It’s been 14 years since 9/11 yet for those of us who lived through it, it’s as clear as yesterday. For those on the front lines, it is a constant memory. Like other first responders who raced to help others without concern for their own safety, nurses were on the front lines. As we remember […]

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) 1.3 billion people across the world lack access to basic healthcare services, mostly because the number of healthcare workers is not rising fast enough to accommodate the demand of a growing global population. One of the most important resources in addressing these needs in developing countries, is nurses […]

As a nurse, it may seem odd to think of your chosen profession as a volunteer opportunity, after all, it’s what you do every single day for work.  Yet many nurses see their profession as a vocation. These nurses are typically those that become volunteers. A poll by the American Nursing Association found that 69% […]

Over the years, volunteer medical missions have increased in popularity as a way of immersing yourself in the culture of a country and at the same time, making a difference. Even a short-term volunteer adventure can change your life and world perspective, and few things can give you a greater sense of meaning and a […]

Choosing a career path is never easy and there are many things that ultimately influence our final decision. Frida and I are always interested in the influences that affect a woman or man’s choice to pursue nursing as a career. Below are several stories of how these nurses chose their life profession. Susan H. Postell, […]

On October 26, we had the distinct honor of being the presenting sponsor for the Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times Gala, “Honoring the Nurses that Make Healing Happen.”  This event honored Barbara Britt and “Aunt” Fran Wiley for more than 30 years of camp nursing and leadership. We were proud to present each of […]

The demand for nurses is always rising. Frida and I are very aware of the unique challenges of the field of nursing, which is why we founded Barco’s Nightingales Foundation to honor and support those who choose to become nurses. But we also know that nursing is not for everyone. It can often be as […]

Many of you are struggling with the challenge of deciding whether or not to make a volunteer trip.  Often we hear from nurses asking if the short time you have to spend in another country makes a difference.  We found these insights from many who have volunteered to be helpful and hope you do as […]

We came across an article about a 90-year-old nurse in West Virginia, who has been dubbed a Nurse Matriarch.  Her story is inspiring. Bettie Burdette dropped out of college to go into nursing following the bombing of Pearl Harbor.  She received her Registered Nurse certificate in 1945, but did not get the opportunity to serve […]

Guest Blog: ReSurge International Each year, ReSurge International gathers medical volunteers from all over the country—and even the world—to help developing world surgeons with their backlog of cases. These volunteers also help train local medical professionals in the reconstructive surgical skills they need to treat patients in their local communities year-round. Our volunteer programs offer […]