from 713€

Excellent 4.8rating (72)

Nurse Hospital Assistant

location
2 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Excellent 4.8  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Good response rate

Highlights

  • Experience a life changing cultural journey to Africa.
  • Gain perspective of how developing nations keep their cultures alive in our modern fast changing world.
  • Become more passionate about healthcare and gain a sense of community!
  • Make memories you will never forget with people from all over the world sharing your experience with you.
  • See some of the most incredible nature scenes in the world including Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru, Hot Springs, waterfalls and so much more.

Especially suitable

Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Groups
50+

About the program

More than ever, nursing remains the thread that combines the healthcare systems and communities that keep our patients alive. Students & Trained Professionals welcome.

Medi Trip Placements

Founded and run by a qualified medical professional, Medi Trip is clinically led, medically focused and patient centred. At Medi Trip we are distinguished in being able to use our healthcare experience and expertise to pick the most suitable settings for our professional ...

About the program

Medi Trip Placements

Founded and run by a qualified medical professional, Medi Trip is clinically led, medically focused and patient centred. At Medi Trip we are distinguished in being able to use our healthcare experience and expertise to pick the most suitable settings for our professional volunteers to experience. When you volunteer with Medi Trip, your volunteer placement would have been chosen specifically to suit your area of interest. Each of our placements are carefully assessed and selected for suitability to our professional volunteers, as well as how much contribution goes into the local health and social welfare. 

  1. Please be aware that practising/qualified doctors/physicians will need to be registered with the Medical Council of Tanganyika. This is your sole responsibility to organise as a practitioner. https://www.mct.go.tz/

    • https://www.mct.go.tz/index.php/registration-licensing/type-of-registration/limited-registrations-foreigners

    • For qualified nurses intending to practice: This is your sole responsibility to organise as a practitioner. https://www.tnmc.go.tz/requirements-for-foreign-nurse/

So what exactly is medical volunteering? 

It takes truly committed people to this abroad! With medical volunteering, you will be volunteering to work with patients or in a healthcare specific area on a voluntary basis. Unlike other types of volunteering, medical volunteering is a difficult, challenging and profound area. Medical volunteers will witness and experience things other volunteers never will or what they never would have at home. This can be a huge challenge as often times volunteers experience situations that can leave them feeling sad, shocked or confused. But for the most part volunteers are often left amazed at the resilience of their patients and at the skill and dedication of their new colleagues. It truly is a hugely moving experience and one most Medi Trippers never forget.

More than ever, nursing remains the thread that combines the healthcare systems and communities that keep our patients alive. But is this true elsewhere in the world? Could you demonstrate your skills or learn skills in a completely different environment. The answer is simple, yes. Nursing is universal bound by the same principles and foundations Florence Nightingale and Mary Seacole created, for what nursing is today. 

Your Stay

Many Medi Trippers will not have ever visited Africa, much less Tanzania and often don’t really know what to expect. At Medi Trip, we try not to build any particular expectations as every Medi Tripper’s experience and perception is very unique and individual, however none are let down or left anything less than amazed by Tanzania. Tanzanian’s uphold a strong reputation of being incredibly gracious, kind and warm people. You will often find yourself involved in an extended greeting or a long conversation of someone getting to know you or just simply finding out how you are and it is considered very rude not to greet people appropriately. Don’t be shy and enjoy the warm welcomes you will be greeted with walking down the street, socializing or at work! 

Hospitals in Tanzania are unlike those back home. Many times you will come across patients sharing beds, hospitals unable to provide food for patients, adequate medication or enough staff to deal with all the cases. There will be times when you are shocked by the conditions you see people have to endure to receive what we might view as sub par care or basic care. Remember, that the country is poor, with limited funding and very few resources therefore they suffer from a high mortality rate and frequent outbreaks of disease. You will see a lot of suffering and you must have the ability to maintain your professionalism and remain strong minded and compassionate.

Work directly with patient's in a multidisciplinary team of doctors, nurses and assistants caring for sick and unwell people in Arusha. Everyday will be working challenge as you receive your group of patients for the day that will need your help. Choose your area of interest from:
  • General medical 
  • Surgical
  • Theatres
  • Outpatients
  • Children's ward
Each area has its own specific needs and you will be orientated before you begin work. 

