Missionary nurse

A missionary nurse works through a religious non-profit, or humanitarian group, providing physical care and spiritual support to patients in underdeveloped areas of the world.

Required education

ADN or BSN

Varied

Take on different tasks, patients, and situations every day.

Managerial

Oversee other nurses and help improve healthcare for all.

Patient-facing

Work hands-on, directly with patients.

Independent

Work on your own or even start your own practice, in some states.

What is the role of a missionary nurse?

You’ll help people who have limited access to basic healthcare and resources, such as modern medicine, vaccines and clean drinking water

What you’ll do as a missionary nurse

Education

You’ll teach people about proper health and dental care, hygiene, and disease prevention.

Guidance

Along with physical care, you’ll provide spiritual reassurance to your patients and people in the community.

Maintenance

Your work will often continue when you return home, including raising awareness and money for medical supplies, schools and facilities for the communities you’ve worked in.

Treatment

You’ll provide a wide variety of direct patient care, from giving vaccinations to treating illnesses and dressing wounds.

EMS nurse taking vitals of a collapsed female runner

Where you’ll work as a missionary nurse

Missionary nurses work in a variety of settings, including:

Missionary hospitals and clinics
Community centers
Churches
Schools

How to become a missionary nurse

Get an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

Take elective courses in international nursing and foreign languages.

Pass the NCLEX-RN and work as a Registered Nurse.

The National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX) is the all-important step between graduating from nursing school and becoming a nurse. It’s a standardized test, set by the Board of Nursing in each state, that makes sure you have the knowledge and skills you need to work in the field of nursing.

It will be helpful if you hold the Basic Life Support Certification from the American Heart Association or Red Cross.

You’re ready to work as a missionary nurse!