Psychiatric nurse (voluntarily)
Working in a launderette on a voluntary basis
Vacancies
Working in a launderette on a voluntary basis
Psychiatric nurse
Cuenta Conmigo is in search of a psychiatric nurse who would like to spend a minimum of four months (1 month acclimatize, 3 months work) supporting families with a psychotic family member in the city of Matagalpa, central Nicaragua. You will work together with the local coordinators of the organization (a psychologist and an administrative assistant, also mother of a son with schizophrenia) and volunteers. It is an unpaid job but when suitable for the job, the flight ticket and the housing will be compensated.
The work consists of the following:
- Organizing (with others) workshops about psychosis, medication and dealing with a psychotic family member.
- Visiting poor families with a psychotic family member.
- Keeping contact with the psychiatrists.
- Writing evaluations and reports.
The person we are looking for is expected to have a wide experience in dealing with psychotic people and will have a supporting role. He or she will be at the service of the family members and his or her presence should be regarded as an added value to the organization.
Of course it is expected that the volunteer sent to Matagalpa is both physically and mentally in excellent condition and that he or she speaks Spanish fluently. Furthermore, he or she must realize that the conditions many Nicaraguan families live in are often extreme poverty, they suffer from traumas and violence, they have low future perspectives, and some of them cannot read or write. Nonetheless, soon it will be clear to the candidate that Matagalpa is a special place. The hospitality of the Matagalpino’s, the green hills surrounding the city, and the pleasant climate, make it easier to take on this challenge. On top of that, living in Matagalpa is economical. For 250 euros, it is possible to live there for a month.
Those interested can contact the Dutch contact person via info@cuentaconmigo.info
Vacancies
Psychiatric nurse (voluntarily)
Working in a launderette on a voluntary basis
Financial support from a private donor and the Dutch Embassy in Managua enabled Cuenta Conmigo to establish a mini launderette in 2011.
With this modest initiative Cuenta Conmigo intends to generate income in order to become (more) independent from foreign funds.
The launderette was set up in the garage of our premises in one of the town’s cutest districts and is presently being run by our cheerful and guitar playing Efraín.
Apart from functioning as a “launderette”, Cuenta Conmigo also wishes the garage to become a meeting place for people who have experienced psychosis, their family members and also for townspeople who come to leave their laundry.
Thus a launderette contributes to fight the stigma people suffering from psychotic disorder are confronted with.
Up to now, however, it has proved difficult to turn the launderette into a profitable business.
Poverty, competition from a launderette in the neighbourhood, hotels already having a washing machine and tourists avoiding the rainy season are the main causes.
Therefore Cuenta Conmigo is currently looking for a creative, cheery and Spanish speaking assistant who finds a challenge in helping Efraín and Cuenta Conmigo to turn the launderette into a successful enterprise.
We are thinking of the following activities:
- Turning the launderette into a cozy spot
- Suggestions for attracting more people (a book exchange, a coffee corner)
- Doing PR work
- Trying to be included in travellers’ guides
- Attending to customers
- Operating washing machines and dryers
- Telling visitors and customers about Cuenta Conmigo’s goals
- Motivating patients to join hands in the launderette
- Persuading people to launder their money here
Along with a cheerful character and command of the language it helps your having affinity with people who suffer from psychotic disorder.
We also expect you to commit yourself to our organization for a longer period of time (with a minimum of 8 weeks).
The work is voluntary, but the organization will see to free lodging. Life comes cheap in Matagalpa.
With just about 250 Euros at your disposal you can easily manage for a month around here.
For more information applicants are to contact our Dutch intermediary via info@cuentaconmigo.info