Today we boarded a school bus, with another group of dental students, and drove approximately one hour and 30 minutes to a town called Pueblo Nuevo (meaning “new town”). We set up in the community’s Catholic Church. The environment in which we provided health care was different than yesterday. The area was large, open and more conducive to providing care to the people. Due to our experience yesterday at the outreach clinic, we were able to operate more smoothly with the vital signs, blood typing, blood glucose and pharmacy. Although we had a larger environment, and we planned on providing services to more people, 82 received nursing care. Furthermore, the 16 dental students removed 66 teeth from 57 patients. These services were completed within three hours. After speaking to fellow nursing students, there was a woman, who came for services, and made a lasting impression. She was unaware of our coming; however she quickly received the news and hurried to acquire care. Even though there was a significant language barrier, most felt the compassion and gratitude from her for being present in the community. We found ourselves actually using the skills we have been learning. After initial care, a gentleman described symptoms of a potential blood clot in his leg. A nursing student used his assessment skills (checked Homan’s sign) to rule out other possibilities. At the pharmacy we problem solved what was the best anti-inflammatory to give to a woman who was two months pregnant. We saw that hypertension and diabetes so commonly coexist and continued to do teaching (nurses are always teaching). We realized how much the diocese appreciated us, because the priest himself brought over coffee, Coca Cola and a traditional cookie named “rosquilla”. These snacks were quickly consumed, and we felt accepted by the community. To show his appreciation for our services and hard work, Dr. Ali formally invited our group to a farewell dinner at his farm. The women cooked pork, chicken, tortillas and pico de gallo. This also gave us the opportunity to adventure out into the countryside. Some rode a mule, walked to the river and assisted in herding cows. Each member of our group was presented with certificates of completion from the medical school, UCASTE and Panorama. They were presented by the Dean of the medical school, Dr. Ali, Norman and German. Not only were the nursing students recognized, Colorado Mesa University and our three instructors were also presented with a certificate. As we somewhat sadly ended our last clinical day in Nicaragua, we said our last goodnights in Esteli wondering about how the next few days will unfold. -Corin & Brooke
Posted on: Sat, 08 Jun 2013 05:04:36 +0000
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