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Mercy Ships Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Work Environment Assignments at Navy and joint medical centers such as Bethesda, Portsmouth, and San Diego; billets aboard hospital ships such as USNS Comfort and USNS Mercy; potential positions on ...

Work Environment Assignments at Navy and joint medical centers such as Bethesda, Portsmouth, and San Diego; billets aboard hospital ships such as USNS Comfort and USNS Mercy; potential positions on ...

Work Environment Assignments at Navy and joint medical centers such as Bethesda, Portsmouth, and San Diego; billets aboard hospital ships such as USNS Comfort and USNS Mercy; potential positions on ...

Work Environment Assignments at Navy and joint medical centers such as Bethesda, Portsmouth, and San Diego; billets aboard hospital ships such as USNS Comfort and USNS Mercy; potential positions on ...

Work Environment Assignments at Navy and joint medical centers such as Bethesda, Portsmouth, and San Diego; billets aboard hospital ships such as USNS Comfort and USNS Mercy; potential positions on ...

Work Environment Assignments at Navy and joint medical centers such as Bethesda, Portsmouth, and San Diego; billets aboard hospital ships such as USNS Comfort and USNS Mercy; potential positions on ...

Work Environment Assignments at Navy and joint medical centers such as Bethesda, Portsmouth, and San Diego; billets aboard hospital ships such as USNS Comfort and USNS Mercy; potential positions on ...

Work Environment Assignments at Navy and joint medical centers such as Bethesda, Portsmouth, and San Diego; billets aboard hospital ships such as USNS Comfort and USNS Mercy; potential positions on ...

Work Environment Assignments at Navy and joint medical centers such as Bethesda, Portsmouth, and San Diego; billets aboard hospital ships such as USNS Comfort and USNS Mercy; potential positions on ...

Work Environment Assignments at Navy and joint medical centers such as Bethesda, Portsmouth, and San Diego; billets aboard hospital ships such as USNS Comfort and USNS Mercy; potential positions on ...

Work Environment Assignments at Navy and joint medical centers such as Bethesda, Portsmouth, and San Diego; billets aboard hospital ships such as USNS Comfort and USNS Mercy; potential positions on ...

Work Environment Assignments at Navy and joint medical centers such as Bethesda, Portsmouth, and San Diego; billets aboard hospital ships such as USNS Comfort and USNS Mercy; potential positions on ...

Work Environment Assignments at Navy and joint medical centers such as Bethesda, Portsmouth, and San Diego; billets aboard hospital ships such as USNS Comfort and USNS Mercy; potential positions on ...

Work Environment Assignments at Navy and joint medical centers such as Bethesda, Portsmouth, and San Diego; billets aboard hospital ships such as USNS Comfort and USNS Mercy; potential positions on ...

Work Environment Assignments at Navy and joint medical centers such as Bethesda, Portsmouth, and San Diego; billets aboard hospital ships such as USNS Comfort and USNS Mercy; potential positions on ...

Work Environment Assignments at Navy and joint medical centers such as Bethesda, Portsmouth, and San Diego; billets aboard hospital ships such as USNS Comfort and USNS Mercy; potential positions on ...

Work Environment Assignments at Navy and joint medical centers such as Bethesda, Portsmouth, and San Diego; billets aboard hospital ships such as USNS Comfort and USNS Mercy; potential positions on ...

Work Environment Assignments at Navy and joint medical centers such as Bethesda, Portsmouth, and San Diego; billets aboard hospital ships such as USNS Comfort and USNS Mercy; potential positions on ...

Work Environment Assignments at Navy and joint medical centers such as Bethesda, Portsmouth, and San Diego; billets aboard hospital ships such as USNS Comfort and USNS Mercy; potential positions on ...

Work Environment Assignments at Navy and joint medical centers such as Bethesda, Portsmouth, and San Diego; billets aboard hospital ships such as USNS Comfort and USNS Mercy; potential positions on ...

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Mercy Ships information

Is Mercy Ships a Mormon organization?

Mercy Ships is a humanitarian organization that operates hospital ships providing medical care in developing countries. It is a faith-based organization with Christian roots but is not affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon Church).

What are some unique challenges of working in a Mercy Ships role compared to traditional healthcare positions?

Working with Mercy Ships often means practicing in resource-limited, international environments aboard a hospital ship. Team members must adapt to diverse cultures, limited medical supplies, and sometimes long hours, all while maintaining a high standard of care. Collaboration is key, as you'll work closely with multidisciplinary teams and volunteers from around the world. This environment can be both rewarding and challenging, fostering strong professional growth through unique patient cases and cross-cultural teamwork.

What is the difference between Mercy Ships vs Medical Volunteer?

AspectMercy ShipsMedical Volunteer
CredentialsMedical degrees, licenses, certificationsVaries; often requires medical or healthcare credentials
Work EnvironmentOnboard ships providing healthcare in developing regionsHospitals, clinics, or outreach programs worldwide
Employer & IndustryNonprofit organization in global health and humanitarian aidHospitals, NGOs, or volunteer organizations
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in global health missionsFinding volunteer healthcare opportunities abroad

Mercy Ships and Medical Volunteers both involve providing healthcare services internationally. Mercy Ships operates ships offering free medical care in developing countries, while Medical Volunteers typically work in hospitals or clinics as part of various organizations. Both roles require relevant medical credentials and focus on humanitarian aid, but Mercy Ships emphasizes a ship-based platform, whereas Medical Volunteers may work in diverse settings worldwide.

How much money do Mercy Ships make?

