Intern in nursing in Peru, where your clinical practice supports comprehensive healthcare delivery for low-income families with limited access to medical services. Your contribution helps hospitals and healthcare facilities that serve high patient volumes with constrained resources and staffing.
Your nursing internship provides hands-on clinical experience, allowing you to work alongside registered nurses and healthcare staff throughout their daily rounds. You will participate in patient care activities including medication administration, wound care, patient assessments, and health education. Depending on your qualifications and by demonstrating competence and professional engagement, you may take on increased responsibilities in direct patient care under supervision.
Nativos Project is ready to coordinate with your university to ensure the placement chosen for your Nursing Elective meets its requirements. Our in-country staff will coordinate with you and help with any pre-departure paperwork and questions. When you are in Peru, you will have a supervisor, who is a qualified member of the hospital staff. They will ensure you are learning and having a fulfilling time on your placement.
The hospital you are allocated to will depend upon your chosen area of study. We have opportunities for elective students in the two biggest hospitals in Cuzco, plus placements in a small mini-hospital called “postas de salud” for anyone focusing on obstetrics and gynecology. There may also be opportunities to spend time in a children’s rehabilitation hospital. This hospital is run by a priest and they look after many children with special needs.
The experience extends beyond clinical duties, as previous interns have participated in organizing health education workshops in local communities, providing preventative care education and wellness promotion to underserved populations.
For nursing students and professionals interested in global health or working with underserved populations, this program provides valuable experience that develops both clinical competencies and cultural understanding while supporting quality healthcare delivery for local Peruvians.
Nursing interns should have basic Spanish skills to interact with patients and healthcare staff. Being able to understand patient concerns and follow medical procedures in Spanish enhances your learning experience and patient care contribution.
Wear appropriate clinical attire including closed-toe shoes and modest clothing suitable for hospital environments. Scrubs will be provided when necessary for specific units or procedures.
All nursing interns participate through hands-on patient care based on their experience level and competency. You must be comfortable witnessing medical procedures including surgeries, blood draws, wound care, and patient distress. Students with nursing education or related certifications may have expanded responsibilities and more independent patient care opportunities based on their background.
Submit your resume highlighting any nursing education, certifications, or relevant healthcare experience before arrival. Academic transcripts, nursing licenses, and professional credentials must be provided for placement purposes and supervisor assignment.
Successful interns demonstrate patience and adaptability when working in resource-limited healthcare settings. You should be respectful of local medical practices and willing to learn from different approaches to patient care and treatment protocols.
The full package contains donation to the orphanage or shelter, and Nativos services, i.e., 20 hours Spanish group lessons, airport pickup and full support during the stay, homestay with 2 meals per day, and extra activities.
First week: $480
Each following week: $210
All medical clinics are placed in the city of Cusco about 20 minutes by bus from your host family. Your local coordinator will provide you with all directions on the day of your arrival in Cusco. She will accompany you the first day to your project to ensure you arrive accordingly.
Volunteers need to speak at least intermediate Spanish when working at the medical clinic. Most doctors and nurses in Cusco do not speak any English. We recommend volunteers participate in the Spanish language group class offered in Cusco. Medical education is required.
Hands-on experience during the Healthcare Project in Peru depends on the volunteer’s engagement, their knowledge of the Spanish language, and their experience in the medical field.
Volunteers work approximately 4 hours per day at the medical clinic. If there is an unforeseen surgery and you are interested in observing, you may stay longer.
Yes, you can come any time of a year.
It is important to respect that in Peru the workflow may vary from the one that you are used to in your home country. Volunteers within the healthcare project need to have an open mind to experience a new culture