from 553€

Fantastic 4.5rating (43)

Provide Essential Care on a Nursing Internship

location
2 - 24 weeks  ·  Age 16 - 50+

rating  Fantastic 4.5  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Excellent response rate

Highlights

  • Travel to Africa and get valuable work experience by joining our Nursing Internship in Ghana. You will learn from qualified nurses and doctors. Expand your knowledge and make your resume stand out.
  • Gain practical experience doing basic health checks in local communities. This is impactful work, as we provide healthcare services in disadvantaged areas.
  • You will be based in one of our locations in Ghana and live with a host family. We encourage you to make the most of your free time to explore the country.
  • Acquire broad experiences while spending time in a variety of departments, including pediatrics and maternity.
  • Live with a Ghanaian host family and gain an insight into their daily way of life.

Especially good for

Age 16+
Singles
Couples
Families
Groups
50+

About the program

Learn from nurses in different hospital departments and do health checks during medical outreaches

Our Nursing Internship in Ghana is ideal for students looking for work experience before or during university.

This is a great accompaniment to your studies and will give you a clearer idea of the work you do on a daily basis. If your goal is a career in nursing, the skills you learn ...

About the program

Our Nursing Internship in Ghana is ideal for students looking for work experience before or during university.

This is a great accompaniment to your studies and will give you a clearer idea of the work you do on a daily basis. If your goal is a career in nursing, the skills you learn during your internship will be a valuable addition to your CV.

No problem, if you have no experience! The goal of this internship is for you to learn, and you’ll gain a lot from shadowing local nurses and doctors. We recommend taking advantage of any opportunity to ask questions and take notes.

Your medical coordinator will teach you what you need to know before you work at any outreaches, and will be there to supervise you throughout.

Our Nursing Internship in Ghana runs throughout the year, and you can join at any time.

You'll work at a hospital, where you'll shadow and learn from nurses and other medical staff. During your internship, you will:

Your work will focus on the following areas:

- Shadow nurses as they work with patients in the hospital

A big part of your  placement will see you observing and following nurses as they do their rounds. This will give you an idea of what nurses do on a daily basis. At your nursing placement in Ghana, you will see for yourself how important nurses are in the smooth functioning of a hospital. They care for patients, monitor them, and administer medication.

- Experience work in different hospital departments

Hospitals in Ghana have different departments to meet the needs of the growing population. We recommend using this opportunity to intern several, spending at least a week in which one. You'll see different illnesses and injuries across different departments. This will also give you a better idea on which departments you wish to work in in the future.

- Provide free health checks and run educational campaigns at medical outreaches

You’ll take part in medical outreach work once or twice a week. Here, you’ll assist the nurses with basic healthcare checks... Here are a few of the tasks you'll do:

  • Clean wounds
  • Treat ringworm
  • Check blood sugar levels
  • Check blood pressure levels
  • Conduct malaria and Hepetitis B tests
  • Help nurses refer patients with positive test results
  • Help distribute medication

Another part of our outreach work is focused on education. Education is a huge part of empowering local communities and an important prevention method. Our goal is to improve standards of health in the community. We do this by creating awareness around various diseases and share knowledge about prevention and treatment. You will help with setting up and running these campaigns. These activities will give you invaluable nursing work experience in Ghana.

There are many different departments available including:

- General medicine

- General surgery

- Paediatrics

- Accident and emergency

- Gynaecology/Obstetics

- Labs

- Opthamology

- Dentistry

- Physiotherapy and more

When you first arrive at the hospital you will discuss your work schedule with the OGVO coordinator and the placement supervisor who will be a member of the hospital staff. If you are specializing in a specific area of nursing, you will discuss this with us and we will ensure that you are able to develop a program of study to support this. Many students choose to spend time in a variety of different departments within the hospital, including accident and emergency, pediatrics, maternity, pharmacy, physical therapy, and surgery.

Students on Nursing Internship are also encouraged to take part in regular medical outreach work, which involves treating children with minor wounds or illnesses from small villages or paying a visit to an orphanage. Those on a Nursing Internship wanting to specialize in the outreach work can join a full time Public Health.

