From March 6-14th, a group of 11 college students came to Jamaica for their Spring Break Service Trip. I had been anxiously awaiting the arrival of these Elms College students. Not only was I excited to share my experiences with these young men and women, but I was going to get to see a few of my friends from back home!
I felt a sense of pride that students from the college I graduated from were coming to Jamaica. I wanted them to have one hec of an experience. I wanted their eyes to be opened to the diversity of the world.
A project I had been working on for quite a while was to be carried out with the help of these college students. I had organized a health clinic in Mt. Friendship, where people could come to get their blood pressure and blood sugar tested. I really was very nervous that all the hard work I put into organizing this clinic would not pay off. I was afraid no one would come; despite the advertising my roommates and I did in the surrounding communities.
Well, I got quite the surprise! We saw over 60 people in one day, and were able to treat those with abnormal blood pressures and blood sugars. With the group of students, were 4 nursing majors. They did the actual work of testing the blood pressures and blood sugars, and of course teaching. The other non-nursing students, helped with registration, directing the people, playing with the kids, and running the raffle we set up to aid the Mt. Friendship church.
My weeks since the clinic, have added many new home visits to my days. I have been following up with people who need further blood pressure and blood sugar testing to decide whether they needed treatment or not. It has been so fulfilling to help the people of my mission community with their health issues. I have become a professional resource for these people, and a way of getting information without having to pay with money many of them don’t have.
I have to give quite a bit of credit to Br. Michael Duffy, a Nurse Practitioner who helped me at the clinic by diagnosing and treating many people. He has been my resource for prescriptions, medications, and free advice!
Along with the follow-ups, my regular visits to families, and days at school, I will be planning/organizing for 2 more health clinics in May. I have definitely become a community health nurse!
I felt a sense of pride that students from the college I graduated from were coming to Jamaica. I wanted them to have one hec of an experience. I wanted their eyes to be opened to the diversity of the world.
A project I had been working on for quite a while was to be carried out with the help of these college students. I had organized a health clinic in Mt. Friendship, where people could come to get their blood pressure and blood sugar tested. I really was very nervous that all the hard work I put into organizing this clinic would not pay off. I was afraid no one would come; despite the advertising my roommates and I did in the surrounding communities.
Well, I got quite the surprise! We saw over 60 people in one day, and were able to treat those with abnormal blood pressures and blood sugars. With the group of students, were 4 nursing majors. They did the actual work of testing the blood pressures and blood sugars, and of course teaching. The other non-nursing students, helped with registration, directing the people, playing with the kids, and running the raffle we set up to aid the Mt. Friendship church.
My weeks since the clinic, have added many new home visits to my days. I have been following up with people who need further blood pressure and blood sugar testing to decide whether they needed treatment or not. It has been so fulfilling to help the people of my mission community with their health issues. I have become a professional resource for these people, and a way of getting information without having to pay with money many of them don’t have.
I have to give quite a bit of credit to Br. Michael Duffy, a Nurse Practitioner who helped me at the clinic by diagnosing and treating many people. He has been my resource for prescriptions, medications, and free advice!
Along with the follow-ups, my regular visits to families, and days at school, I will be planning/organizing for 2 more health clinics in May. I have definitely become a community health nurse!
Tracy,
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful writing and pictures of the Elms students. That was just very special. Heard you are doing unbelievable things in Jamaica. Maybe you found you niche. It is special what youve been able to accomplish. Blessings on you and all your work. We at the Elms coul;dn'r be prouder. Sr Carol
Dear Tracy,
ReplyDeleteSr. Carol was kind enough to forward this to me. How very proud we are of you, a nursing graduate of Elms College. It seems like yesterday that you graduated. I remember well learning that you were going to be doing this very special work. God bless you and all you are doing. Be sure to come see us when you are back home in MA. I would love to have you meet with our current student. You are an inspiration.
Dr. Kathleen Scoble, Director/Chair, Division of Nursing; Elms College