Medical Hands for Healing volunteers are a combination of clinical physicians, anesthesiologists, surgeons, nurses, technicians, translators, support staff and students who are currently pursuing a career in medicine or nursing. Once the surgical specialties and surgeons for a particular trip are confirmed, operating room nurses and technicians are recruited first by the needs and preferences of each individual surgeon; and then by the prospective volunteer’s experience in that particular surgical specialty.
The number of Pre-op and PACU personnel is determined by the estimated case load of each surgeon. The prospective Pre-op/Pacu volunteer’s experience with the anticipated patient population (e.g. pediatrics) and surgery specialty are also considered.
Interpreters are selected based on their fluency in the country’s official language (e.g. Spanish) and their familiarity with medical terminology.
Instrument room personnel must have experience or have attended a training session prior to being considered for a trip. As a team member you will not be asked nor should you take it upon yourself to perform any task or skill that is considered to be outside of your scope of practice in the United States. We base our operating room care on current AORN standards and recommended practices.
A willingness to teach, learn and share; adaptability, patience, and a good sense of humor are all common characteristics of our volunteers. We strive to make the time you donate to our organization a memorable, enjoyable, and life changing experience.
Volunteer Requirements
To attend a trip with Medical Hands for Healing you are required to have a current passport and all required vaccinations for the country being visited. Once it is confirmed that you will be traveling with us, you will be asked to submit a photocopy of your passport and resume or CV; along with a notarized copy of your medical/nursing license or certification, and college diploma. At that time, you will also be given the necessary information for obtaining your airline ticket. We highly recommend that you purchase your airline ticket as a part of the discounted group airfare that we offer. This ensures that you remain with the group should flights be delayed, cancelled, re-routed, etc.