How to Become a Missionary Nurse

Missionary nurses provide much needed nursing services and spiritual support to underserved populations all over the world. They work with a variety of humanitarian and nonprofit organizations in regions that lack access to quality healthcare.

Explore this guide to learn how to become a missionary nurse and what to expect once you complete your training and enter the field.

Missionary nurses are registered nurses (RNs) who serve the needs of underserved communities in the U.S. or economically underdeveloped regions across the globe. Churches or religious groups, humanitarian foundations, and nonprofit governmental organizations (NGOs) employ RNs with strong personal or faith-based convictions to bring healthcare and spiritual guidance to the world’s most vulnerable groups.

Missionary nurses typically work in regions that lack access to health facilities and medical technology, sometimes in dangerous areas. Depending on the setting, they conduct physical exams, triage patients, administer medicine and vaccinations, and dress wounds.

They also educate patients about disease prevention and hygiene and conduct tests and screenings. Missionary nurses also respond to global medical emergencies.

Like all RNs, the steps to becoming a missionary nurse begin with earning either a two-year or four-year nursing degree. All RNs, including missionary nurses, must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for RNs (NCLEX-RN) and get an RN license. Specific RN licensure requirements vary by state.

Most employers require RNs to have certifications in basic life support (BLS) and sometimes advanced cardiac life support (ACLS). Missionary nurses also benefit from foreign language training and coursework in global health and cultural competency for nurses.

Earning a two-year ADN degree provides the quickest route to becoming a missionary nurse. A four-year BSN, which many employers might prefer, offers broader training. It also increases career and salary prospects.

Prospective missionary nurses should consider incorporating foreign language study and diversity training into their study plans.

All RNs who intend to practice as missionary nurses must pass the NCLEX-RN exam and receive their RN license through their state board of nursing. Generally, RN licenses must be renewed every two years. Each state sets different RN requirements to maintain licensure.

Most RNs, including missionary nurses, must have BLS certification from the American Heart Association. Nurses who work in hospital settings or with critically ill adults should get the ACLS certification. Missionary nurses may also pursue the pediatric advanced life support certification, designed to teach rescue workers essential life-saving interventions for infants and children.

While specialized certification in missionary nursing does not exist, many pursue certifications through the American Nurses Credentialing Centeror other organizations that validate their skills in areas such as critical care, trauma, and infectious diseases.

Nurses interested in working in this field should consider joining organizations like Global Health Ministries, Samaritan’s Purse, International Medical Relief,and the American Travel Health Nurses Association to network and learn about opportunities.

While still in nursing school, aspiring missionary nurses can gain experience through clinical placements, volunteer work, and internships. They can also prepare for employment by getting a valid passport and a travel work visa.

Missionary nurses find positions through church or religious groups, humanitarian agencies, NGOs, and other nonprofit organizations.They perform a lot of duties and responsibilities, depending on the organization’s mission and the assignment.

They may treat patients in hospitals, clinics, mobile medical units, and community centers. In some areas, they may help to build clinics and train local staff. They may also offer spiritual guidance and religious training.

Many missionary nurses enter this field because of their personal and spiritual commitment to humanitarian service, with salary considerations as secondary. They often serve as volunteers and/or pay for their own living and transportation expenses.

However,compensation for missionary nursesvaries widely, depending on the sponsoring organization, experience, and location.

While the U.S.Bureau of Labor Statisticsdoes not provide specific salary information for missionary nurses, the demand for all RNs is projected to increase by 9% between 2020 and 2030, earning salaries from $59,450 to $120,250.

Prospective RNs can enter a two-year ADN program or four-year BSN program. Like all RNs, missionary nurses must pass the NCLEX-RN exam, apply for licensure through their state board of nursing, and gain 1-2 years of RN experience.

A missionary nurse can enter the field after earning a two-year ADN degree and getting an RN license. Some employers may prefer to hire RNs with BSN degrees and experience working with underrepresented and high-need communities.

Some church-sponsored or religious organizations only hire nurse missionaries who are affiliated with their group.

Missionary nurses work where their sponsoring organization places them. They practice in underserved urban and rural areas in the U.S. and in impoverished regions around the world.

They might visit patients in their homes or treat them in hospitals, clinics, community centers, and temporary emergency mobile sites.

Salaries for missionary nurses vary widely, depending on the type of employer and setting. However, compensation for these nurses does not always correspond to the pressing need for trained healthcare personnel in underserved regions.

Many missionary nurses, driven to serve by their religious and personal convictions, choose to volunteer their services or accept lower wages. Nurses working for religious organizations may be required to fundraise as part of their work obligations.

Page last reviewed June 17, 2022