Nursing Student Internship in Ghana are available for shorter periods than 4 weeks. While you will be able to gain valuable medical experience on a short-term trip, we recommend staying for a longer period to allow yourself more time to get to know the local medical system, see more of a variety of conditions and procedures, and develop stronger relationships with local medical staff.

Can I use this program as part of a college or university placement? 

It is certainly possible to use one of OGVO’s programs as part of your university or college placement. Project staff can sign off any paperwork required by your course tutors. OGVO regularly receives medical, childcare, psychology and nursing placement students at our projects across Ghana and we have ties with some of the leading universities.

If you’re a course tutor and would like further information about how one of OGVO’s programs could meet the placement requirements for your degree course then please contact us directly.

Location
Ghana is a peaceful and welcoming country; Ghana satisfies one's appetite for both modern and traditional life. Its wide valleys, low-lying coastal plains, and thick rainforests resound with the beat of traditional rituals, while her cities glow and vibrate with all the bustle of the modern world. The Ghanaians are the friendliest people in West Africa: warm, proud yet humble with a contagious and calming sense of funniness.

Ghana is hot. It is always hot. What’s more, it's always humid. Humidity usually lingers between 95 and 100 percent. The rainy season lasts from mid-June to mid-November - sometimes. The rain provides a little respite from the intense heat, but temperatures will still be in the mid-80s Fahrenheit. The south of the country experiences the heaviest rainfall during September.


Typical day

Start your day after a good night's sleep in your host family’s home. Get dressed, eat breakfast and grab a tro tro or shared taxi to get to the hospital. Don’t forget your scrub!

Your day starts at about 8am, Monday to Friday. This will, however, depend on the department you are ...

Typical day

Start your day after a good night's sleep in your host family’s home. Get dressed, eat breakfast and grab a tro tro or shared taxi to get to the hospital. Don’t forget your scrub!

Your day starts at about 8am, Monday to Friday. This will, however, depend on the department you are working in . Finish up around 2pm or opt to stay longer and continue your observations. Just be sure to check with your supervisor and the local staff beforehand.

Each day, you will find yourself assisting the nurses as they go around the hospital cleaning their ward, bathing and grooming patients and remaking beds. You’ll often spend the next hour shadowing the doctor in the ward as he visits each of his patients. Under the supervision of the local nurses, you can help check vital signs and administer medication according to doctor’s instructions.

If you’d like to head home for the day, head back to your host family's house. You can then depend time getting to know your host family and playing games or watching movies in the evening.

In your free time, you can explore more of Ghana by renting a tro-tro/taxi for the day. We encourage you to learn more about Ghana’s history by visiting the Cape Coast castle. There are also a lot of hikes in the national parks. If you’d like recommendations, you can speak to our staff. They will be able to give you the best advice and tips on what to see and do while you are there.


Free-time activities

During weekends Volunteers/Interns have the opportunity to visit all that Ghana has to offer. Weekend trips available include visits to Mole National Park in the Northern Region of Ghana. This National Park offers a great Safari-like experience and is one of the biggest Elephant Sanctuaries in ...

Free-time activities

During weekends Volunteers/Interns have the opportunity to visit all that Ghana has to offer. Weekend trips available include visits to Mole National Park in the Northern Region of Ghana. This National Park offers a great Safari-like experience and is one of the biggest Elephant Sanctuaries in Africa with the chance to spot Lions, Leopards & Antelopes in their natural habitat.
Volunteers can also take a trip to Cape Coast in the Central Region of Ghana to relax in the beautiful beaches and see the famous Cape Coast castle, the Kakum Canopy walkway and Elmina castle, where slave trade begun.

NOTE: We do provide tours, so you can add a tour before or after your volunteer program for an additional cost. We can perform quality tours and can offer discounts to volunteers.


Requirements

Requirements

Minimum Age: 16 years

In order to join the program you need to be at least 16 years old on the program start date.