Mercy Ships is a nonprofit organization that relies on donations, grants, and fundraising efforts rather than generating profit. As a charity, it does not have revenue in the traditional sense but reports its income and expenses annually to maintain transparency and accountability.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Mercy Ships volunteer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Mercy Ships volunteer, you need relevant professional qualifications in your field (such as medicine, nursing, engineering, or administration) and experience working in diverse environments. Familiarity with specialized equipment, international standards, and, in some cases, maritime certifications or language skills are valuable. Flexibility, cultural sensitivity, teamwork, and strong communication skills are essential for adapting to a multicultural, resource-limited setting. These skills ensure safe, effective service delivery and foster collaboration in a challenging, mission-driven environment.

Who can work on Mercy Ships?

Individuals interested in working on Mercy Ships must meet specific requirements for their chosen roles, which often include relevant skills, experience, and sometimes certifications such as medical licenses or technical training. Candidates should be prepared to work in a humanitarian environment, often in developing regions, and may need to pass background checks and health screenings.

What are Mercy Ships?

Mercy Ships is a nonprofit organization that operates hospital ships to provide free medical care and surgeries to people in need, primarily in sub-Saharan Africa. The organization brings volunteer medical professionals and crew members onboard to deliver life-changing healthcare services, including surgeries, dental care, and community health training. Mercy Ships partners with local governments and healthcare providers to improve access to safe, timely, and affordable medical care. Their work focuses on helping those who otherwise have little or no access to surgical treatment. Mercy Ships has served in more than 55 developing nations since its founding in 1978.
Infographic showing various Mercy Ships job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.
Registered Nurse

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 13 days ago


United States Navy rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 371 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

38th of 46 rated military and defense


Job description

Job Title: Registered Nurse (Navy Nurse Corps)
Category / Component: Officer • Both

Overview
Navy Nurse Corps officers deliver professional nursing care to service members, families, and global communities in leading edge military medical centers, hospital ships, and operational units, while advancing their education and clinical practice through generous scholarships and specialty training.

Key Responsibilities
Provide direct patient care in medical surgical, critical care, perioperative, mental health, primary care, and other nursing specialties; assess, plan, implement, and evaluate nursing care for individuals and families; function as a nurse practitioner, nurse anesthetist, or other advanced practice nurse when appropriately trained; lead and supervise nursing teams, manage patient flow and unit operations, and contribute to quality improvement and clinical education initiatives.

What to Expect
Shift based work in inpatient and outpatient settings with possible on call duties; opportunities for deployment, humanitarian missions, and shipboard assignments; rapid growth in leadership responsibility as you manage teams, coordinate complex care, and take on administrative roles; strong emphasis on continuing education, specialty certifications, and professional development.

Work Environment
Assignments at Navy and joint medical centers such as Bethesda, Portsmouth, and San Diego; billets aboard hospital ships such as USNS Comfort and USNS Mercy; potential positions on surface ships, with aviation units, and within Fleet Marine Force medical organizations; daily collaboration with physicians, other nurses, Hospital Corpsmen, and allied health professionals.

Pathways, Training & Advancement
Officer Development School followed by orientation and clinical integration at a Navy medical facility; specialty training and clinical rotations based on billet requirements and experience; career progression opportunities into advanced practice roles, nursing administration, education, research, and staff positions; access to leadership courses and Navy funded graduate education for qualified officers.
Entry through programs such as NROTC Nurse Option scholarships, the Nurse Candidate Program for nursing students, direct accession for licensed registered nurses, and Reserve accession for practicing nurses in needed specialties; specific accession paths and incentives vary based on current Navy requirements.

Qualifications
All Navy jobs require meeting general enlistment or commissioning standards, which typically include:

  • Eligibility to serve in the United States Navy, which may involve United States citizenship or other legal residency and work status, depending on the program and current law and policy
  • A high school diploma or equivalent for enlisted positions, and a bachelor’s or qualifying professional degree for officer positions
  • Meeting age limits that vary by program and are set in law and Navy policy. Some communities have more restrictive age ranges
  • Meeting medical, vision, and dental standards, including body composition and physical fitness requirements, with some jobs requiring more demanding standards
  • Meeting character and conduct standards, including background screening
  • Achieving required test scores for your program, such as the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery for enlisted roles or officer qualification tests for officer programs
  • Eligibility for a security clearance when required for your rating or designator
  • Additional qualifications can include specific skills, education, licensure, or experience that are unique to a job or community and will be reviewed with you by a recruiter.

Additional qualifications for this job may include:
Bachelor of Science in Nursing from a CCNE or other nationally accredited program or enrollment in such a program for student pipelines; current and unrestricted registered nurse license or the ability to obtain one within established timelines for new graduates; United States citizenship and ability to meet age, medical, fitness, and security clearance standards for commissioning as a Navy officer.

Education
Education benefits are available through standard Navy programs such as Tuition Assistance, the Post-9/11 GI Bill, ACE-recommended college credit for Navy training, Navy COOL-funded certifications, USMAP apprenticeships, and other Navy College Program opportunities. Specific options depend on the Sailor’s status, training, and current Navy policy.

Pay, Benefits & Service
Pay, benefits, and service commitments follow standard Navy Active and/or Reserve policies for this type of role, including basic pay, allowances when eligible, health coverage, and retirement options. Exact entitlements, special pays, and service obligations depend on program, component, years of service, and current law and Navy guidance.

Incentives
Incentives such as bonuses, special pays, and loan repayment may be available at times for specific ratings or communities, but they change frequently and cannot be guaranteed. Applicants must confirm current incentives and eligibility with an official Navy recruiter or authoritative Navy source.

Notes and Disclaimers
This description is a general overview of typical duties, training, and opportunities in this community. It does not replace official Navy instructions, policies, or contracts and does not guarantee specific assignments, training, incentives, or outcomes. Actual opportunities depend on Navy needs, individual performance, screening results, and current law and policy.


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About US Navy

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

National security, national security and international affairs, public safety statistics centers and offices, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

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