This placement can include  outreach/community work in the wider community which includes a choice of the following:

  • Working at a Women's Empowerment project that shelters homeless young women and helps them build skills to improve their lives
  • Working at an outpatient clinic for mother and babies every Saturday
Please let us know which of the outreach projects you feel you will be most able to assist in. Contact us for more details on each project.

Although most Tanzanians speak and understand basic English, language may be a barrier when communicating with your medical colleagues and your patients. It is important to remain open and confident while working as at times you may feel isolated and lost. Remember that you will always have your supervisor at hand to assist you and help guide you along the way. Many people find once they get to know their colleagues and get into the flow of things, this isn't much of an issue, however this is another challenge that you will have to be prepared to overcome.

Will you make a difference?

Yes. Many bright and motivated volunteers have shone the light and shown the difference that can be made through volunteering. By providing time and care, volunteers introduce new ideas, hope and healthcare at ground level, adding to the work already being done by clinical teams.

Medi Trip Placements

At Medi Trip we are distinguished in being able to use our healthcare experience and expertise to pick the most suitable settings for our professional volunteers to experience. When you volunteer with Medi Trip, your volunteer placement would have been chosen specifically to suit your area of interest. Each of our placements are carefully assessed and selected for suitability to our professional volunteers, as well as how much contribution goes into the local health and social welfare. 

About Arusha

Tanzania belongs to the East African community, neighboured by Kenya, Burundi, Uganda, Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi and Mozambique. Arusha is in northern Tanzania; a very unique and vibrant city at the base of Mount Meru, about an hour away from the tallest mountain in Africa Mount Kilimanjaro. The city is surrounded by natural beauty being in close proximity to several national parks including Tarangire, Ngorongoro, Serengeti, Lake Manyara, Olduvai and Arusha National Parks.

Interestingly, Arusha hosted the international criminal tribunal for Rwanda and sits as the de facto East African Community capital. Despite being in a conservative and religious country, Arusha is regarded as more liberal and very open to foreigners. Perhaps due to it's historical significance in the 1961 Arusha Declaration, which gave independence to modern Tanzania from the British Commonwealth. The city is very much a melting pot, multicultural and populated by people from all different backgrounds. The main language spoken is Swahili and a visitor would do well by learning a few of the many greetings. 

Where will you stay?

You will stay at the 2017 award winning Siret Hostel; one of the highest rated and reviewed guesthouses in Arusha. We provide safe, clean and comfortable accommodation, comfortable bedding, excellent breakfast and dinner and housekeeping. This will be a quiet and friendly neighbourhood only 15 minutes from the main hustle and bustle of town. You will have 24 hour gated security, a domestic/cook (who will happily do your laundry for a small fee) and a coordinator who will ensure you settle in quickly and comfortably into your new town. This is a shared home where you will be staying with other volunteers and guests from across the world, so you will never be on your own in your new environment. The house is impeccably clean, well kept, modern and spacious.

How will you get around?

For your placement, you will travel like a local and walk or take public transport. You will need to set a small budget aside for this (around $1 per day by local minibuses, 4 to 5 days per week). It is important you are prepared and comfortable to travel around town, this is a demanding role that requires dedication.

You have the choice of local taxi’s (we have contacts of affordable, trusted drivers) who can chauffer you around town or you can use the famous ‘dala dala’ mini buses that most Tanzanian’s use to travel locally everyday. Some people adapt very fast and choose to walk around, it is safe to do so however like with any new environment we strongly advise you to be aware of pick pockets and thieves. Always be safe and ask your coordinator before going anywhere new to you.

Important VISA & Permit Information

You will be required to pay a for a VISA & Permit for voluntary work assignment. Please enquire for details.

HOSPITAL CONTRIBUTION
This is a payment all medical volunteers in Tanzania must make towards your host hospital (Ministry of Health, Tanzania). 

Where do my fees go?

Most of your fees are spent locally. Fees ensure you have above standard accommodation, that you have a personal coordinator picking you up at the airport, orientating you and you have a coordinator day to day and your program is planned and facilitated specifically for you, to match your skills and get you to provide the very best to those that need you. 

Do any fees go directly to the projects?

​Yes they do. Although we don't necessarily think that making financial contributions solve the complex issues faced by deprived areas, we do make a charitable donation on your behalf to your project placement. This is not mandatory. We do this as we know how challenging it can be for our partners to host, supervise and very often teach volunteers. We want our partners to know they are valued and respected for their time as best we can. 

