Today was our first clinic day. We packed vitamins and other supplies to bring with us. As we arrived in a community church we set up our work area and saw about 80 patients. We met with nurses, providers and other Haitian staff that are helping us throughout our stay. This was also an opportunity to practice some of the Haitian Creole words we have learned so far but translators were also there to interpret for us. Everyone is really friendly, welcoming and happy to help us!
As the patients arrived they were given education regarding teeth brushing and oral hygiene while we distributed toothbrushes. A triage station was set up to record vitals and obtain identification information. The work stations were an opportunity for us to assess the patient and their needs while providing education. Depending on the situation, people were given a prescription and it was distributed at the pharmacy. A majority of the cases we saw needed treatment for tinnea capitus, impetigo, scabies and parasitic worms. This is unlike any type of nursing care we have done before but we caught on quickly and learned the most efficient way to work as a team. The afternoons here are very warm and humid. Most stop their work at this time and sit in the shade in porches to stay out of sun. We played cards, rested and went for a walk in our free time. We added another member to our bunk room, a huge spider almost as big as our hand with take long legs it too fast to catch so we had help from some of the Haitian staff in removing it. - Paige & Aly
1 Comment
Jay Dollinger
11/8/2018 03:39:59 pm
Great job! Keep up the good work! We are proud of you.
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWe 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. This is our experience. Archives
November 2018
Categories |