Language Skills

You need to speak English (basic level)

Education Requirements

Medicine at High School / University /College etc. level

Required Documents

CV

Nationality Restrictions

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

Other Skills

No previous experience is required

Time Commitment

Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 08:00 - 14:00

What's Included

What's Included

Services by Our Generation Voluntary Organization

  • airport meeting and transfer to project site
  • comprehensive pre-departure information
  • introduction to host family and program orientation
  • accommodation and meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner)
  • supervision and visa support letter
  • Application review and processing
  • support and guidance as well as 24 / 7 hour emergency back-up from staff
  • all information before and during your time with us in Ghana
  • regular culture activities (personal spending not included)
  • The price does not include visa, flight, vaccinations/immunizations, personal insurance (required), personal spending and in-country travel.

Airport Pickup at Kotoka International Airport

You should arrive into Kotoka International Airport in Accra (ACC). You will be met at the airport by one of our local staff or an appointed driver who will be holding a named sign. They will take you to your accommodation where you will spend the rest of your day at leisure.

Accommodation

Volunteers on this program will be accommodated with a local host family, and will gain the opportunity to become immersed in the local culture and custom, improving their knowledge of the people, culture and language. Ghanaian families are renowned for their kindness and hospitality and they love to learn about different cultures. Living with a local family truly is the best way to throw oneself into the local culture and to meet people who will often become lifelong friends!

All families have been fully vetted by our team and have extensive experience hosting international volunteers. Bedrooms are private but generally shared with volunteers of the same gender. Volunteers will be provided access to a shared bathroom. Generally, your host brother, sister or mother assist you with your laundry but it is not an obligation, learn to wash your clothing’s with your hands in several buckets, enjoy the sun drying your clothes and odor the African fragrance in your clothes.

It is important to remember that the living conditions in Ghana are different from home. Most families have running water, but hot water is still uncommon in some areas. Although the accommodation is basic, this is part of the challenge and experience of volunteering in a developing country. With a little patience, and a flexible attitude, you will quickly get used to your new surroundings.

Food & Beverages

Three meals a day are provided by the home-stay families and consist mainly of traditional Ghanaian meals with some flexibility for home comforts when available.

Breakfast is usually ready by around 7am; however you can eat later if you prefer to get up late. Lunch is usually packed by your host family in a lunch box so that you can eat at your project if you wish. Dinner is usually served around 6pm.

If you have special eating needs, you can indicate that while applying. Even though special eating needs are not something we can guarantee, we will do our best to meet your needs.

Internet Access

Good access at the project site

What's NOT included?

What's NOT included?

Flight Tickets

The nearest airport is Kotoka International Airport (ACC) in Accra. We assist you to find cheap flights to Ghana. 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 Ghana provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

Vaccines

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

Details on arrival

This program is available all year round, so volunteers or interns can arrive any day of the week or any month of the year with advance notice!


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

Program fees

2 weeks (min. stay) 553€
3 weeks 650€
4 weeks 748€
5 weeks 845€
7 weeks 1,039€
9 weeks 1,233€
24 weeks (max. stay) 2,689€
Average fees 194€/week

Program fees

194€ per week 2 - 24 weeks Age 16 - 50+

Payment methods

Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

NO CREDIT CARD FEES


Duration

2 - 24 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 Our Generation Voluntary Organization during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


Meet your organization

Our Generation Voluntary Organization

Fantastic 4.5 rating (43 reviews)

Non-profit - founded in 2004

Verified by Volunteer World

  Excellent response rate

Coordinated by

Frank

Spoken languages: English

About the project

Our Generation Voluntary Organization (OGVO) works to foster cross-cultural understanding through travel and volunteer work experiences in Ghana, Africa.

Meet your organization

The Our Generation Voluntary Organization (OGVO) was founded in 2004 in order to enable young people to use their leisure time for international volunteering, interns, cultural exchange programs etc. in Ghana. Our Generation Voluntary Organization is a non-profit and non-governmental African Organisation. Our volunteer programs/projects are suitable for anyone on a Gap Year, Career Break or for anyone looking to do a short term volunteer program.