What should I wear to placement?

Scrubs are a great option as they will be kind to you in the warm weather, easily identify you as a clinical volunteer and can be discarded if damaged or contaminated. Uniform that covers your legs and comfortable shoes that protect and cover your feet.

Should I bring any gloves, personal protective equipment or medical equipment?

Remember you're going into poorly resourced area, they will not have access to the same equipment you would at home. We usually encourage volunteers to bring a box of gloves for personal use and to share with colleagues, hand sanitizer and stethoscopes. Second hand medical books/information you may want to leave behind is also a simple but great resource to share with your colleagues and refer to together on placement. 

What insurance should I get?

​You should ensure you're adequately covered by comprehensive travel insurance for the duration of your stay. You should also ensure you have indemnity insurance (UK: RCN membership for nurses/student nurses and BMA/MDU membership for doctors/medical students). For our EU, US and others please check with your employers/university/college or national employment body on indemnity.

​What vaccinations should I get?

​Please visit the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention for excellent up to date travel vaccination information.

Where can I get cheap flights?

​There are dozens of great websites online for cheap flights. It is advisable to get your flights as early as possible to be able to logistically plan your trip. 

Is Africa safe for me to travel alone? Do I need to be with other volunteers?

​Regardless of whether you're volunteering on a clinical mission, you're still a tourist. Forward planning is key to protecting yourself from risk as you would anywhere in the world. As a group or a solo traveller from abroad, you will attract attention but, you will also have a great support system in your volunteer coordinators, fellow travellers/volunteers and ​supervisors. It's important to try and be conscientious of your new surroundings and respect and follow local customs as much as possible and insure yourself from any possible risks. 

Africa is a large continent with every country varying greatly in local culture, customs, rules and regulations. Research your destination as much as possible and ask as many questions as possible. We would never place you at risk or in harm's way, however it is important you take ownership of your journey and behave responsibly. 

Still have more questions? Ask away and get in touch!

Please note: We can also transfer you to the airport on your departure date for $50 USD. Please mention this in your application!

PICK UP POINTS:
Kilimanjaro Airport (KIA)
Arusha Airport (ARK)

Arusha Bus station 


Typical day

Your typical day will usually begin very early, receiving a general and bedside handover of your patients. You will then be given supervised charge of a group of patients/patient list for the day and either observe or assist in managing the care and needs of those patients for the day.  You day ...

Typical day

Your typical day will usually begin very early, receiving a general and bedside handover of your patients. You will then be given supervised charge of a group of patients/patient list for the day and either observe or assist in managing the care and needs of those patients for the day.  You day can be either very hectic and extremely challenging or slow and very quiet. You will need to be motivated, resilient and work well in a team in order to get the best out of your experience. 

What will your schedule look like?
08:00 Breakfast
09:00 Report to placement
12:00-13:00 Lunch Break
15:00 Placement ends

The rest of the day will be yours to relax and enjoy what the town has to offer you!


Free-time activities

Arusha provides an array of activities to get involved in during your free time. Explore the numerous walking trails, enjoy the large amount of cafe's bistro's and local food in town. There is a newly built mall in the town centre which also now has a cinema complex and more places to relax. There ...

Free-time activities

Arusha provides an array of activities to get involved in during your free time. Explore the numerous walking trails, enjoy the large amount of cafe's bistro's and local food in town. There is a newly built mall in the town centre which also now has a cinema complex and more places to relax. There is a vibrant night life on most evenings in Arusha, whether you want to enjoy a quiet drink, watch outdoor cinema or go dancing. 

Night life

The social life in Tanzania is amazing, because Tanzanians are so open, friendly and love a good laugh. Tanzanian’s are famous in East Africa for their partying. They really do know how to have a good time. Their DJ’s and musicians are some of the best in Africa and there are many bars, clubs and restaurants popular amongst tourists and volunteers where you can let your hair down and socialise with locals and people from across the world.

Siret Trip Adventures provide a unique opportunity for our special volunteers to experience more of Africa's beauty. Take a scenic weekend walking tour of the lush rolling foothills of Mt Meru or a breathtaking day trips to some the world's most admired national reserves. Arusha is packed with opportunity to experience unique and unforgettable outdoor adventures. 

