“Each nurse was in charge of a section of patients. She interacted with the surgical team that rounded on the patients each morning, then cleaned and dressed the wounds for the patients. We knew these nurses were smart and many of them were very motivated to learn and grow. When we presented them with the challenge of learning bedside sharp debridement, many of them eagerly stepped up.“
-HVO Wound Care Volunteer
READY TO VOLUNTEER?
There are multiple steps to the placement process and often more than one approval is required. The process varies slightly from country-to-country and project-to-project. We strive to make this process as quick as possible but potential volunteers should be aware that final approval can take several months.
- To begin the placement process, complete the volunteer application and submit your CV.
ACTIVE PROJECTS
Kampot, Cambodia – Sonja Kill Memorial Hospital (SKMH) and Sihanouk Hospital Center of Hope (SHCH)
Volunteers will work with medical students, bedside nurses, nurse educators and managers, physicians and surgeons to improve the quality of wound care assessment and treatment. Longer term goals include the establishment of a nurse-run wound care clinic, as well as a home care program. Volunteers will deliver lectures from a comprehensive wound care educational curriculum.
Project type: Hybrid (in-person and virtual)
Assignment: 1-2 weeks in person; variable for virtual
Opportunities for Those-in-Training: No.
Qualifications: Volunteers must be board-certified wound specialists with at least five years of practical experience and some teaching experience. Active or retired physicians, nurses, podiatrists, physical and occupational therapists, and researchers specializing in wound care and lymphedema management are needed. No opportunities for those-in-training.
Housing at SKMH in Kampot, Cambodia: Housing is provided for a minimal fee.
Housing at SHCH in Phnom Penh: Volunteer responsible for housing; information on nearby facilities provided.
Companions allowed: Adults and minors.