Volunteer nurses are the mainstay of many community health programs at home and abroad.  The first step towards volunteering is determining how you wish to volunteer:
•    By direct personal contact with people in need;
•    By working behind the scenes to gather and distribute resources to meet a need;
•    Through advocacy for an issue or immediate need.
Once you know how you want to volunteer, the challenge is finding a program that meets your interests and skills. Here are some questions that will aid in your research:
•    How much time am I willing to commit?
•    Which program fits my interests and skills?
•    What does the organization expect from its volunteers?
•    Do I have to take additional training to meet the requirements?
•    What are the costs to volunteer and can I afford them?
As you are heading out to your volunteer experience, keep in mind these general rules:
•    Be positive, open-minded, courteous and flexible at all times;
•    Dress appropriately for the location and customs, and show respect for everyone with whom you come into contact;
•    Be sure you understand all assignments and instructions clearly;
•    Follow all guidelines when photo recording your experience.
Upon returning home, evaluate your experience objectively:
•    Do you feel you made a difference?
•    Was the experience positive?
Last, be sure to send a letter to the organization thanking them for the opportunity.  You may want to work with them again.
We hope this helps!
~Michael and Frida Donner