Thanks for taking the time to visit our blog and learn about our group. We are 12 North Dakota State University senior registered nursing students on a mission to expand our knowledge, culture and diversity. Our professors, Abigail Vetter and Molly Secor-Turner, will guide us on our final experience of nursing school (short of graduation and boards!) to complete our practicum in Northern Haiti. We have the opportunity to practice at the top of our scope, become better nurses, grasp and understand the diverse culture while appreciating the United States and earning our practicum. Win, win, and win!
The organization we will be working with, Hands Up for Haiti, is a medical humanitarian organization making a sustainable and positive impact on the health of the people of northern Haiti. Their mission is to heal, teach and support. More than that, their mission is to develop a healthcare system full of leaders, teachers and coordinators who can sustain the organization.
In preparation of the trip, we have had multiple collaborative meetings about the culture of Haiti, the possible infectious diseases, and the history of the country. We have planned and prepared for the exciting day we get to meet the Haitians who have been patiently waiting for us as just as much as we wait to meet them. We will be traveling from Fargo to Miami and then to Cap Haitian, which is on the northern coast of Haiti. We will be serving the Haitians of the community and surrounding clinics and villages.
A sincere thank you to all of our family and friends for all your support, donations and well wishes for our success in this trip, in our careers, and in our lives!
The organization we will be working with, Hands Up for Haiti, is a medical humanitarian organization making a sustainable and positive impact on the health of the people of northern Haiti. Their mission is to heal, teach and support. More than that, their mission is to develop a healthcare system full of leaders, teachers and coordinators who can sustain the organization.
In preparation of the trip, we have had multiple collaborative meetings about the culture of Haiti, the possible infectious diseases, and the history of the country. We have planned and prepared for the exciting day we get to meet the Haitians who have been patiently waiting for us as just as much as we wait to meet them. We will be traveling from Fargo to Miami and then to Cap Haitian, which is on the northern coast of Haiti. We will be serving the Haitians of the community and surrounding clinics and villages.
A sincere thank you to all of our family and friends for all your support, donations and well wishes for our success in this trip, in our careers, and in our lives!
A little about us.
Rachelle Wirtzfeld
Hi everyone! My name is Rachelle. I am likely the oldest student of the bunch. I am married and have 3 kids, Diana (12), Alaina (9), and my little man Ellis (not quite 2). I have all the feels for this trip - excitement, nervous energy, pride, you list it...the anticipation is palpating. I decided to take this route to complete my practicum for a number of reasons. My husband travels for work and organizing daycare and clinicals with 3 kids and a traveling husband is not easy. I also have always really wanted to take a mission trip. There is so much to be learned from other cultures and helping people. As a Doula and an OBGYN nurse, my passion is in women’s health. I am really looking forward to not only help women in particular but to grow professionally and personally, exponentially. A HUGE thank you to all my family and gracious friends who have helped me get this far and to make this trip a reality for me! Your support is tremendous. |
Lexie Van Houtte
Hi, my name is Lexie. I am from Waconia, MN which is about 40 minutes southwest of the twin cities. I have now been at NDSU for about 5 years, and will finally be graduating in December. Ever since I started the nursing program I was really interested in completing my practicum abroad. Once it came time to pick our practicum sites, I was a little nervous, but decided to step out of my comfort zone and go for it. Now that I am officially going to Haiti I get more and more excited each day to get there and learn about their culture while providing care and creating relationships with the people. |
Anne Hefta
Hi! I'm Anne (Annie) and am from Underwood, North Dakota. I cannot believe I will be finishing up nursing school this December and starting my career as an RN. I am so excited to travel with this group of students to Haiti for my practicum experience. I chose to go to Haiti because I wanted to experience a unique nursing experience before working in a traditional hospital setting. I have to give a big thanks to my friends and family who have been a HUGE help in preparing for this trip. Upon graduation, I will be working as a NICU nurse in Fargo at Sanford Health! Thank you for following our trip experience! |
Chelsey Niemeyer
Hi everyone! My name is Chelsey and I am from Bismarck, ND. I can't believe I am finally in my last semester of nursing school and graduating in December. First off, I want to say thank you to everyone who has made this learning opportunity a reality for me. I have been dreaming about studying abroad for a long time, and in just three short weeks, I will get to immerse myself in a new culture and use my nursing skills to serve those in need. I chose Haiti for my nursing practicum because I have always wanted to go on a mission trip to serve others, I love to learn about healthcare in other countries, and I know this will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I have so many emotions right now- excited, nervous, curious, and humbled. I can't wait to share our experiences with all of you and hope you follow us along on our journey in Haiti! |
Hayley
