Volunteer Nurse (First Aid)

Our most important volunteer need in 2026 is for nurses. Ghost Ranch is 45 minutes from the nearest medical facilities, therefore nurse volunteers provide important first response, care, and ongoing support to guests and staff at Ghost Ranch.

As a volunteer nurse, you will provide basic first aid to guests, respond to medical emergencies within your educational parameters, and refer guests to regional facilities as necessary. You'll assist in weekly Orientation for new guest groups, staff the First Aid Trailer before and after meals, and carry a walkie-talkie so you can be reached in an emergency. While on call (within radio distance), you'll have an opportunity to hike, explore the Ghost Ranch museums, read, or pursue your own creative interests.

Depending on the time of the year, you may treat adult guests with dehydration, altitude sickness, or flareups of ongoing medical issues. Occasionally, but rarely, serious injuries result from hiking or other adventurous activities. In those situations, the volunteer and trained staff coordinate to provide immediate response while waiting for regional medical personnel to arrive. In the summer months, when more kids are at the Ranch, the nurse provides welcoming care and support for children with skinned knees, bruises, and other common concerns.