Be a nurse at Concordia Language Villages

Life as a Village Nurse
Although the day-to-day activities of a Village are conducted in another world language, the Health Center is one place where English is spoken. Even so, many nurses choose to work at Villages where they themselves have an interest in the language and culture or speak the target language already. Villagers and staff come from around the world, so while western medicine is the dominant model, complimentary modalities are evident.

Focus on Prevention
Every village has a Health Center where the focus is on prevention as well as treatment of injury and illness. Most of the nurse’s time is spent practicing preventive measures and caring for common human concerns – sore throats, headaches, cramps, sprained ankles, colds and homesickness. The nurse is also in charge of passing routine medications.

Handling Chronic Health Concerns
Villagers with chronic health concerns are capable self-managers. They need the nurse to exercise cultural competence and interpret how Village life impacts care patterns. For example, a villager with diabetes may need an explanation of the meal schedule, interpretations of culture-specific foods and arrangements for extra snacks.

Since 1961, we’ve been offering summer language and culture immersion programs to young people with the mission of creating global citizens. It takes many caring, capable people to create a safe and healthy environment at the Villages. That’s why we need you!

All positions include orientation, salary, food and lodging. Complete healthcare job descriptions and application forms for nurses, relief nurses, health center assistants, and Village first aiders are available online.

Most nurses need access coaching from our Health Services management team to feel comfortable in the Language Villages practice.

Village Nurses, just like all other nurses, document care, medications, consults and observations according to policies in our Health Services manual.

A Typical Day
7.45     Open Health Center, set up breakfast meds and see early clients
8.30     Flag ceremony, give breakfast meds and eat breakfast
9.15     Clinic open for office hours
10.45   Open time: take a walk, go to an activity, talk with villagers and staff
12.00   Set up lunch meds, prep mid-afternoon meds
12.30   Lunch; give noon meds
1.15     Clinic open (briefly) followed by Rest Time
2.30     Activities open; enjoy the Village! Explore the language and culture
6.00     Supper, give supper meds
6.45     Clinic open; take time to consult with dean and other staff
8.00     Evening program and flag lowering