Our Generation Voluntary Organisation provides safe, unique, flexible, meaningful and extremely affordable volunteer programs and non-paid internships work-experience in Ghana. We have a variety of programs on offer at affordable prices. Our projects are designed to cater to the needs of people from all backgrounds. 

Since its inception in 2004, OGVO has delivered great experiences to thousands of volunteers across the ten regions of Ghana. Our Medical and Healthcare internships are much admired amongst the medical students, and this is where medics get hands-on knowledge into complex medical procedures. Be it for college credits or an internship or volunteer certificate or even a service learning trip - schoolies, gapers and numerous high school students enroll for our programs throughout the year.

Our Generation Voluntary Organisation's volunteer and intern programs are available in both urban and rural areas. OGVO has flexible start dates and durations that runs from 1 week to 6 months depending on the program of your choice. Extensions can be arranged with advanced notice. You can arrive any day of the year with advanced notice as well. During this time, you will be staying in the home of a local Ghanaian family. Our host families are carefully screened, socially respected and experienced with hosting international volunteers.  Accommodation is simple but clean and includes 3 meals a day of local cuisine. Typically, volunteers eat breakfast and dinner at the host family and have lunch at their project.  

OGVO believes that home stays offer you the best experience during your time in Ghana by allowing you to save money, while providing you with an easy way to integrate into Ghanaian culture. In most cases, you will share a room with volunteers (of same gender). Your weekends are free to explore some of the amazing sights that Ghana has to offer. Volunteers regularly travel together and our team will help you plan weekend trips. Our staff visits volunteers regularly and always happy to help our volunteers in any way needed.

At Our Generation Voluntary Organisation  our programs are designed to help the local communities at the same time of providing a valuable learning and cultural experience to our volunteers and interns. We invite you to volunteer or intern in Ghana with us, and have the experience of your lifetime!

As a volunteer or intern in Ghana you will have the opportunity to work in number of different capacities including Teaching English & other subjects to kids, Medical & healthcare internships, Dental electives,Veterinary, and many more!

43 reviews · rating4.5

Owen Lanfrey rating5

2024 at Construction & Renovation

I spent 2 weeks in July with OGVO/ST miracle works educational foundation as a construction and renovation volunteer. During my stay, I got to rmix mortar, plaster walls and help with renovations that were needed but I also got to spend some time with the children of the school, building paper ...
Bárbara Aybar rating4

2024 at Assist with Medical Campaigns

My experience in Ghana has been great. The family I stayed with made me feel so comfortable and welcome. The hospital was good, but some nurses didnt want me there at first. However, they found the perfect place for me, where I couldnt be happier: the vaccination area for kids. All the team working ...
Elisavet Goulia rating5

2023 at Mental Health and Psychology Internship

It was a greatful experience as the host family as my experience at Pantang hospital. Ghana is a polite and peaceful country with people with good vibes and the appetite for dance and ...
Leila Leloup rating5

2023 at Construction & Renovation

2 friends and I, aged 16 and 17, from the Uk, spent 2 weeks helping with construction in Senya Beraku, a small fishing village. We stayed with Seth and Naomi, our host family. Seth and Frank greeted us at the airport and we took a taxi to where we were staying. We arrived late so we set up our room ...
Fenna van den Berg rating4.4

2023 at Animal Care Supporter

Me and my son worked at the Kumasi zoo for 2 weeks. From the moment we arrived everything had been arranged, we where picked up, and someone showed us what bus we had to take to go from the guesthouse to the zoo. Although we where somewhat overwhelmed by the bussride and the fact that the kumasi ...
charles girard rating3.6

2023 at Environmental Protection & Conservation

First, if you are going with this organization to Ghana, do not rely on the photos. There are at least 15 destinations in Ghana if you are leaving with this organization so pay attention to the comment, inform yourself about the destination before. On the other hand, I imagine that all destinations ...

Location

Africa > Western Africa > Ghana > Kumasi

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