Hello everyone! My name is Haley and I am from Ashley, ND. I am likely the youngest member of our group as I will be 22 on the day of our packing party. I spent most of my summers throughout college taking classes so that I could graduate with my Bachelor's degree in 3.5 years. It blows my mind that graduation is just around the corner. Upon passing the NCLEX, I will be taking a job in the emergency department at Sanford Health in Bismarck. I am ecstatic about this opportunity as my passion has always been for emergency medicine. I decided to take this opportunity because although growing up rurally has a mountain of benefits, it did not allow exposure to different cultures. I am eager to be immersed into a new and exciting culture. My goal for my nursing career has always been to positively impact as many people as possible and I believe that this trip is a great way to embark on that goal. I can't wait to share all of our experiences with you and to apply these experiences to my practice as a nurse! |
Paige
Hi! My name is Paige and I am from Fargo, ND. I am super excited to embark on this journey to Haiti, where I can fully submerge myself in the culture and all they have to offer! I have always wanted to study abroad and to be able to combine the travel experience with my love for nursing is such a blessing. I believe what I learn there will impact my work as a nurse for the rest of my life. Following graduation in December, I will take my nursing skills with me to the Intensive Care Unit at Sanford Health in Fargo, ND. |
Aly Dollinger
Hello everyone! My name is Aly Dollinger and I am from Bismarck, ND. As nursing students, we do not get many opportunities to study abroad. So when the opportunity to travel to Haiti for my practicum experience became an option, I knew I had to go! I could not be more excited for our trip to begin. Even though I am filled with many emotions about going to a new country, I know this experience is going to be filled with amazing memories, new learning opportunities, and give me a whole new perspective on nursing and patient care as a healthcare provider. After graduation and passing the NCLEX, I will be staying in Fargo and working in the Intensive Care Unit at Sanford Health as a registered nurse! |
Meggie Hanson
Hello! My name is Meggie and I am from Aberdeen, SD. My time at NDSU is coming to an end after 4 years in December. Although I will miss my classmates and friends along the way, I am super excited to start my career in intensive care as a registered nurse. I have never had an opportunity to do something that can impact the lives of so many. Haiti seemed like the perfect option in order to do this. I am hoping to not only help bring joy and health to the community of Cape Haitien, but to also learn and grow from the experience and people of this community. I am lucky enough to have the best support system made up of family and friends and am looking forward to share this experience with all of you! |
Rachel
Hello! My name is Rachel and I am from Ellendale, ND. I am very excited to graduate in December and begin my journey as an RN. When the opportunity arose to go to Haiti for our practicum, I was on the fence about whether or not to go. I decided to go because I knew this was a once in a lifetime opportunity and I wanted to experience a new culture while gaining invaluable nursing experience. I am looking forward to engaging in a cross-cultural exchange and providing health services and support to the people of Haiti. I am excited to share our experiences with you all! |
Morgan Longtin
Hi everyone! My name is Morgan Longtin. I am from small town North Dakota. Going to NDSU after growing up in a small town that lacks even a stop light or business that stays open past 8:00 pm was a culture shock for me. Despite the learning curve, I have become a better person as Fargo and NDSU have nurtured my growth into an almost registered nurse with a lot more confidence, knowledge, skills, and drive. I chose to apply for this practicum in Haiti and was honored to be one of the chosen students to take part in this opportunity. I know that this experience will be another welcomed culture shock that, this time, I don’t fear but look forward to. I hope to emerge myself in this new culture and experience and gain insight, knowledge, and respect for the Haitian culture. I know this experience will only help me to grow and become a more well-rounded, open-minded, nurturing care provider. Upon graduating in December and passing the NCLEX exam, I will be working at Essentia Health in Fargo ND at the birthing center. Thank you for your support!! |
Casey
Hello Everyone! My name is Casey, I am from western ND, graduated High School in Watford City. I have lived in Bismarck with my 10 year old daughter for the past 7 years. When I am not in class or clinical. I am probably running her to hockey, cross country, or church. I spend a lot of time outdoors and at the gym to balance the stress of Nursing School. We enjoy spending time at my families ranch as well. I feel blessed and privileged to share my time with those who are less fortunate. Haiti is another avenue to be a an asset as a global citizen and share my clinical knowledge to those who are in need. I am excited, nervous, but most of all fortunate to gain such an experience. I am looking forward to being an RN on the Oncology Unit upon graduation from NDSU Nursing. |
Taylor
Hello! My name is Taylor and I am from Fergus Falls, MN, I am extremely excited to graduate from NDSU still December with my BSN. I love being outdoors and hunting in my free time. I chose Haiti to be the site for my practicum because I knew It would be a once and a life time opportunity. I am looking forward to learning about the Haitian culture and sharing my experiences with all of you! |
Meet our preceptors, our instructors.
Abigail Vetter, MSN, APRN, CPNP-AC
Bon jou! I am Abigail, Assistant Professor at NDSU and Nurse Practitioner. I live in West Fargo, ND with my husband, children, and dogs. I am looking forward to returning to Haiti and for the service learning that we are all about to experience. Global Health is a passion of mine and helping students - and soon to be Registered Nurses- understand the impact of their actions both locally and globally is near and dear to my heart. |
Molly Secor-Turner, PhD, RN, FSAHM
Greetings. I'm Molly and I am excited to be one of the faculty for this trip to Haiti. I am an Associate Professor at NDSU in Nursing and Public Health. I live in Fargo with my 3 kids and a dog. I love to travel and am looking forward to sharing in the learning experience with students in Haiti. |