Whether you are a nursing student or a practicing nurse, there are plenty of volunteer opportunities that you can take part in. Volunteering your skills and knowledge for those in need will not only boost your resume, it’ll also give you a rewarding and worthwhile experience.

You can volunteer your services abroad or in your local community. Your experience can help those in marginalized and/or under-served groups who do not have the same access to healthcare or technology. In your role, you can help by participating in community outreach initiatives and supporting a facility with their logistical, administrative, and linguistic duties.

But, before we get into the opportunities available, why should you volunteer your time? By being a volunteer, you can:

• Have a positive impact on someone’s life who is less fortunate
• Experience a new culture and have life-long relationships with other volunteers and patients
• Establish new connections by meeting new people and making new friends
• Get to know the healthcare practices and discrepancies in developing countries
• Obtain new skills, knowledge, and experience
• Have some quality time away from your job or home

We have gathered six volunteer opportunities that can give you the best experience possible.

1. American Red Cross

The American Red Cross was founded by Clara Barton in 1881, and since then, this organization has been providing relief services to patients worldwide. According to their website, “Volunteers carry out 90% of the humanitarian work of the Red Cross.” There are also approximately 15,000 nurses and nursing students giving volunteer services in the organization.

Volunteers with the Red Cross can help displaced families after a natural disaster, or provide care to an ill or injured service member or veteran. Volunteers can also teach others the effective way to respond to national emergencies and tragedies.

2. Project Humanity

If you want to volunteer in a different way, Project Humanity is an organization that focuses on the development of several communities in Africa. Their mission is to work with local African leaders to identify and develop projects that have an emphasis on women’s empowerment, focusing on health care, literacy, and micro-financing. Their goal is to create long-lasting solutions in order to help community members thrive.

Project Humanity isn’t necessarily an aid organization, but some of their trips may include donated supplies or books. Some of their goals are to assist in prenatal care, provide HIV/AIDS prevention education, and advance literacy by donating books to schools.

3. Overseas healthcare organizations

It’s no surprise that after natural disasters or emergencies, hundreds of trained medical professions would travel overseas to serve patients in need. There are plenty of overseas clinics and hospitals that are understaffed, so nurses and nursing students play a vital role in educating communities about current healthcare practices, administering medications, vaccines and first aid, and completing paperwork.

If you are interested in volunteering overseas, explore your options at the International Volunteer HQ and United Planet.

4. Nursing homes and senior care facilities

Nursing homes and senior care facilities sometimes rely on volunteers to assist with their residents outside of the basic care. These organizations offer a regular volunteer opportunity, if that’s what you’re looking for.

You might not be providing medical services, but you will most likely assist with organizing events or outings. Sometimes, even just volunteering your time to talk to the residents and keep them company will mean the world to them.

5. Medical Reserve Corps

The Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) is a network of volunteers, organized in the local units to help nearby companies in need. Volunteers tend to focus on public health and are involved in natural disaster relief. You can expect to give first aid, help with relief efforts, manage vaccination clinic, and teach the public on health topics. Get involved by connecting with your local chapter.

6. Community health events

If you don’t want to commit to a long-term volunteer project, you can still get involved by participating in your community’s events. See if there’s any local health events going on. Some of these may include giving routine health screening, performing blood pressure checks, or providing CPR training. Some local events might just be providing tips for healthy living to your community.

You can find these opportunities on city websites or with your local department of public health. The American Heart Association also has a list of their screening events for you to volunteer at.

7. Homeless shelters

There are so many individuals in the United States, and really around the world, who do not have access to a reliable place to live, which means they likely do not have access to basic healthcare. Homelessness is a national public health issue, and there are plenty of  shelters who will happily accept volunteers.

Helping the local homeless can go a long way with getting access to the care they need. Volunteer nurses can provide basic health screenings and help coordinate further care with specialists and onsite clinics. Reach out to a nearby shelter and see how you can help.