The American Red Cross relies on nurses and other health professionals who bring our mission to life each day. If you’re a nurse, nursing student or other health professional, we need your help! There are volunteer opportunities in direct service, leadership and behind-the-scenes.
The American Red Cross relies on thousands of nurses and other health professionals to bring our mission to life each day. Talented, practical and generous, these volunteers and employees bring relief to disaster victims, work in military hospitals, and collect lifesaving blood. They develop and teach courses ranging from disaster preparedness to addressing health equity through the social determinants of health. Red Cross health professional volunteers serve in direct care roles, management, supervisory, and governing roles throughout our organization.
Are you a nurse, nursing/health student or other health professional? Whether you are new to the Red Cross, re-engaging after time away, or have been living our mission for many years, we welcome you and thank you for your service. These pages will keep you up to date with Red Cross nursing and health topics, find opportunities to get involved, and celebrate the achievements of your colleagues.
Volunteers help respond to an average of more than 60,000 disasters every year
More than 25,000 volunteers support Red Cross Blood Services
More than 11,000 nurses and other health professionals volunteer
25% of volunteers are aged 24 or younger
Our vision is to ensure a prepared, nimble and diverse workforce of engaged Red Cross nurses and other health professionals, enterprise-wide, that supports volunteerism across the lifespan and promotes health and resilience within our communities.
- Linda MacIntyre, Chief Nurse, The American Red Cross
Spearheaded by the Chief Nurse of the American Red Cross, the Nursing and Health team provides programs and opportunities that help you learn, grow, and add value to your volunteer commitment.
Nursing Network
Awards & Recognition
News & Advocacy
Nursing Network leaders work in partnership with Volunteer Services teams to help recruit and engage health professional volunteers across the organization. They help recognize volunteers and promote well-being. Regional Nurse Leads work with teams comprised of nurses and other interested volunteers to ensure health professional capacity within the region. To learn more about these opportunities, email us and provide your name and location.
Explore the ways we recognize and celebrate the achievement of Red Cross nurses, including our national and international awards, service pins and National Nurses Week activities.
Receive our email newsletter Nursing Matters written by, for and about Red Cross nurses and other health professionals.Red Cross health professionals educate and advocate to promote well-being. Some examples include:
Nursing Network leaders work in partnership with Volunteer Services teams to help recruit and engage health professional volunteers across the organization. They help recognize volunteers and promote well-being. Regional Nurse Leads work with teams comprised of nurses and other interested volunteers to ensure health professional capacity within the region. To learn more about these opportunities, email us and provide your name and location.
Explore the ways we recognize and celebrate the achievement of Red Cross nurses, including our national and international awards, service pins and National Nurses Week activities.
Receive our email newsletter Nursing Matters written by, for and about Red Cross nurses and other health professionals.Red Cross health professionals educate and advocate to promote well-being. Some examples include:
The Red Cross partners with educators and academic organizations to provide real-world learning opportunities for college and graduate students.
Learn about volunteer opportunities with the Red Cross, our Jane Delano Nursing Student Scholarship, and more.
The Fundamental Principles of the Global Red Cross Network form the foundation of Nursing and Health work. Red Cross programs and services support individuals and families where they live, work and play (social determinants of health). Health/mental health professional volunteers have an integral role in this work.
These initiatives support the Future of Nursing Report 2020-2030 in key areas (valuing community and public health nursing, fostering nurses’ roles as leaders and advocates; preparing nurses to respond to disasters and supporting the health and wellbeing of nurses), and through recommendations 3, 7 and 8 as follows:
The report states that the Nation’s nurses are not prepared to respond to disasters and other public health emergencies. The Red Cross can help. The Red Cross uses an RN-led model and provides training for disaster response. Disaster responders may respond locally, nationally or virtually. Travel, lodging and meals are provided for deployed workers through generous donors.