What else is there to do?

There are endless possibilities. Most volunteers rave about climbing Kilimanjaro. This usually takes about a week, so ensure you organise this with us before you arrive. Take advantage of this amazing tourist treasure.

Hot springs

An oasis in the middle of a barren landscape. The hot springs are truly magnificent. This can be organised as a day trip at any time. 

The Waterfalls

Another hot favourite. Hiking across lush vegetation to the spectacular waterfalls.

Safari

Ah yes, what Tanzania is world famous for. Safari is once in a lifetime adventure that is unique to the Africa experience. Unforgettable and jaw dropping landscapes is what is promised. This will need you to sacrifice some days, so please ensure you organise this long in advance. 

Tour packages, Safari's and cultural experiences are all available. 


Requirements

Requirements

Minimum Age: 18 years

In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

Language Skills

You need to speak English (basic level)

Education Requirements

Nursing, Health Care or equivalent at High School diploma, Degree or relevant qualificationns level

Criminal Background Check

required

Required Documents

CV, proof of education, relevant certifications, passport copy and criminal background check or two signed character references

Nationality Restrictions

No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

Other Skills

Previous experience working directly with patients Experience working in a care/hospital environment. Experience working in a team/multidisciplinary team

Time Commitment

Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 07:00 - 15:00

What's Included

What's Included

Services by Medi Trip

  • Volunteer placement facilitation-full program scheduling 
  • Placement supervision
  • Pre-arrival support & preparation of your project/work placement
  • Airport pick up 
  • Orientation (usually begins on a Monday
  • Accommodation Room & Board (Breakfast & Dinner)
  • Housekeeping
  • Free Wifi
  • Daily in-person availability of coordinators
  • EXCLUDES:

    • $50 USD per week medical practice contribution paid to the Ministry of Health
    • Airport transport on departure (can be arranged)
    • VISA and PERMIT fees

    Airport Pickup at Kilimanjaro International Airport

    PICK UP POINTS:
    Kilimanjaro Airport (KIA)
    Arusha Airport (ARK)
    Arusha Bus station

    Accommodation

    Our volunteers stay in a newly refurbished volunteer house with modern amenities for a comfortable guest house experience.

    • Conveniently located in town
    • Housekeeping daily
    • Hot showers
    • WiFi
    • Beautiful spacious grounds 
    • Gated security with electric fencing and intercom entry
    • Overnight security guard

    Private double bedrooms available on request.

    Food & Beverages

    Breakfast and Dinner

    • Continental breakfast with, eggs, toast, variety of fruit! Coffee & Tea.
    • Dinner Mondays to Fridays. Kitchen facilities available at weekends.
      • A set menu of spaghetti bolognese, pilau (flavoured rice and veg), rice and chicken, chapati (flat bread) and beans served with salad and fruit!
    • We have a filtered water cold/hot water dispenser to save on buying bottled water and make sure you keep hydrated with clean and safe water!

    And of course the kitchen is yours to use! We have a fabulous chef who can guide you to local supermarkets if you want to buy your own personal food and snacks!

    During orientation you will be shown tasty and affordable places to get lunch during your work day. You will have a good variety of local and western food places. There are amazing cafe's, bistro's and affordable western restaurants to enjoy a burger, salad, seafood etc!

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) in Kilimanjaro. We assist you to find cheap flights to Tanzania. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Tanzania provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Tanzania you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Tanzania. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    We host volunteers all year long. Placement begins on the first Monday of each week, except for the last week of each month. Placements still available during public holidays. Please book according to your arrival/landing date. 

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program fees

    2 weeks (min. stay) 713€
    4 weeks 980€
    8 weeks 1,426€
    10 weeks 1,698€
    12 weeks (max. stay) 1,969€
    Average fees 260€/week

    Program fees

    260€ per week 2 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    2 - 12 weeks

    Deposit

    The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.


    Final Payment

    Your final payment will be agreed with Medi Trip during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


    Meet your organization

    Medi Trip

    Excellent 4.8 rating (72 reviews)

    Agency - founded in 2014

    Verified by Volunteer World

      Good response rate

    Coordinated by

    Pearl

    Spoken languages: English

    About the project

    Medi Trip is the volunteer specialists in Tanzania for gap years, students, nurses, doctors and inspired travellers.

