance of maintaining privacy and confidentiality of those being served, Understand and anticipate the needs of others, Understand the importance of one's role in the functioning of the organization, Understand the significance of maintaining a healthful and safe environment