Nursng alumnae volunteers with Mercy Ships in Africa

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Alumna Michaela Smith shares her experience volunteering with Mercy Ships in Sierra Leone, Africa

When Michaela Smith graduated from Saint Francis University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2016, she took with her more than just academic knowledge-she left empowered by the Franciscan values embedded in her college experience. Today, Michaela's story stands as a beautiful example of the Franciscan mission in action, as she recently served as a volunteer nurse for a two-week rotation in September with Mercy Ships, bringing healing and hope to communities in Sierra Leone, Africa.

Answering the Call to Serve

Mercy Ships, a non-profit organization, provides free, life-changing surgeries and healthcare services to people in developing countries who otherwise wouldn't have access to the care they need. With its floating hospital, Mercy Ships travels to some of the poorest regions of the world, making a direct impact by providing not only surgeries but also training and development to local healthcare professionals.

She recently shared her story with the SFU Nursing Department who gave her the clinical expertise she needed to take on this calling. "I've wanted to do this for a long time," she says. "The last two weeks were the most amazing experience I have ever had. Given the chance, I will surely be back. To feel the presence of Jesus on a ship, in PACU (Post-Anesthesia Care Unit) as each patient is prayed for prior to surgery, and in a little village church in Sierra Leone… It gives me chills and brings tears to my eyes just replaying the moments in my head."

The Mercy Ship Experience

Describing the ship as a "giant volunteer community," Michaela was part of an international team made up of nurses, anesthesia professionals, surgeons, and more, all working toward one goal: bringing health and hope to those in need. Locals served as translators, bridging the gap between cultures and forming one unified team that quickly adapted to meet the challenges.

Each day aboard was filled with purpose. The ship is a floating hospital, complete with a dedicated inpatient area, an Intensive Care Unit, a full operating room deck, and more. Surgeries and medical services were provided entirely free to the patients, covering everything from pre-op testing to post-op rehabilitation. For Michaela, the opportunity to work side-by-side with people from diverse backgrounds, all united by a shared mission, made the experience even more meaningful.

"The most amazing part is that all surgeries are free to the patients, covering any pre-op needs, the surgery itself, and any post-op needs like PT/OT, dressing changes, medications, and more," she explains.

Bringing Faith into Practice

Michaela's story is a testament to what it means to live out the Franciscan values of humility, generosity, and love for all. Her time aboard the Mercy Ship showed her the power of faith and compassion in action. "It's hard to explain how amazing this trip was," Michaela admits. "I hope to inspire others by sharing my experience."

For Michaela, the work isn't over yet-she looks forward to more opportunities to volunteer with Mercy Ships, using her skills and passion to serve communities in need.

Michaela is currently the Director of Nursing at East Freedom Surgical Associates in Duncansville, Pa.