Hello. I am a Registered Nurse from the U.S. and am unable to work here (I am not a fluent in speaking/writing Dutch). I have been looking for volunteer work (Red Cross, hospitals, etc.), but it seems that I need to speak Dutch even to volunteer my time. Are there any other nurses out there who have found any outlets in somewhat of a medical environment (to volunteer)??? Thanks for any leads/ideas...

there are possibilities!

Do you have any ideas/leads that I can follow up on? Thank you for your help!

where do you live?

Hello there. I have been on holiday, so I missed your reply! I am living in Den Haag. I have tried a few avenues/leads, but nothing solid. I am currently in touch with someone at the US Embassy here attempting to find some information for me. Any info would be appreciated! Thank you.

http://www.internationalhealth.nl/
they may still be looking for staff

to get your diploma recognised:
http://www.verwijspunt.nl/eng/Index.asp

to get onto the register:
http://www.bigregister.nl/eng/index.html

also, the academic hospitals tend to be more international minded and may take you on and pay for Dutch lessons.....

there is another clinic too but I have no contact with them:
http://www.cmfonline.nl/algemeengb.htm

Hello again. Well, I had already looked into the first 3 recommendations you listed, but not the last link, so I will follow up on that! I also contacted SIBIO -- they assist health care professionals from other countries in finding work here/assimilating into the Dutch health care system. Unfortunately, they wanted almost $10,000 and a year of "modules" (studying) at their site. I am only here for 24 months, so I would prefer to take the money and travel I just thought I could remain productive while living here and provide some time volunteering since I am in the fortunate position of being able to do so at this time in my life. I think I will look into volunteering in a non-medical environment -- I think I will have an easier time.
Thank you again for the recommendations! Take Care...

Access always can use help and with your nursing background, who knows!

cardioguy chats on the healthcare chat and is a nurse practitioner. even though back in the states, he worked here.... just an idea

Hi, you can have a look at our website and see if there is anything that would be a good match for you. We are looking for volunteers with a healthcare background to help us design programs and give presentations on pregnancy, childbirth, baby care, etc...
www.delftmama.nl
This site is about to be reorganized for more clarity!

ACCESS in The Hague is a good bet to set up your own worskhop or information evening if you have themes you specialize in
I just saw thi s ad there http://www.access-nl.org/

ACCESS Community Education seeks an:
English speaking trained nurse to run a
Basic First Aid workshop

ACCESS, a non-profit organization working closely with the English speaking international and expat community is looking for a trained nurse or a person with a qualification in first aid to put together a BASIC FIRST AID WORKSHOP to be run out of the Amsterdam office.

The candidate must be an English speaker. Previous experience in running similar courses is a strong plus.

The workshop will be offered from the ACCESS Amsterdam office, located in the center of the city.

If you are interested and would like to know more, please write to Anna Lysenko, Director ACCESS Amsterdam or phone (020) 421 8445.

Please mention First Aid Trainer in the subject field when contacting us.


Good luck with finding the right volunteer position for you

Lucie