    Meet your organization

     Medi Trip - Company Profile

     Medi Trip is a limited company registered in the United Kingdom. The company was founded in November 2014 by current Director Pearl Sakoane (Nogi) (Chief Executive Officer). Pearl is a qualified nurse registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (UK), who graduated from King's College London and holds a Psychology Bachelors (with honours) degree from the University of Greenwich, London. She's worked in General Nursing, as a Research Nurse/Assistant on a research team with Kings College London, in a mental health rehabilitation facility and as a maternity care assistant along 10 years in the health care system in the UK. She also interned in Tanzania as a student and returned with the idea of establishing Medi Trip, going on to win the national Edith Cavell Leadership Award in 2015, featured in the Telegraph newspaper amongst other publications. 

    Medi Trip - Volunteer Programs

    Medi Trip specialises in bespoke volunteer programs for healthcare professionals and individuals passionate about making a real difference. We aim to facilitate volunteering experiences in healthcare facilities and within the community. The aim is to create the opportunity for individuals from different countries to learn, share knowledge of best practice, discuss areas of mutual concern and exchange ideas Medi Trip offer volunteer placements to doctors, nurses, students, healthcare/medical assistants and allied healthcare professionals. Some professionals want to share their expertise and experience, others choose to learn in an environment completely removed from their regular area of practice. 

    The main goal is to share knowledge amongst both local and foreign professionals. Meds Trip's volunteers have the opportunity to understand the socioeconomic and health implications of poverty within a developing nation. They experience first hand the care of vulnerable patients within a healthcare system with limited resources. 

    We are different from other volunteer companies in that Medi Trip specifically seek specialists or people with big ideas. Whether you want to simply use your clinical skills in different environment, help set up something new or want to raise awareness in a particular area of interest, we can help you realise your vision. Our purpose is to open up new possibilities for brilliant people. 

    At Medi Trip we are distinguished in being able to use our healthcare experience and expertise to pick the most suitable settings for our professional volunteers to experience. When you volunteer with Medi Trip, your volunteer placement would have been chosen specifically to suit your area of interest. Each of our placements are carefully assessed and selected for suitability to our professional volunteers, as well as how much contribution goes into the local health and social welfare. 

    72 reviews · rating4.8

    Selina Jung rating4.8

    2023 at Nurse Hospital Assistant

    My knowledge as a nurse was almost exclusively limited to psychiatric care, which is why I was able to learn and experience a lot during my internship on the maternity ward. This included, among other things: - Attending and assisting normal births - Deepening my knowledge of birth complications ...
    Danielle Olson rating4.6

    2022 at Nurse Hospital Assistant

    I had the trip of a lifetime volunteering in Arusha, Tanzania through Meditrip. Pearl, Kombo, and Immanuel were all fantastic to work with and were there for any help or support throughout the entire trip. I volunteered at Mount Meru hospital and was able to gain a lot of new experience. Living at ...
    Lara Costa Leonardo rating5

    2022 at Nurse Hospital Assistant

    It was amazing I was at the tangeru hospital for four weeks and I learnd alot. I saw a lot of situations and I learned to deal with these situations that we do not see in luxemburg hospitals for example cases of tuberculosis.. I learned to work with the material the nurses use it’s a little bit ...
    Megan Vogt rating5

    2019 at Nurse Hospital Assistant

    I was a little hesitant when applying for this internship. There were so many unknowns. When I arrived, that evening I was already looking for early flight tickets to return back home. I didn’t know anyone, I had no clue how to get around town, and I didn’t even know how to communicate with the ...
    Kathryn Trecartin rating4.6

    2019 at Nurse Hospital Assistant

    My reasoning for wanting to volunteer was so that I didn't get used to how healthcare operated in the United States, and only know that for the rest of my life. This trip changed my life. I was able to obtain hands on experience and learn more than I ever thought I would, and use that knowledge and ...
    Rebecca Thornhill rating4.4

    2017 at Nurse Hospital Assistant

    Can't compliment this company enough. I volunteered with medi trip for my nursing elective at university and I had the most amazing experience! Volunteering with meditrip allowed me to work in many different areas of nursing including volunteering in the community and visiting Nima baby home- most ...

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    Contact Pearl
      Good response rate
    English

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